Skills
About
Jessica is Founder of Hunter + Esquire, the retained executive search and human capital advisory firm specialized in the cannabis and psychedelics industries. Jessica is the architect of process and flow. And that’s crucial. The cannabis industry is uncharted territory—and Jessica brings order to the chaos. A self-professed “problem solver,” she thinks quick on her feet and isn’t afraid to step out of the box for solutions and strategies that help guide the firm’s day-to-day operations. Prior to launching the company, she worked as an associate attorney at several top law firms, and provided outside general counsel to numerous clients through her own law practice. Eventually, her passion for business led to her role as Chief Operating Officer and general counsel for a global networking organization exclusively for professional women executives and women business owners. In her role there, she wore many hats while creating the opportunity to evolve as both an entrepreneur and attorney. And if that sounds auspiciously perfect, you’re right. That's precisely what she brings to Hunter + Esquire. Outside of the office, you can find her at the nearest yoga or Pilates class or diving into the world of organics and sustainability. When people ask Jessica to describe herself, she doesn't hesitate to say that she’s analytical, passionate and open-minded, but also, a mom to two incredible boys.

Jessica Passman
Published content

expert panel
Being confident in who you are can go a long way toward ensuring your success. While the number of female CEOs in the U.S.—around one third of all chief executive officers—still pales in comparison to the number of male CEOs, entrepreneurship provides a great opportunity for women to get their start at the top. However, leading a business still presents challenges, especially in male-dominated industries. To help shed some light on these obstacles—and how to overcome them—12 members of Rolling Stone Culture Council each share one piece of advice they'd give fellow female entrepreneurs or aspiring business owners for how to be successful in business and why.

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Of course there's inequality in cannabis, but we're not looking at the bigger picture.

expert panel
The key to modern employee retention really isn’t a secret at all. At a time when employees are leaving their jobs en masse, it can be challenging to maintain your top workers. Employees today are more comfortable quitting a job in search of something better, so if your business doesn't meet their expectations, you might be struggling to fill several suddenly open positions. Having committed, long-term employees helps with overall production speeds and cultivates a positive work environment. So with advice like listening to employee feedback and creating individualized success plans, 11 Rolling Stone Culture Council members share their "secrets" to employee retention and why these strategies work so well.

expert panel
A leader’s mindset can make a huge difference in how well a business succeeds during times of uncertainty. The business world can often feel like a roller coaster with unpredictable ups and downs. While it's easy for business leaders to stay positive during the good times, it can be harder to keep that same attitude when the going gets tough. Cultivating the right mindset can help leaders better navigate challenges and have a greater appreciation for the victories. If you're looking for a boost of positivity, the members of Rolling Stone Culture Council share their tried-and-true strategies for staying positive no matter the external circumstances.

expert panel
Your response will say a lot about your company. When your business operates in a niche that can sometimes experience controversy or deals with controversial subjects, such as cannabis or art, you’re bound to come across a few naysayers along the way. While you can’t prevent this situation from happening, you can control the way you respond. In a public space like social media, the way you conduct yourself in reaction to any “hate comments” or “trolls” can have a major impact on the way your business is perceived by current and potential customers. So before you hit “reply,” consider the following 10 strategies recommended by a panel of Rolling Stone Culture Council experts for responding to any controversy that may arise.

expert panel
Your employees can have valuable insights, so it’s important they have an opportunity to share them. As the ones who are deeply involved in the day-to-day running of a business, employees often have the best insights about what does and doesn't work in a company. When you’re a leader, figuring out what employees think about how operations could be improved can be a vital part of ensuring your business’s success. Ingraining employee feedback as part of your company’s culture, therefore, can ensure you hear your team’s opinions on a regular basis. To help you accomplish that, a panel of Rolling Stone Culture Council members offered their own opinions on how you can make feedback a part of your company culture and make sure everyone is heard.
Company details
Hunter + Esquire
Company bio
Founded in 2017 with the goal of helping industry-leading cannabis organizations break through the unique and complex challenges facing the industry, Hunter + Esquire offers a consultative approach to business strategy and executive recruitment. We believe in the “inch wide / mile deep” philosophy and offer our cannabis clients a tailored, white-glove service rooted in deep expertise and a world-class network. When you partner with Hunter + Esquire, you work with dedicated and experienced professionals who are committed to elevating and legitimizing the cannabis and psychedelics industries.