We’re looking forward to introducing you to Jessica Goode . Check out our conversation below.
Hi Jessica, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Out of intelligence, energy or integrity I would say integrity is most important. Integrity is important because it builds trust, the foundation of every healthy relationship—whether personal, professional, or within a community. When you act with integrity, people know your words match your actions, and they can rely on you to do what is right even when no one is watching. It creates consistency, reduces conflict, strengthens credibility, and sets a standard that inspires others. In roles involving safety, leadership, money, or children—like swim instruction or management—integrity directly impacts the well-being of others, making it not just a value, but a responsibility.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Meet Jessica Goode, a dedicated swim instructor, entrepreneur, and the heart behind Goode Strokes Swim School. Jessica’s journey began with a simple belief: every family deserves access to high-quality, culturally aware, and confidence-building swim education.
Goode Strokes Swim School stands out because it goes beyond teaching strokes—it creates safety, trust, and empowerment in communities where swim lessons have historically been inaccessible. With 45-minute classes, personalized instruction, and a welcoming, inclusive environment, Jessica focuses on helping children and adults overcome fear, build skills, and feel at home in the water.
What makes her brand truly unique is its mission-driven purpose: to close the drowning gap in Black and underserved communities, provide affordable instruction, and redefine what a swim school rooted in care, representation, and integrity looks like. She also prides her self with working with neurodivergent individuals.
Jessica is currently expanding programs, growing community partnerships, and working to ensure that more families—regardless of background—have access to life-changing swim education. Through Goode Strokes, she is not just teaching swimming; she is creating generational safety and confidence, one lesson at a time.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
9/11 shaped the way I see the world in a profound and lasting way. It was one of the first moments that revealed how deeply evil, destructive, and senseless human actions can be—how far hatred can go, and how quickly life can change in an instant. But at the same time, it showed me the other side of humanity: the strength, courage, and resilience that everyday people carry inside them.
Watching New York rise from unimaginable tragedy taught me that communities can bend without breaking. I saw people band together—strangers helping strangers, first responders running toward danger, neighborhoods holding each other up, and an entire country learning how to grieve together. It showed me that in the face of darkness, people can still choose light.
9/11 shaped my worldview by making me more aware of both the fragility of life and the power of collective resilience. It taught me to never underestimate the harm people are capable of, but also to never underestimate the goodness, unity, and strength ordinary people can show when the world demands it.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me things success never could. Success can make life feel smooth, but suffering is what carved depth into me. It taught me patience, because healing never happens on my timeline. It taught me humility, because pain reminds you that none of us are untouchable. It taught me compassion, because once you’ve been broken, you recognize the cracks in others.
Suffering forced me to sit with myself—to face truths I would’ve avoided if everything was easy. It taught me to build strength from the inside out, not from praise, titles, or moments of achievement. And most of all, suffering taught me resilience, the kind success never demands. When you’ve survived the hard parts, success becomes a celebration—not your identity.
Suffering shaped my character. Success only ever rewarded it.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
People admire Michael Jackson’s character for many reasons that go far beyond his fame. Even with all the complexities of his public life, many see qualities in him that felt rare, genuine, and deeply human:
1. His Childlike Spirit & Imagination
People admired the way he held onto wonder, joy, and creativity—how he saw the world with a softness and innocence that most adults lose. His ability to dream big made others believe they could, too.
2. His Deep Compassion & Philanthropy
Michael quietly donated millions to hospitals, charities, and children’s causes. He visited orphanages, paid for surgeries, and supported families without cameras present. Many say his heart was as big as his talent.
3. His Commitment to Healing & Unity
Through his music and actions, he preached messages of peace, global unity, and taking care of the planet. Songs like “Heal the World,” “Man in the Mirror,” and “We Are the World” reflected a sincere desire to make people better, not just entertain them.
4. His Work Ethic & Discipline
People admired how relentlessly he perfected his craft. He pushed boundaries, innovated, and carried himself with a sense of purpose that inspired millions. His dedication showed humility more than ego.
5. His Gentleness & Vulnerability
Fans felt he led with softness—he spoke quietly, loved openly, cared deeply. There was a tenderness about him that made people protective of him. Many admired how he remained kind and gentle even under intense pressure and scrutiny.
6. His Resilience in the Face of Pain
Michael endured global judgment, trauma, criticism, and personal heartbreak, yet he continued to create, give, and love. That level of strength—remaining compassionate despite suffering—made people admire his character even more.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
I would stop dreaming and get into action. There are many things I want to see happen and I want for time to allow the process to be complete, but knowing that I have limited amount time I would push harder.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gsswims.com
