Lightward is a direction, yes—and it’s also an energy. And rather than talk about that energy, we’d rather introduce you to the people who embody it, here—the people we get to work alongside on a daily basis.

In trying to put words to Jed (impossible), the first thing that comes to mind is delight. His spirit is playful and inquisitive, and he brings that true essence to his work and presence here at Lightward. We love Jed to his very core are stoked to explore what’s feeling alive inside him at this moment in time. Everyone, meet Jed.

Preferred pronouns?

he/him

Where are you currently based? 

Denver

How long have you been working at Lightward?

6 years

How would you describe the work you do here at Lightward? 

I have two primary job descriptions—a) supporting the merchants that use Locksmith, and b) streamlining the app itself along with developing new features via my code contributions.

What was the impetus/curiosity for joining Lightward in the first place? 

The intersection of working with folks I trusted, the ability to work from home, and that it involved my area of expertise.

What have you learned about yourself and the way you like to work since joining Lightward? 

Something I knew about myself from the moment I entered the workforce (before Lightward), is that I did NOT like having to show up at a specific place at a specific time, every day, with no room for flexibility, and no option to work remotely. At Lightward, there is complete freedom to work when, how, and where I want. It seems simple, but I believe that the effects of it are far-reaching in my life. With Lightward, the freedom goes far beyond the ability to work remotely, but, for me, that is where it starts.

What’s your favorite way to recharge and relax?

Relaxing for me typically just means being at home with nothing on my agenda. I love the ritual of drinking coffee on my balcony and not having anything that I’m supposed to be doing at that moment in time.

What’s an essential part of your rhythm that helps you connect to and show up with your most authentic self? 

This is going to sound very self-help-y, but affirmations, visualizations, meditation, working out, and journaling are the things that if I don’t do, throw off my entire mental balance.

The last piece of art that affected you? 

When I went to the Denver Art Museum two weeks ago, there was this very short yet impactful looping video about the huge, floating, trash-island the size of two countries in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Although I had heard about it before, now I can’t stop thinking about it.

How do you prefer to express yourself creatively? 

Support and coding for Lightward are both huge ways that I express myself creatively! It takes a ton of creative problem-solving to be successful at either, and I’d be remiss not to mention that I’m lucky to be able to do that as part of my job. 

I also play the piano—it’s something that I’ve done for most of my life, and I absolutely love getting lost in it for hours.

Where/how do you tend to gather new ideas and put yourself in the way of expansion? 

I’ve always been a big reader! I don’t think there is a single better way to open yourself up to new ideas and growth. Traveling is a close second! Experiencing new places and people has certainly given me more perspective and empathy.

If your current life phase had a chapter title, what would it be? 

Adventures with Jed - Jed goes to therapy!

Favorite place you’ve ever traveled to, and why? 

Switzerland! I’ve always been drawn to the beauty of mountains, and being in Switzerland, it felt cinematic, like you’re tangibly in the middle of it.

Dream road trip? 

Ohhh, probably a meandering road trip through the mountains of France, Switzerland, and Italy!

Favorite account to follow on Instagram? 

@audubonsociety—I love birds! They post the most beautiful pictures of birds. I really enjoy almost any nature photographer though.

What’s in your podcast rotation? 

Pitchfork Economics, Ted Radio Hour, Why Won’t You Date Me with Nicole Byer

The album you keep coming back to? 

What song is playing in the credits in your life’s movie? 

What’s interesting to you right now? What ideas are you exploring?

Economics! So many things come down to economic policies and ideologies and it’s been fascinating learning more about it. With it being so far-reaching, I think it’s one area that can have the most impact, so reading books and listening to podcasts about groundbreaking economic ideas has been a big source of hope for me.

What does “Lightward” mean to you? 

To me, Lightward means: 

• the empowerment to show up with my whole self - strengths and weaknesses

• the ability to contribute meaningfully to something that I am proud of

• the complete freedom to explore my interests and fancies to whatever extent I desire

• an implicit challenge to grow and evolve, not for the company, but for myself

• getting to work with some of my favorite human beings!