We are all builders: Jennifer Fragale

I write this full of gratitude as I return from celebrating Thanksgiving with my family. I am thankful for so many things and so many people. And, when I go back and I think of my foundation in life, I realize just how fortunate I am to have parents who provided me with the childhood and education that enabled me to be where I am today.

It's ironic, and I have to chuckle, because now when I ask my parents, "What do I do for a living? How do you describe it to your friends," their answers are vague and full of nervous you're-putting-me-on-the-spot laughter as they struggle to find the right words.

My dad says, "You’re a project manager. [wrong] You develop websites [yes!] and work for clients to build whatever they need. [correct!] And you have a team under you that all work together. [Yes, I work with the best team!]"

My mom says, "You’re a project manager. [incorrect] You sit at a computer all day and work. [Ok, not technically wrong] You supervise a team that creates websites. [accurate!]"

Mind you, these are people who still end sentences with, "I bought/researched/discovered/... it on ‘the computer’".

So let's unpack what "work for clients sitting at a computer all day" really means. In my past 7 months at Able I’ve built so many things I am proud of. In such a short amount of time I've been afforded the opportunity to contribute to our fantastic partners at Caring.com. I've been able to catalyze the impressive talent we have in our tiny but mighty product practice, and I've been able to grow and learn from all of you.

I am so excited with what we’re bringing to Caring. It's not only a platform upon which they can better serve their customers and grow their business, but it's a new way of thinking and operating. Using our team's extensive knowledge and experience, we're building an impressive tech stack and product strategy that will modernize and transform their offerings. Yet, it's introducing a mind shift, transforming the way they approach challenges that will unlock immeasurable potential, allowing them to fully capitalize upon their new technology. Thinking strategically about the future, and understanding how today's efforts set into motion a new course, a new vision—we’re opening the door to possibilities not previously imagined.

In SOWs the focus is—rightly—on the "what" of the work. But something that is rarely, if ever, listed is how the work done for those we serve expands minds and irrevocably influences future decisions. This is something that I cannot fault my parents for not mentioning when they describe my work, but this is certainly the aspect of the job that I find most rewarding.

• Jennifer Fragale , Director | Product Management