Meet Jaclyn Bronsky, a seasoned recruiter with two decades of experience who turned an unexpected career shift into an inspiring entrepreneurial journey. After her role at Disney was eliminated, Jaclyn embraced the challenge of starting her own business, Standard 13, where she helps minority-owned and women-owned businesses build strong executive teams. Her story is one of resilience, empowerment, and the belief that authentic human connections still matter in today’s fast-paced, digital-first world.
Q: What inspired you to start your entrepreneurial journey?
Jaclyn: I’ve been a recruiter for 20 years, most recently with Disney, where I loved engaging with senior-level professionals and learning from every conversation. When my role was eliminated during a reorganization, I had a choice—start applying for jobs or work for myself. I didn’t have the luxury of time, so I took the leap. I don’t know if I would have gone this route otherwise, but I’m grateful. My business, Standard 13, supports minority- and women-owned businesses in hiring senior executives, and the name reflects the standard 13% fee I charge. It’s been about making the best of a challenging situation and learning every step of the way.
Q: What were the biggest challenges you faced when starting out?
Jaclyn: Business development was tough—finding clients, building a network, and managing all the logistics of running a business, from creating a website to invoicing. It was daunting without mentors to guide me, and I had to troubleshoot everything independently. Another challenge was the loneliness of moving from a large, dynamic team to working solo. Remote work gives flexibility, but it also highlights the importance of meaningful connections.
Q: What milestone are you most proud of?
Jaclyn: My first hire as an independent recruiter was special. It was for an IT company, a field I didn’t have prior experience in. It proved to me that recruiting is a transferable skill, no matter the industry. I also celebrate small wins—I keep a “kudos folder” where I save positive notes and emails, and I mark milestones in my calendar. It’s important to acknowledge progress, because as entrepreneurs, we don’t always have a team cheering us on.
Q: What are your thoughts on women in leadership today?
Jaclyn: It’s a complex time. Recently, 244,000 women left the workforce, while about 50,000 men entered. That concerns me deeply. As a single mom of three, I understand how hard it is to balance family, work, and leadership roles. Women are capable of doing it all, but we need better support systems—whether through childcare, flexible schedules, or financial resources. Many women are leaving traditional paths to start their own businesses, and that shift needs to be acknowledged and supported, especially for the future of our daughters.
Q: What advice would you give to aspiring women leaders and entrepreneurs?
Jaclyn: Don’t think of networking as a transaction. Instead, focus on making the world a little bit smaller through authentic connections. Sometimes that means hopping on a video chat, other times meeting in person for coffee. Ask people, “How can I help you?” and be open to sharing your needs too. It’s about building honest, lasting relationships—not just exchanging favors.
Q: What does success mean to you?
Jaclyn: Success is freedom—the freedom to choose how we spend our time, to pursue careers we love, and to live in ways that bring us joy. For some, that means financial freedom; for others, it’s family or creative fulfillment. Ultimately, it’s about having the resources and support to truly live into our dreams.
“As entrepreneurs and leaders, we must celebrate ourselves—our milestones, our progress, and the connections we build—because every step forward matters.” – Jaclyn Bronsky
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