For Dr. Jessica Gomez, leadership begins with empathy. From the south side of Chicago to the helm of one of Dallas’s most respected mental health organizations, her story is a testament to purpose, perseverance, and the power of community.

In this episode of Decision Points, Scott Wood sits down with Dr. Jessica Gomez, Executive Director of the Momentous Institute, to explore her journey from aspiring physician to nationally recognized psychologist and nonprofit leader. Jessica shares how formative experiences growing up in Chicago shaped her drive to help children and families, and how that calling led her to the Momentous Institute—a century-old organization at the forefront of mental health, education, and community impact. She discusses the decision to pivot from medicine to psychology, her early years serving through the Salesmanship Club, and her evolution from practitioner to executive.

The conversation dives into leading through the pandemic, implementing the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to strengthen organizational clarity, and scaling the Institute’s programs nationwide—from the Momentous School to their groundbreaking Change Maker curriculum. With a goal of impacting one million lives by 2031, Jessica shares a vision that extends beyond traditional therapy, reaching into workplaces, schools, and communities across the country. Her message is clear: investing in mental health isn’t just a social good—it’s a foundation for stronger, more resilient organizations and lives.