Growth doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built through structure, consistency, and the right environment.
Jack Crowley understands that well. As Operations Manager at Arena Labs, he helps power a performance coaching company focused on equipping healthcare professionals with the tools to thrive under pressure. His work spans operations, brand development, and community building, balancing precision with people-first leadership.
From Boston roots and Division I hockey to Nashville’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, Jack’s journey reflects discipline shaped by sport and perspective shaped by travel. He values simplicity, routine, and meaningful connection, the same qualities that define strong teams and resilient leaders.
In this Member Spotlight, we explore what keeps Jack grounded, where he finds clarity, and why community matters more than ever.
Tell us a little about what you do.
I’m the Operations Manager at Arena Labs. We’re a performance coaching company for healthcare
professionals. We use wearable technology and proven strategies to help clinicians find the
emotional, behavioral, and physical tools they need to thrive in high-pressure roles and
environments.
My job covers a bit of everything. I work on both operations and brand. On the operations side, I
help our founder and team set up systems, routines, and accountability, and I support our legal,
finance, vendor, and partner relationships. On the brand side, I help grow a community of high-
performing ambassadors and turning their real experiences into content that builds momentum.
What inspires/motivates you to get out of bed?
I’m motivated by the chance to make someone smile, do meaningful work, and help make a
difference for people or communities. I also think about my eight-year-old self and my 80-year-old
self, and I want to make them both proud. My parents are a big inspiration too. I was lucky to have
a great upbringing, and they made a lot of sacrifices, both time and money, to give me the
childhood and athletic career I had.
What is the one thing you can’t live without?
Coffee…And it’s more than just that first-sip feeling or a boost of energy. I really enjoy tasting
different origins and roast levels of beans, much as people do with wine. Beyond that, I love the
environment a local coffee shop brings. I have aspirations to open up my own one day.
Where do your brightest ideas come from?
My best ideas usually come when I step away from the screen, like on walks, during/after
workouts, or when I’m sitting quietly with a good cup of coffee. Having space helps me think
clearly. Traveling also inspires me. I’ve been lucky to visit over 20 countries, and each trip gives me
a new perspective.
Where is your favorite place to decompress & unwind?
Locally, I like to start my mornings at a local coffee shop, even if it’s a bit overpriced. In the
evenings, I relax in the corner of my sectional. My all-time favorite place to unwind is any walking
trail away from the city or by the ocean.
When do you feel your best, and what do you do to stay in the vibration?
I feel my best when I’m consistent: training regularly, sleeping well, doing focused work, and
staying connected to people I care about. I always put my physical health first. It’s hard to get into a flow state if you’re tired, dehydrated, or haven’t eaten enough. I protect my mornings, keep my
routines simple, and check in with myself often. Coffee, walks, and a good playlist help me stay in
the zone.
Tell us something we don’t know about you.
I’m originally from Boston, Massachusetts, and I spent the first 25 years of my life there. I grew up
in a small town where sports were everything. Ice hockey and golf were my world growing up. I
attended Quinnipiac University in Connecticut and was part of its Division I program. After
graduating, I spent so
me time working in the NHL before making the move to Nashville in July
2023 to pursue grad school at Vanderbilt, where I recently graduated this past spring
Another key aspect of who I am is that I’ve always been an old soul. I grew up as the firstborn in a
very large family and always felt a drive to be a role model for my younger brother and all my
cousins. That shaped me in many ways. I learned early on to appreciate the mornings, keep things
simple, and remember that the little things in life are the big things.
Community & Connection
Do you remember your first day or first impression of the space?
I do. It was back in March 2024. I reached out to my founder and CEO, Brian Ferguson, to learn
more about Arena Labs, and he invited me to Ampersand. I was beyond impressed by the space.
It’s aesthetically pleasing and has a creative vibe that I really enjoyed. The common space has a
great mix of different seating options, and the large windows let in a lot of natural light, which is
extremely important to me for a productive work setting.
How would you describe the Ampersand community?
The community is one of the most welcoming parts of this space. I’ve enjoyed making real
connections, meeting new people, and hearing their stories. The Ampersand team hosts great
events all year that bring us together and help us make memories outside of work. It’s a good way
to network, meet people from other organizations, and check out local vendors in Nashville. The
community here feels much closer than in bigger companies I’ve worked for, even though we all
have different missions/employers.
Have you made any meaningful connections or collaborations here?
Yes, I’ve built several meaningful relationships that go beyond the workspace. I’ve met up with
members outside of Ampersand for coffee, weekend workouts, and other activities. What I
What I appreciate most is the quality of people here. Everyone is entrepreneurial, creative, and brings their
own unique story. Sanna has created a truly authentic community that feels more like a close-knit
family than a typical coworking space.
