
Dr. Michele Mikeska JaffeDr. Michele Mikeska JaffeExecutive Director, Family Dynamics Family Engagement and Governance
About Dr. Michele
Dr. Michele Mikeska Jaffe is an Executive Director at J.P. Morgan Wealth Management.
As the Executive Director of Family Dynamics for the Family Engagement and Governance team, Michele guides individuals, couples, families and Advisors through the often unseen complexities of multi-generational family wealth. Her role within the Family Engagement and Governance team offers integrated support alongside Advisors' skillsets to provide clients with the tools and resources to discuss the critical topics that impact their lives and wealth planning.
Michele's deep knowledge in this space is rooted in a diverse background of psychology and design, including her role at the R+D Innovation Lab at The New York Times, which explored emerging technologies in service of helping people understand the world. She has a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. Her doctoral dissertation, "When She Has The Money," was the first-of-its-kind to dive into the core issues affecting financially diverse marriages, cross-cultural family systems, and ultra-high-net-worth individuals due to female inheritance.
Michele's client-centered approach focuses on empowering each family member to find their voice, feel recognized and uncover their relationship to wealth. She believes that by fostering meaningful participation— ranging from aligning values to business direction to philanthropic and generational planning—the entire family flourishes.
A sought-after global speaker, peer-reviewed journal contributor and subject-matter expert, Michele speaks at conferences, workshops and on podcasts worldwide. She has served as the Executive Director of the Family Business Network, a global community of business-owning families. Currently, she leads the Wisdom Committee of the Purposeful Planning Institute, planning the content and speakers for their annual conference.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Michele is a yoga and nature enthusiast who cherishes good food, good design and good company. She embraces a little healthy competition in family card games and enjoys perusing interior design magazines. Actively engaged in community efforts and philanthropy, Michele addresses mental health and wellness on both local and global levels. She resides in Northern California with her husband and two daughters.
Insights

Are we seeing irrational exuberance in the market? We don’t think so
August 8, 2025After last week’s jobs report, markets snapped back. We examine the underlying dynamics.Read Now
Insight 7: Develop a capable and committed rising generation
August 5, 2025Members of the younger generation are the future stewards of the family enterprise, so it is important to invest time and resources in cultivating their interests and skills.Read Now
July Jobs report highlights US job growth has slowed significantly; markets react negatively
August 4, 2025Job growth slowed in July with only 73,000 new jobs added and earlier months revised sharply lower, showing the labor market has weakened.Read Now
Differentiating large from small: Firm size and exposure to trade tensions
August 1, 2025With tariffs likely to settle at elevated rates, we explore how company size may shape the impactRead Now
July 2025 Fed meeting: Rates hold steady once again, potentially setting up fall intrigue
July 31, 2025The Federal Reserve held rates steady once again in July, but the decision wasn’t unanimous. What could that mean for economic policy going forward?Read Now
Insight 1: Build and sustain a “great” extended family
July 30, 2025Investing in family development can have a long-lasting impact on your family’s wealth and legacy of values and traditions.Read Now
Defying the tariff drag: 3 reasons markets are moving forward
July 25, 2025The risks are real, but so is resilience. Here’s why fears about trade and policy setbacks are fading.Read Now
Capitalizing on the tax-deferral advantage of a variable annuity
July 24, 2025A variable annuity is a tax-deferred retirement product that accumulates funds or distributes income based on the performance of the underlying investment options chosen by the contract owner. Read why this can be especially beneficial for individuals in a high tax bracket.Read Now
How to use life insurance as a financial asset
July 23, 2025Yes, life insurance can offer a benefit to loved ones when you pass, but it can also be a financial asset during your life. Learn how it works.Read Now
Are we seeing irrational exuberance in the market? We don’t think so
August 8, 2025After last week’s jobs report, markets snapped back. We examine the underlying dynamics.Read Now
Insight 7: Develop a capable and committed rising generation
August 5, 2025Members of the younger generation are the future stewards of the family enterprise, so it is important to invest time and resources in cultivating their interests and skills.Read Now
July Jobs report highlights US job growth has slowed significantly; markets react negatively
August 4, 2025Job growth slowed in July with only 73,000 new jobs added and earlier months revised sharply lower, showing the labor market has weakened.Read Now
Differentiating large from small: Firm size and exposure to trade tensions
August 1, 2025With tariffs likely to settle at elevated rates, we explore how company size may shape the impactRead Now
July 2025 Fed meeting: Rates hold steady once again, potentially setting up fall intrigue
July 31, 2025The Federal Reserve held rates steady once again in July, but the decision wasn’t unanimous. What could that mean for economic policy going forward?Read Now
Insight 1: Build and sustain a “great” extended family
July 30, 2025Investing in family development can have a long-lasting impact on your family’s wealth and legacy of values and traditions.Read Now
Defying the tariff drag: 3 reasons markets are moving forward
July 25, 2025The risks are real, but so is resilience. Here’s why fears about trade and policy setbacks are fading.Read Now
Capitalizing on the tax-deferral advantage of a variable annuity
July 24, 2025A variable annuity is a tax-deferred retirement product that accumulates funds or distributes income based on the performance of the underlying investment options chosen by the contract owner. Read why this can be especially beneficial for individuals in a high tax bracket.Read Now
How to use life insurance as a financial asset
July 23, 2025Yes, life insurance can offer a benefit to loved ones when you pass, but it can also be a financial asset during your life. Learn how it works.Read Now