The Will to Change: Where Leadership Meets the Courage to Evolve
Jennifer Brown
Why is change so difficult and yet so necessary?
We live in a world that is increasingly complex, unpredictable, and demanding of our resilience. The challenges we face are not just external but deeply personal, asking us to redefine who we are, what we stand for, and how we lead.
Transformation isn’t just a possibility, it’s an imperative.
On The Will to Change, Jennifer Brown invites listeners to explore the deeper dimensions of leadership, resilience, and human connection. Each month, we feature both thought-provoking conversations with a guest who inspires new ways of thinking, as well as Jennifer’s reflective mini-episodes that dive deeper into themes like courage, growth, and the art of navigating uncertainty.
This isn’t just about leadership in the workplace - it’s about leadership in life. Together, we’ll examine the systems and beliefs that shape us and uncover how to lead authentically, inclusively, and boldly in a rapidly changing world.
If you’re ready to stretch beyond the familiar, embrace new perspectives, and discover the will to evolve—for yourself and others—this podcast is for you.
To learn more, visit http://jenniferbrownspeaks.com/
We live in a world that is increasingly complex, unpredictable, and demanding of our resilience. The challenges we face are not just external but deeply personal, asking us to redefine who we are, what we stand for, and how we lead.
Transformation isn’t just a possibility, it’s an imperative.
On The Will to Change, Jennifer Brown invites listeners to explore the deeper dimensions of leadership, resilience, and human connection. Each month, we feature both thought-provoking conversations with a guest who inspires new ways of thinking, as well as Jennifer’s reflective mini-episodes that dive deeper into themes like courage, growth, and the art of navigating uncertainty.
This isn’t just about leadership in the workplace - it’s about leadership in life. Together, we’ll examine the systems and beliefs that shape us and uncover how to lead authentically, inclusively, and boldly in a rapidly changing world.
If you’re ready to stretch beyond the familiar, embrace new perspectives, and discover the will to evolve—for yourself and others—this podcast is for you.
To learn more, visit http://jenniferbrownspeaks.com/
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jun 30, 2023 • 37min
E275: Words Matter: The Power of Naming Our Identities with Author Dr. Elijah Nicholas
Last week, Elon Musk tweeted that the words 'cis' or 'cisgender' are now considered slurs on Twitter. Please join Jennifer Brown in conversation with award-winning transgender advocate Dr. Elijah Nicholas, DBA, as they discuss what this means for the transgender community, the importance of understanding and using gender inclusive language, and why LGBTQ+ allies are needed now more than ever.
Jun 23, 2023 • 1h 1min
E274: Brand Accountability in 2023: Budweiser, Disney, and the Social Engagement Landscape with Fabrice Houdart
This episode features a conversation with human rights and corporate social responsibility expert Fabrice Houdart, as he shares his diversity story and discusses how companies can successfully navigate the DEI and social responsibility landscape. Discover the importance of professionalism in corporate advocacy and what organizations can do to support LGBTQ+ inclusion in the wake of the "anti-woke" backlash. Fabrice also discusses what Gen Z expects from corporate brands and the impact of those expectations on corporate DEI efforts. To subscribe to Fabrice's newsletter, visit: http://fabricehoudart.substack.com
Jun 16, 2023 • 46min
E273: Intersectional Celebrations: How Berkshire Hathaway Energy is Uplifting Juneteenth and Pride Month, with Darla Zink
This episode was originally recorded as a Community Call, and features a conversation with Berkshire Hathaway Energy CDO Darla Zink, as she outlines her journey to the CDO role, and her personal change philosophy when it comes to building inclusive organizations. Discover creative ways to gain alignment on DEI commitments with leaders and how to balance the perception that resourcing under-represented populations can be interpreted as excluding others. Darla also discusses her organization's Pride and Juneteenth initiatives in the Portland area.
Jun 9, 2023 • 40min
E272: Fitness for All, with Slow AF Run Club Founder and Author, Martinus Evans
Martinus Evans joins the program to discuss his new book, Slow AF Run Club: The Ultimate Guide for Anyone Who Wants to Run, and to share his journey, which includes completing 8 marathons and creating the Slow AF Run Club, which encourages runners and walkers of all ages and experience levels. Martinus reveals what to do when facing self-doubt and some of the biases in the design of racing. Discover how to make fitness more inclusive and the importance of mindset when it comes to exercise.
Jun 2, 2023 • 51min
E271: The State of Pay Equity with Salary.com’s DEIB Director, Lenna Turner
Lenna Turner, Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging at Salary.com, joins the program to discuss compensation inequity, and how it has impacted her personally and professionally. Lenna reveals the impact of salary ban laws and how the war for talent is connected to transparency, pay equity and creating an inclusive culture. Discover the mindset and mental game needed to prepare for a job interview, and the issues that need to be addressed in order to have a healthy conversation about pay equity. To schedule a free compensation consultation, visit https://www.salary.com/business/services/consulting
May 26, 2023 • 53min
E270: The Light We Give: How Sikh Wisdom can Guide Positive Transformation with Author Simran Jeet Singh
Author Simran Jeet Singh joins the program to discuss his new book The Light We Give: How Sikh Wisdom Can Transform Your LIfe. Simran shares his diversity story and the formative experiences that have shaped who is today. He also reveals how to tailor storytelling to connect with various audiences. Discover how Sikh wisdom can help inform an approach to DEI that is grounded in a spirit of love and service.
May 19, 2023 • 45min
E269: The Push and Pull of Progress: Employment Attorney Michelle Phillips on the Changing DEI Landscape
Employment attorney Michelle Phillips returns to the program to discuss the current DEI landscape and the importance of focusing on training and prevention. Michelle reveals some of the pushback that has occurred when it comes to DEI efforts and the legal issues that companies need to consider. Discover the importance of psychological safety in the workplace and the DEI implications of workers returning to the office post-COVID.
May 12, 2023 • 1h 2min
E268: A Whole World under the Waterline: Jennifer on the Iceberg, Surfacing Identities, and Driving Deeper Belonging
In this minisode, Jennifer discusses the Iceberg Model and how it can be used to drive more honest conversations and bring hidden identities to the surface. Jennifer reveals how she developed the Iceberg Model and why being able to see under the waterline is crucial for getting organizational buy-in from employees. Discover the connection between the Iceberg Model and the Inclusive Leader Continuum and Jennifer's vision for how the Iceberg Model can be used to create cultures of safety and belonging.
May 5, 2023 • 51min
E267: Tuning in to Autistic Voices at Work: With JBC's Adrienne Lawrence and Clinical Psychologist Julissa Garcia
This episode was originally recorded as a Community Call and features a conversation between JBC's Vice President Adrienne Lawrence, and Julissa Garcia, a clinical psychologist, as they discuss Autism Acceptance Month, and the importance of listening to autistic voices in order to gain a better understanding about their experiences in the workplace. Discover how to establish inclusive environments that accommodate and celebrate neurodivergent individuals, regardless of their specific diagnosis or condition. You'll also hear about how to recognize and value the unique talents and achievements of autistic individuals.
Apr 28, 2023 • 1h 13min
E266: Influencing the Systems We’re In, with Egon Zehnder's US Head of DEI Dede Orraca-Cecil
Dede Orraca-Cecil, Egon Zehnder's US Head of DEI, joins the program to discuss her career journey and the formative experiences that led her to become an advocate for more equitable systems. Dede shares how leaders can act as bridges for their communities and organizations and create spaces for others to make contributions. Discover the importance of being aware of rapidly changing dynamics and how to infuse the values of diversity, equity and inclusion into the culture of an organization.
