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
Apr 21, 2023 • 1h 6min
E265: Centering and Decentering: Inclusive Leadership and Uplifting Women at Work with Lorraine Orr
This episode was originally recorded on International Women's Day and features a conversation between Jennifer and Lorraine Orr, Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer for Boys and Girls Clubs of America. Jennifer defines inclusive leadership and discusses how a leader's behavior impacts others in an organization. She also reveals the need for leaders to center and decenter themselves, and how leaders can use storytelling to model vulnerability and authenticity. Discover why impact often doesn't match intent when it comes to DEI and the need to identify inclusive behaviors.
Apr 14, 2023 • 54min
E264: Trust in Action: How Inclusive Leaders Can Create a Better World with Author Jim Massey
Jim Massey, author and Chief Sustainability Officer for Zai Lab, joins the program to reveal the experiences that shaped who he is today and the impetus behind writing his new book Trust in Action: A Leader's Guide to Act. Right. Now. Jim discusses how leaders can build trust within an organization and the pitfalls of taking action without building trust. Discover the importance of examining systems and why repairing trust in systems is often a prerequisite to nurturing trust in self and others.
Apr 7, 2023 • 49min
E263: Designing for Identity, with Author Jessica Bantom
Jessica Bantom, author, DEI practitioner, and interior design expert, joins the program to discuss her new book Design for Identity: How to Design Authentically for a Diverse World. Jessica reveals what it means to design for identity, why it's important, and what it means to work at the intersection of DEI and the design process. Discover how to move from performative inclusive design to impactful and truly inclusive design and outcomes. For more information about Jessica and her book, visit https://www.jessicabantom.com/designforidentity
Mar 31, 2023 • 55min
E262: Amplifying Diverse Voices at Hearst Television: ERG Business Impact with Elfi Martinez and Yasmine Osborne
This episode features a conversation between JBC's Elfi Martinez and Yasmine Osborne, Director of Diversity and Inclusion at Hearst Television, Inc., as they discuss the origins of ERGs at Hearst Television. Discover the difference between an affinity group and an ERG and some of the guardrails that can be put in place to keep ERGs organized and productive. Yasmine also shares her thoughts about the need to clearly define the purpose of ERGs and how to attract executive sponsors.
Mar 24, 2023 • 54min
E261: Meeting the Moment: Navigating DEI Challenges in 2023 and Beyond with Jennifer and JBC's Elfi Martinez
This episode was originally recorded as a DEI Community Call and features a conversation between Jennifer and JBC Vice-President Elfi Martinez as they discuss the most challenging issues facing DEI practitioners today and the challenges that can be expected over the next few months. Jennifer and Elfi reveal how to keep pushing for real change and how senior leaders can create a work environment that fosters trust and psychological safety. Discover the inherent urgency of DEI work and the impact that the shifting demographics of the labor market will have on diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
Mar 17, 2023 • 58min
E260: The Enduring Power of Winning Deep: WTC Takeover Episode with Nadia Nagamootoo, Dr. Pippa Grange, and Errol Amerasekera
This special takeover episode of the Will to Change features a conversation with Nadia Nagamootoo, Founder and CEO of Avenir, a diversity, equity, and inclusion consultancy, Dr. Pippa Grange, a highly sought-after sports psychologist and culture coach. and Errol Amerasekera, Director of Bluestone Edge, an organization providing consultancy in culture, ethics, performance psychology, and leadership. You'll hear about the idea of winning shallow vs. winning deep and why checking the box when it comes to DEI doesn't lead to transformational change. Discover some of the biggest struggles that leaders face when measuring progress around diversity, equity, and inclusion and why DEI work needs to be relational. Nadia, Dr. Grange, and Errol also discuss what it looks like for inclusive leaders to focus on winning deep and how to practice skills that move us beyond productivity and mechanization to a more whole psychological state.
Mar 10, 2023 • 53min
E259: Allyship as an Act of Love: A Fireside Chat with Shalynne Jackson and Jim Massey
This episode features a conversation between Jennifer, Shalynne Jackson, City of Oklahoma City’s Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer, and Jim Massey, author and Chief Sustainability Officer for Zai Lab, as they discuss the current state of allyship and what allyship should look like in 2023. Discover the importance of strategic allyship and the need to move from empathy into action. Shalynne and Jim also reveal the role that their faith plays in their DEI journey and how love can help us bring humanity back to work.
Mar 3, 2023 • 46min
E258: Uplifting Intersectionality: Black History Month and Disability Awareness with JBC's Adrienne Lawrence and Project ASCEND Founder Ola Ojewumi
This episode was originally recorded as a DEI Community Call and features a conversation between JBC's Adrienne Lawrence and Ola Ojewumi, Founder of Project ASCEND. Adrienne and Ola discuss workplace discrimination and how race and disability intersect. Discover why ableism often goes unnoticed and some of the reasons behind the high unemployment and underemployment rate among persons with disabilities. Ola also shares why she founded Project ASCEND and the work that her organization does to provide higher education opportunities for marginalized and disadvantaged young people across the globe.
Feb 24, 2023 • 28min
E257: Embracing the Imperfect Journey: Jennifer Discusses DEI & Leadership on the Getting to Work Podcast with John Spencer
This episode was originally recorded on the Getting to Work podcast, hosted by John Spencer. Jennifer reveals why leaders need to think differently about how they lead at work and the challenges of leading a multigenerational workforce. She also discusses the various microaggressions that employees from marginalized communities often face at work and how to create a workplace culture where everyone feels valued and included. Discover why leaders need to lean into vulnerability and embrace imperfection.
Feb 17, 2023 • 57min
E256: MLK Day Replay: Intersectional Panel on Civil Rights including Jennifer and other L’Oréal USA DEI Advisory Board Members
This episode was originally recorded as a panel with members of the L’Oreal USA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Board. Joining the panel were Jennifer, Ivy Fairchild, Consultant, Hispanic Federation. Dr. Crystal Lee, CEO & Founder, United Natives, Anna Mok, Co-Founder & President, Ascend Leadership, Scott Richman, Regional Director, Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and Jamal Watkins, Senior Vice President, Strategy and Advancement, NAACP. The intersectional panel featured a discussion on civil rights, including a reflection on progress, and gaps still needing to be filled. Discover the role of the individual in civic engagement and activism, the need for equitable capitalism and corporate action, and the importance of allyship.
