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
Dec 2, 2022 • 55min
E245: WTC Takeover Featuring Jennifer and Kenji Yoshino, NYU’s Chief Justice Earl Warren Professor of Constitutional Law
This takeover episode of The Will to Change features a conversation with Kenji Yoshino, Chief Justice Earl Warren Professor of Constitutional Law and Director of the Meltzer Center for Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging at NYU School of Law. Kenji interviews Jennifer about the 2nd edition of her best-selling book How to be an Inclusive Leader. Kenji and Jennifer cover a variety of topics, including the generational shift that’s underway, gender identity as a continuum, and the need to hold space for each other on our learning journeys.
Nov 25, 2022 • 33min
BEST OF THE WILL TO CHANGE: Reflections on Compassion Fatigue and Self-Care
Note: This episode was previously recorded and is being released in recognition of the holiday season! In this minisode, Jennifer shares her thoughts on several pertinent (and previously released) episodes from The Will To Change on the topics of compassion fatigue and self-care. You’ll discover the importance of thinking about your thinking, the potential pitfalls of sharing our story in unhealthy ways, and the healing power of community.
Nov 18, 2022 • 1h 5min
E244: Accessing our Infinite Power: Change Agency and Abundance with “In Your Power” author Dr. Sharon Melnick
This episode features an interview with coach, speaker and author Dr. Sharon Melnick as she discusses her new book In Your Power: React Less, Regain Control, Raise Others. Discover the difference between being in your power versus being in power and how to redefine power as a source for good. Learn how being in your power is an ultimate form of self-care and how to use breathing exercises to ground yourself.
Nov 11, 2022 • 35min
E243: NASA’s DEI Journey with OD Specialist Diane Cain and JBC’s Adrienne Lawrence
This episode features a conversation between JBC Vice-President Adrienne Lawrence and Diane Cain, Organizational Development Specialist at NASA. Diane discusses the important role that DEI plays in her work as an organizational development specialist and the evolution of NASA’s DEI priorities. Discover the reasons behind NASA’s interest in inclusive leadership and the culture shift that is driving the need for a change in the approach to leadership.
Nov 4, 2022 • 54min
E242: Doing the Work and Doing it Right: Deconstructing DEI with Author, Speaker and Consultant Lily Zheng
Author, Speaker and Consultant Lily Zheng returns to The Will To Change to discuss their new book, DEI Deconstructed, which centers on accountable and effective practices to achieve DEI outcomes in organizations. Discover why even leaders with the best of intentions find it difficult to achieve the DEI outcomes they desire. Lily also discusses the outcomes that they typically advise leaders to achieve and how to measure them. They also reveal how they work with leaders who may be resistant to DEI efforts.
Oct 28, 2022 • 53min
E241: Building the Damn Thing: Takeover Episode featuring VC and Author Kathryn Finney interviewed by WatchHerWork Founder, Denise Hamilton
In this takeover episode of The Will to Change, Denise Hamilton, Founder of WatchHerWork is joined by VC and Author Kathryn Finney. Kathryn discusses her book Build the Damn Thing: How to Start a Successful Business If You’re Not a Rich White Guy and the importance for founders to move beyond the idea phase of their business. Discover why you should seek “harsh feedback” about your business and the importance of being able to tolerate rejection. Discover the difference between a small business and a startup and what makes a business investable. You can register for the Better Man Conference at https://bettermanconference.com/
Oct 21, 2022 • 1h 1min
E240: Through Thick and Thin: Employers Supporting Employees Through Health Crises with Cancer Channel Author Sarah McDonald
This episode features an interview with author Sarah McDonald as she discusses her book The Cancer Channel and her journey as a cancer survivor. Sarah shares the unique challenges that employees with chronic health issues face in the workplace and how employers can best support their workers through health crises. Discover the stigma and shame that individuals often feel when diagnosed with cancer or other health issues, and the difficult challenges of potentially needing to work even while going through debilitating treatments. Sarah also reveals the lessons that she’s learned and what has changed in her life since being diagnosed with cancer. You can register for the Better Man Conference at https://bettermanconference.com/
Oct 14, 2022 • 55min
E239: Owning Our Place in the Privilege Equation: Dax-Devlon Ross, Principal, Dax-Dev, joins Jennifer and Ray Arata, Better Man Conference Founder
This episode was originally recorded as a LinkedIn Live, and features a conversation with Dax-Devlon Ross, Principal, Dax-Dev, along with Jennifer, and Ray Arata, Founder of the Better Man Conference. Dax, Jennifer, and Ray discuss a different way to look at privilege and how it can be used as a tool for inclusionary leadership. Discover the importance of vulnerability and how we can use our privilege to elevate others.
Oct 7, 2022 • 42min
E238: Standing for all Hoosiers: Strategic DEI at the State Level with Indiana's Chief Equity, Inclusion, and Opportunity Officer, Karrah Herring
This episode features a conversation with Indiana's Chief Equity, Inclusion, and Opportunity Officer, Karrah Herring. Karrah discusses her current role, the history behind it, and why it was created. She also shares details about her transition from academia into government, how the practice of DEI differs in the government arena, and what she is most proud of accomplishing since stepping into her current role.
Sep 30, 2022 • 38min
E237: Taking the “Right” Next Step as Inclusive Leaders: Jennifer Joins Sarah E. Brown, Ph.D. on the KTS Success Factor Podcast
This episode was originally recorded on the KTS Success Factor Podcast and features a conversation between Jennifer and Sarah E. Brown, Ph.D. Jennifer discusses the stages of the Inclusive Leadership Continuum and how the pandemic exposed workforce inequities. She also shares details about the Inclusive Leader Assessment and how it can help leaders create cultures of belonging where everyone can thrive.
