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
May 15, 2025 • 34min
E364: The Wisdom Exchange: Rethinking Mentorship in Chaotic Times
In this reflective minisode of The Will to Change, Jennifer dives deep into the evolving meaning of mentorship in today’s chaotic and uncertain world. With traditional hierarchies dissolving and institutional pathways in flux, she explores how we can reframe mentoring as reciprocal “wisdom partnerships” that nourish, empower, and expand our sense of purpose. Speaking candidly to underrepresented leaders, especially those in midlife, Jennifer unpacks the emotional and cultural barriers to asking for support, including imposter syndrome, exhaustion, and the fear of burdening others. She calls listeners to embrace the courage to connect, redefine power beyond position, and actively invest in the diverse, multi-directional relationships that will shape our next chapter. Whether you're seeking clarity, community, or the confidence to ask for more, this episode is a timely invitation to build your own network for reinvention.
May 8, 2025 • 36min
E363: Grace over Grind: Presence as a Radical Act
In this minisode, Jennifer reflects on her conversation with author and futurist Jamais Cascio, exploring how today’s leaders can rethink resilience, leadership, and empathy in a chaotic, unpredictable world. She unpacks the shift away from outdated models of “fail fast” and constant optimization, instead embracing the power of slowing down, practicing grace, and cultivating humility and flexibility. Jennifer examines how naming what feels incomprehensible can restore agency, why active empathy is essential across differences, and how leaders can ground themselves like deep roots — steady, adaptable, and able to hold space for uncertainty while nurturing the brilliance of others.
May 2, 2025 • 1h 25min
E362: Reimagining Resilience: Learning to Dance with Uncertainty with Author and Futurist Jamais Cascio
Join Jennifer in this thoughtful and eye-opening conversation with author and futurist Jamais Cascio as they explore how to navigate a world defined by chaos, uncertainty, and nonlinearity. Together, they unpack why the old models of resilience no longer serve us, why the moral universe looks more like a squiggle than a straight arc, and how leaders can embrace flexibility, active empathy, and interconnectedness to move forward. With deep insights into the BANI (Brittle, Anxious, Nonlinear, Incomprehensible) framework, Jamais offers a powerful reframing of how we make meaning, foster belonging, and lead with intention in times when nothing feels predictable — inviting listeners to dance with complexity instead of resisting it.
Apr 24, 2025 • 34min
E361: Dissolution: After the Grief, the Growth - A Fireside Reflection
In this reflective minisode, Jennifer Brown looks back on her recent experience speaking at the House of Beautiful Business PolyOpportunity Gathering—just days after undergoing emergency surgery. From a place of physical vulnerability and emotional clarity, she shares insights on what it meant to show up raw and real, and how that moment sparked deeper questions about the disintegration of traditional DEI frameworks, the paradox of belonging without othering, and the need to compost old methods in order to grow something new. This is an invitation to pause, reflect, and consider what must be released—and what can be reimagined—in this evolving chapter of change work.
Apr 18, 2025 • 53min
E360: From Shock to Strategy: Leading Through the Whiplash with Julie Diamond, Ph.D
In this episode, Jennifer is joined by leadership expert and power strategist Julie Diamond, Ph.D to explore how different kinds of power operate in our lives—from the brute force we see on the world stage to the quieter, often overlooked personal and relational powers that shape real change. Together, they unpack the emotional and psychological toll of living through what feels like a leadership crisis, examine the shifting power dynamics since 2020, and discuss what it means to lead with integrity, curiosity, and resilience in times of instability. This candid and timely conversation invites listeners to reflect on their own relationship to power and how we might reclaim agency—even when we feel stunned by the world around us.
Apr 10, 2025 • 1h 21min
E359: Before the Bloom: Planting Seeds in a Season of Uncertainty with Josh Allan Dykstra
In this episode, Jennifer is joined by future of work activist and speaker Josh Allan Dykstra for a wide-ranging conversation about what it means to live and lead through the end of a cycle. They explore the concept of the fourth turning, the discomfort of the liminal space, and the challenges of holding on to systems, identities, and movements that no longer serve. Drawing from their experiences in DEI, leadership, and organizational change, they reflect on the tension between burnout and renewal, the limitations of performative change, and the opportunity to reimagine what comes next. Together, they consider how to move through uncertainty with intention, and what it means to prepare for the season ahead by asking different questions, letting go of outdated models, and listening for what needs to emerge.
Apr 4, 2025 • 1h 4min
E358: From Expertise to Emergence: Embracing a New Way of Leading with Jocelyn K. Glei
This episode features a conversation between Jennifer and writer and speaker Jocelyn K. Glei about navigating personal and professional transitions in uncertain times. They explore the discomfort of liminal spaces, the challenges of letting go of established identities, and the importance of acknowledging both achievements and losses. Jocelyn offers insights on embracing "generative discomfort," moving from expertise to experimentation, and remembering our inherent wisdom during periods of change. As they discuss the metaphor of caterpillar-to-butterfly transformation, Jennifer and Jocelyn reflect on how periods of uncertainty can be powerful training grounds for creativity and renewal, particularly relevant as they navigate political shifts and professional transformations in 2025.
Mar 28, 2025 • 33min
E357: Write to Grow: How Authorship Expands Your Professional Horizon
In this minisode, Jennifer takes us on a candid exploration of her transformative journey as an author. She shares the messy, beautiful process of finding her voice, confronting imposter syndrome, and discovering that your first book doesn't need to be perfect—it just needs to exist. She also offers insights about navigating the publishing world, working with editors who truly understand your vision, and redefining success beyond bestseller lists. Whether you're contemplating writing your first book or looking to expand beyond your established expertise, her reflections reveal how the act of writing can break open self-imposed containers, unearth your hidden wisdom, and create unexpected pathways in your career.
Mar 21, 2025 • 52min
E356: The Fourth Turning: Finding Hope in Historical Patterns with Heather McGowan
In this episode of "The Will to Change," Jennifer talks with futurist Heather McGowan about navigating societal shifts and our future. Heather draws parallels between now and the 1920s, discussing how pandemics reorder society, and explores how human history cycles between individual and collective mindsets. She advises embracing change, emphasizing rebuilding "bridging capital" by connecting with people different from ourselves. The conversation covers AI as a tool for advancement, leadership evolution, and finding stability amid disruption by focusing on our sphere of influence rather than global anxieties.
Mar 14, 2025 • 56min
E355: Harvesting Your Wisdom: Packaging Your Expertise for Impact with Publisher and Author Jenn T. Grace
In this episode, host Jennifer Brown welcomes publisher and thought leadership expert Jenn T. Grace to discuss building your platform as an author and speaker. They explore the journey from idea to impact, addressing challenges like imposter syndrome and finding your voice in a crowded marketplace. Jenn shares insights on publishing options—comparing traditional, self, and hybrid publishing—while noting that shorter books often perform better for busy audiences. The discussion covers the relationship between books and speaking careers, the importance of assembling a support team, and strategies for sharing your authentic self through written and spoken content. Whether you're beginning to explore your thought leadership or looking to grow your existing platform, this episode offers practical wisdom for crafting and sharing your message effectively.
