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
Mar 7, 2025 • 46min
E354: A Decade of Better Allies: Karen Catlin on Evolution, Resilience and the Continuing Work of Change
In this episode Jennifer welcomes Karen Catlin to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of her Better Allies initiative. From its humble beginnings as an anonymous Twitter account to a comprehensive movement with four published books, Karen shares the evolution of her work in creating more inclusive workplaces. The conversation explores the significant milestones that have shaped conversations around inclusion, from "Lean In" to the racial reckoning of 2020 to the rise of AI. Karen and Jennifer reflect on the courage required to learn in public, the importance of resilience when making mistakes, and why vulnerability is essential for authentic leadership.
Feb 28, 2025 • 45min
E353: Intentional Transitions: The Art of the Pivot towards Purpose and Impact, with Dr. Yvette Burton
In this episode, we explore the art of professional reinvention with Dr. Yvette C. Burton, who transitioned from corporate DEI leadership to cybersecurity later in her career. Dr. Burton shares how to leverage existing skills while embracing new challenges, identifying where your passions align with marketable expertise, and strategically reintroducing yourself to your network during transitions. Whether facing forced change or choosing a new direction, this conversation offers practical wisdom on navigating career crossroads with confidence and purpose in today's unpredictable professional landscape.
Feb 21, 2025 • 23min
E352: The Dissolution: Surrender, and Compassionate Witnessing of Ourselves in Deep Change
In part two of this special two-part minisode, Jennifer explores the final elements of the BANI framework (Non-linear and Incomprehensible) and their antidotes for navigating our complex world. She delves into how improvisation serves as the essential response to non-linearity, encouraging listeners to practice pivoting rather than clinging to rigid plans in a world where predictability has become obsolete. The episode examines how collective sense-making and inclusivity help us face incomprehensibility, emphasizing that "when the world no longer makes sense, we don't solve it alone." Tune in to hear insights on embracing darkness as fertile ground for wisdom, and what new tools and approaches might be necessary in this era of profound change and uncertainty.
Feb 14, 2025 • 20min
E351: The Re-Grounding: Stillness, and the Stirrings of Rebirth and Resilience
In part one of this special two-part minisode, Jennifer shares her reflections from snowy Woodstock on seasons of change and transformation at this pivotal moment between winter and spring. Speaking from her own experience of profound transitions, Jennifer explores how nature's rhythms - from the sap preparing to run in trees to the vast networks of connection happening beneath the frozen ground - mirror our own processes of change and renewal. She introduces a powerful new framework that goes beyond VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous) to help us understand today's rapidly shifting landscape, and shares insights on moving from brittleness to resilience. Through personal stories and thoughtful observations, Jennifer invites us to consider how we might bend rather than break in times of profound change, and find creativity and hope in the quiet work of transformation.
Feb 7, 2025 • 53min
E350: Authorship in the Age of AI: What's Next for Thought Leaders with Publisher and Author Jenn T. Grace
In this thought-provoking conversation, Jennifer welcomes back Jenn T. Grace, founder of Publish Your Purpose, to discuss the intersection of AI, publishing, and thought leadership. The discussion explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping the publishing landscape, from the challenges of protecting intellectual property to the opportunities for enhanced creativity. Jenn shares valuable insights on the distinction between AI-assisted and AI-generated content, the importance of maintaining authentic human voices in thought leadership, and Amazon's evolving approach to AI-generated books.
Jan 16, 2025 • 17min
E349: Minisode (and Brief Hiatus Announcement): The Art of Falling Apart, and Learning to Love the Liminal Space with Jennifer
In this special episode, Jennifer takes a moment during the podcast's January hiatus to reflect on transformations in both personal and professional spheres, while setting the stage for new directions in upcoming episodes. She shares her journey from vocal performer to DEI consultant, including the sale of her company. As she announces a brief break until February, she challenges ideas of resilience and growth, suggesting that transformation requires periods of dissolution and rest - themes that will shape future episodes. This episode marks a turning point for the podcast, examining how leaders, organizations, and fields of work might need to break down old frameworks to emerge anew, especially in today's DEI landscape.
Dec 27, 2024 • 57min
E348: Best of The Will to Change: Owning Your Power: Jennifer Joins the Beyond Barriers Podcast
From the Best of The Will to Change: In this episode, originally recorded for the Beyond Barriers Podcast, Jennifer discusses her own career journey and how to motivate yourself and others. Discover how to create a community of inclusion and the importance of making sure that all voices are heard. Jennifer also shares tips about developing your own personal brand and standing up in your power.
Dec 20, 2024 • 38min
E347: Virtuosity in Leadership: Mining Our Resonance with Story Doula Eduardo Placer
In this episode, Jennifer welcomes back returning guest Eduardo Placer, a dynamic keynote speaker, charismatic event emcee, and global facilitator known for building bridges to belonging through story. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of leadership through the rich metaphor of orchestral music. Drawing from their experiences in both performance and organizational development, they unpack how traditional models of leadership are transforming from solo performances to symphonic collaborations. Using the powerful analogy of musical instruments and orchestral dynamics, they discuss how leaders must learn to both resonate authentically and harmonize with others, adapting their "instruments" to changing conditions while maintaining their unique voice. Eduardo and Jennifer delve into critical questions about leadership in uncertain times: When should we step forward as soloists, and when should we blend into the chorus? How do we prepare our instruments for unknown future performances? Discover fresh insights into the challenges and opportunities of leadership in 2025 and beyond.
Dec 14, 2024 • 45min
E346: Amplifying Voices: Being A Voice For Others To Be Heard- Jennifer joins Darrin Tulley on the Live Your Possible Podcast
In this episode, originally recorded for the Live Your Possible Podcast with host Darrin Tulley (CEO and Chief of Possibilities @ Ignite Happy), Jennifer explores strategies for creating inclusive workplaces, the concept of 360-degree allyship, and how leaders can foster psychological safety in their teams. She discusses why organizations must move beyond surface-level changes to address systemic issues, how to navigate workplace transformations in a hybrid world, and what it means to be an inclusive leader during times of uncertainty. The conversation provides actionable insights for leaders looking to build cultures of belonging where everyone can thrive, while examining how authenticity and vulnerability can drive meaningful organizational change.
Dec 6, 2024 • 1h 4min
E345: The Hot Seat: Employers and the Business of Social Justice in a Post-Election Landscape with BSR’s Jen Stark and Jarrid Green
In this episode Jennifer engages in a timely conversation with Jen Stark and Jarrid Green, co-directors of the Center for Business and Social Justice, about their Social Justice Guide for Business and its implications in the wake of recent political developments. The discussion explores how companies can navigate DEI initiatives and social justice work during challenging times, examining the evolution from standalone programs to integrated approaches. The guests share insights on economic inclusion, identity politics, and the role of businesses in advancing social justice while adapting to changing political landscapes. They reflect on the sustainability of various DEI tools and metrics, including corporate equality indexes, while considering how organizations can maintain progress on inclusion even as traditional accountability measures face new pressures. The conversation offers both pragmatic strategies and hopeful perspectives on the future of social justice work in business.
