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
Sep 20, 2024 • 1h 2min
E334: DEI in a VUCA World: Adapting Strategies for Uncertain Times with Bridges Holmes, VP, DEI and Sustainability, The Adecco Group
This episode was originally recorded as a Community Call and features a conversation with Bridges Holmes, VP of DEI and Sustainability at The Adecco Group. The discussion explores Bridges' role in integrating DEI initiatives into sales strategies at Adecco. Bridges shares insights on developing a DEI sales toolkit, conducting live training sessions, and the challenges of changing "old school thinking" within the organization. The conversation highlights the importance of authentic engagement in DEI work, the evolving expectations of clients regarding diversity initiatives, and the need for sales professionals to become more comfortable discussing these topics.
Sep 13, 2024 • 55min
E333: Balancing Risk and Progress: DEI in the Legal Sector with Mira Dewji
In this episode, Mira Dewji, a former corporate lawyer turned DEI strategist, shares her perspective on the landscape of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal industry. Drawing from her experiences at a law firm, Mira explores the challenges in implementing DEI initiatives within conservative legal cultures. She discusses the shift from compliance-focused approaches to business-driven DEI efforts, emphasizing the importance of behavioral science and organizational change. Mira delves into the impact of generational differences, changing client demographics, and the demand for moral leadership in shaping DEI in law firms.
Sep 6, 2024 • 1h 16min
E332: From Self-Doubt to Self-Discovery: Journeying Through Imposter Syndrome with Expert Dr. Valerie Young
In this episode, we explore imposter syndrome with Dr. Valerie Young, a global thought leader on the topic and co-founder of the Impostor Syndrome Institute. Jennifer and Dr. Young discuss the evolution of imposter syndrome and its prevalence among various groups. Dr. Young introduces her "humble realist" concept and suggests strategies for organizations to address imposter syndrome. The conversation covers intersections with diversity and inclusion efforts, reframing competence, and addressing self-doubt in the workplace. To learn more about Dr. Young and her work, visit www.ImpostorSyndrome.com.
Aug 30, 2024 • 59min
E331: AI for All: Ensuring Equity and Inclusion in Tech Advancements with IBM's Stacy Hobson
Tune in for a conversation with Dr. Stacy Hobson, Director of the Responsible Technologies Research group at IBM Research, as we delve into the critical intersection of ethics and artificial intelligence. In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Hobson shares her journey from rural South Carolina to leading cutting-edge research in responsible AI development, illuminating the challenges and paramount importance of creating ethical, unbiased AI systems. Discover how IBM Research is tackling the complex task of balancing rapid technological advancement with careful consideration of AI's societal impacts. Dr. Hobson also discusses the need for diverse perspectives in AI development, the global nature of AI ethics, and the power shifts that AI can create in society.
Aug 23, 2024 • 1h 24min
E330: “Break the Internet” Calls and Other Catalysts for a New Masculinity, with Author Mark Greene
In this episode, we explore the intersection of masculinity, politics, and social change with author, speaker, and consultant, Mark Greene. The conversation covers male engagement in the electoral process and the cultural shift in expressions of manhood. Mark discusses the move from traditional masculinity towards more empathetic approaches and its effects on workplace dynamics and leadership. The discussion extends to nurturing emotional intelligence in younger generations, proposing initiatives to address social and emotional learning. Tune in to hear insights on political activism, workplace culture, and the future of masculinity.
Aug 16, 2024 • 1h 4min
E329: From Setbacks to Solutions: Innovating DEI in the Face of Resistance with Dr. Cheryl Ingram
In this episode Jennifer is joined by Dr. Cheryl Ingram, Founder & CEO of Inclusology, a pioneering DEI assessment platform, as they dive deep into the challenges and opportunities facing DEI work today. Drawing from her extensive experience and insights from her upcoming book, Dr. Ingram explores how the field has evolved from its roots in multiculturalism to its current form – and the crises it now faces. Jennifer and Dr. Ingram also tackle tough questions about addressing systemic issues and workplace trauma, the impact of recent backlash and legal challenges, and how practitioners can maintain resilience and effectiveness in turbulent times.
Aug 9, 2024 • 55min
E328: Facing the Fracture: How to Prioritize Connection in a Polarized World with Psychologist Dr. Tania Israel
In this episode, we welcome Dr. Tania Israel, Professor of Counseling Psychology at UC Santa Barbara and author of the forthcoming book "Facing the Fracture: How to Navigate the Challenges of Living in a Divided Nation." Dr. Israel delves into the complexities of our politically fractured society, offering fresh perspectives on misinformation, polarization, and the psychological impacts of living in a divided country. Drawing from her extensive research and clinical experience, Dr. Israel shares valuable insights on maintaining personal well-being and workplace unity amidst political tensions.
Aug 2, 2024 • 42min
E327: How LGBTQ+ Identity Empowers Business Success: Jennifer and other LGBTQ+ Entrepreneurs Join the Smart Gets Paid Podcast
This episode, originally recorded for the Smart Gets Paid podcast, and hosted by Leah Neaderthal, explores how being queer has positively impacted business ownership. Leah shares her personal journey of coming out 20 years ago and how it has shaped her approach to business, from challenging assumptions to expressing herself authentically. She also invites Jennifer and other fellow queer business owners to share their experiences. These entrepreneurs discuss how their queer identities have fostered resilience, creativity, and a unique perspective in their work.
Jul 27, 2024 • 1h 6min
E326: From Accommodation to Innovation: Building a Culture of Disability Inclusion with Loren Gesinsky
In this episode, we welcome Loren Gesinsky, Partner at Seyfarth Shaw LLP, to discuss the critical importance of disability inclusion in the workplace and society at large. Loren shares his personal journey from employment lawyer to passionate disability rights advocate, offering valuable insights into the evolution of disability inclusion practices. He also explores the challenges and opportunities in recognizing various types of disabilities, including invisible disabilities and mental health issues, and emphasizes the power of creating environments where people feel comfortable self-identifying. Discover the concept of universal design, the business case for disability inclusion, and the role of leadership in advancing these efforts.
Jul 19, 2024 • 43min
Best of the Will to Change: Millions of Micro-Moments of Bravery with Joze Piranian, Stutterer, TEDx Speaker and Stand-Up Comedian
This "Best of The Will to Change" episode, features an interview with Joze Piranian, Global TEDx Speaker and a lifelong stutterer turned transformational speaker on inclusion and resilience. Joze also shared information about stuttering, and revealed what he has learned from his own journey.
