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
Feb 16, 2024 • 36min
E306: Valuing our Wisdom: Our Role as Storytellers That Shift the World
In this special minisode, Jennifer provides invaluable insights on how leaders can effectively direct their message through impactful storytelling. She also shares perspectives on why many hesitate to share their stories, often failing to recognize the wisdom they have to offer. Discover how to shape and structure a compelling leadership story, and how to push past doubts and vulnerability to convey authentic narratives that will resonate across audiences. For any leader seeking to boost their communication skills and storytelling abilities, this discussion delivers thoughtful guidance and inspiration!
Feb 9, 2024 • 59min
E305: Will to Change Special Edition: Uplifting Black Voices
In this special episode of the Will to Change, Jennifer reflects on conversations with influential black leaders and changemakers. Hear clips and insights from author and DEI expert Jessica Bantom; Lorraine Orr, COO of Boys and Girls Clubs of America; author Martinus Evans; award-winning trans advocate Dr. Elijah Nicholas, Tony DeGruy of Cisco, and Carin Taylor, CDO of Workday. As we honor Black History Month, Jennifer synthesizes the themes of positive change, empathy, allyship, and pushing for progress that thread through the words of wisdom of these impactful guests shaping the future. This is a can't-miss episode for gaining motivation, perspective, and calls to action during Black History Month and beyond.
Feb 2, 2024 • 53min
E304: Turning Resistance into Progress: Transmuting Fears to Advance Inclusion with Dr. Poornima Luthra
DEI trailblazer Dr. Poornima Luthra joins the program to discuss how underlying fears are fueling resistance to DEI efforts globally. She discusses research on the top fears around not knowing enough and saying the wrong thing, and the need to create psychologically safe environments that encourage vulnerability, intelligent failures, and growth mindsets. Dr. Luthra also shares perspectives on avoiding assumptions, leading with cultural humility, and understanding how history shapes inclusion across different cultural contexts. Tune in for an enlightening conversation on how to advance inclusion by addressing the fears that obstruct progress.
Jan 26, 2024 • 55min
E303: Navigating Pushback and Progress with Randstad’s Chief Equity Officer, Audra Jenkins
In this episode, Jennifer is joined by Audra Jenkins, Chief Equity Officer at Randstad. Audra discusses the important role supplier diversity plays in furthering inclusion, tapping into untapped talent pools such as people with disabilities and veterans, and the business imperative for organizations to create equitable and welcoming cultures. She also shares insights from her unique position working with both internal and external clients on DEI strategy. Discover the reasons for pushback against DEI efforts, where Audra finds hope amidst the challenges, and the need for self-care in this difficult work.
Jan 19, 2024 • 35min
E302; Evolving Our Impact: The Many Hats We Wear, from Coach to Consultant to Thought Leader
In this thought-provoking episode, Jennifer explores the nuances between different professional roles like coaching, consulting, public speaking, and thought leadership. She also shares wisdom on finding one’s unique voice and platform to make a difference in the world, overcoming imposter syndrome to embrace our most powerful stories, and the responsibilities leaders have to lift up diverse voices. Whether you’re reevaluating your career path or seeking to expand your reach, Jennifer offers compassionate yet direct guidance on aligning your talents with the change you wish to create. This episode provides an abundance of insight for anyone ready to step into their full potential as a leader and change agent.
Jan 11, 2024 • 50min
E301: Making the Invisible Visible: Insights from the "Uncovering Culture" Report with Deloitte’s Sameen Affaf and The Meltzer Center’s David Glasgow
In this episode, Jennifer is joined by Deloitte’s Sameen Affaf and The Meltzer Center’s David Glasgow, as they discuss findings from the recent "Uncovering Culture" report. Detailing the latest data around workplace "covering" behaviors among marginalized groups, they explore surprising statistics on intersectionality, younger generations, and executive leadership. Touching on storytelling, allyship, and small signals of belonging, the discussion offers thought-provoking analysis and practical tips for fostering authentic, inclusive cultures.
Dec 29, 2023 • 1h 27min
E300: 2023 Year in Review: JBC Consultants Join Jennifer on the Way Forward in 2024
This episode was originally recorded as a DEI Community Call, and features a conversation with Jennifer and JBC Consultants as they reflect on learnings and positive change from 2023 that give hope for further progress, while also confronting the roadblocks still firmly in place across society and workplaces. Touching on challenging issues around dialogue, activism, leadership buy-in, capacity for change, and practitioner sustainability, the group explores nuanced, intersectional approaches for embedding inclusive cultures more systematically into company DNA. While acknowledging the constant uphill journey, their wisdom provides renewal, clarity, and energy to equip changemakers for the joys and trials ahead in 2024.
Dec 22, 2023 • 45min
E299: The Intimate Work of Inclusion: Forging Personal Connections Through Shared Stories and Vulnerability With JBC Senior Consultant Laura Alvarez Schrag
In this episode, Jennifer speaks with Laura Alvarez Schrag, Senior Consultant at JBC, about making personal connections to foster belonging in organizations. They discuss Laura's background, the importance of sharing personal stories and being vulnerable, generational differences in connecting, and how leaders can role model embracing learning and change. Laura emphasizes that while technology enables some connections, human relationships are still essential, so leaders should focus on elevating individuals, which then lifts entire organizations. Discover how intimate work that starts with personal transformation can then radiate out to create cultures of belonging over generations.
Dec 15, 2023 • 43min
E298: C-Suite Vulnerability: Creating Safe Spaces for Executive DEI Dialogues
In this minisode, Jennifer offers an inside look into her approach for architecting high-impact sessions with leadership teams. From managing anxious executives to contending with vocal CEOs, Jennifer shares her tactics for establishing psychological safety while also driving towards candor and vulnerability. She spotlights common C-Suite dynamics, competency levels, and fears that manifest around DEI, providing guidance for how to move executives along the conscious incompetence spectrum.
Dec 1, 2023 • 59min
E296: Elevating Indigenous Voices with Boys and Girls Clubs’ VP of Native Services, Carla Knapp
Tune in as Jennifer welcomes Carla Knapp, National Vice President of Native Services at Boys & Girls Clubs of America., as Carla discusses empowering indigenous youth and professionals to thrive as their authentic selves. Carla reveals how to use storytelling to preserve rich cultural traditions, and shares her personal journey of leading with grace and courage to pave the way for future indigenous generations. Discover how to honor tribal sovereignty through trauma-informed empowerment, and learn creative strategies to foster an inclusive culture where all identities can fully shine.
