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
Apr 12, 2024 • 60min
E314: In the "Bug Soup" Part of Change: Thriving Through Beginnings, Endings, and Transitions with Kat Gordon
In this episode originally recorded as a community call, Jennifer is joined by Kat Gordon, a trailblazing leader who has made significant contributions to the fields of advertising, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and leadership coaching. As the founder of the 3% Movement, Kat has been a driving force in increasing female representation in creative leadership positions within the advertising industry. Drawing from her personal and professional transitions, Kat shares valuable insights on navigating change, embracing authenticity, and fostering personal growth. With her background as an advertising creative director and her current role as a leadership coach, Kat offers a unique perspective on the power of emotional intelligence, psychological safety, and the importance of creating more equitable and diverse workplaces.
Apr 5, 2024 • 60min
E313: Hygiene for All: Essity's Journey to Inclusive Design with Amie Kromis and Lina Clavijo
In this episode Jennifer welcomes Amie Kromis and Lina Clavijo from Essity, a leading global hygiene and health company, to discuss the company's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in their products and workplace. Amie and Lina share insights on how Essity incorporates inclusive design principles to create products that are accessible to all, regardless of ability or circumstance. They explore the company's journey towards breaking barriers and providing the highest hygiene standards for everyone, and how this commitment to DEI has become an integral part of Essity's culture and business strategy. Through initiatives like "Courageous Conversations" and a focus on universal design, Essity is setting an example for how companies can combine business success with social responsibility. Tune in for an enlightening discussion on the power of inclusive design and the importance of DEI in driving innovation and positive change.
Mar 29, 2024 • 1h
E312: Beyond the Bamboo Ceiling: Practical Strategies for Asian American Career Advancement with Jane Hyun
Tune in as Jennifer is joined by Jane Hyun, a leading expert on cultural fluency, diversity, and inclusion. Jane shares her personal journey as an Asian American navigating the complexities of identity and leadership in corporate America. They discuss Jane's groundbreaking book, "Breaking the Bamboo Ceiling," and her upcoming release, "Leadership Toolkit for Asians." Jane reflects on the challenges Asian professionals face in the workplace, the importance of bringing one's whole self to work, and the role of allies and advocates in fostering inclusivity. As an interculturalist, Jane offers strategies for bridging cultural gaps, developing authentic leadership, and embracing the beauty of diversity.
Mar 23, 2024 • 1h 1min
E311: Voices From the Will to Change: Women's History Month Roll Up with Jennifer and Doug
In this special Women's History Month episode, Jennifer shares valuable insights and inspiration from the stories of five remarkable women previously featured on The Will to Change podcast. The episode explores topics such as finding community and belonging in the workplace, the ongoing fight for pay equity, body inclusivity, and the importance of breaking the stigma around addiction and recovery. This episode serves as a celebration of the diverse voices and experiences of women, while also highlighting the critical work that still needs to be done to achieve true equity and inclusion for all.
Mar 15, 2024 • 57min
E310: Executive Influence: Driving Inclusion through Strong C-Suite Relationships with Empower's Djuana Beamon
In this episode, originally recorded as a community call, Jennifer sits down with Djuana Beamon, the Chief Diversity and Corporate Social Responsibility Officer at Empower. With a wealth of experience across various industries, including financial services, pharma, insurance, and healthcare, Djuana shares her journey in the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) space. She also discusses the importance of self-care, building a supportive village, and fostering authentic relationships with senior leaders to drive meaningful change. Discover the challenges and opportunities in the current DEI landscape and the success of Empower's innovative sponsorship program, which pairs senior executives with talent from different levels of the organization to promote mutual mentoring and growth.
Mar 8, 2024 • 57min
E309: Reimagining Belonging: Navigating DEI Work in Turbulent Times with Author Rhodes Perry
In this episode, Jennifer welcomes back Rhodes Perry, an award-winning social entrepreneur, sought-after speaker, podcast host, and nationally recognized LGBTQ thought leader. Jennifer and Rhodes dive deep into the current state of DEI work, exploring the challenges practitioners face in navigating pushback and misinformation, as well as the opportunities to reframe the vision for inclusion. They discuss strategies for building trust, countering misinformation with skillful dialogues, and the importance of sustainable activism within the DEI community. Rhodes shares his personal experiences as a trans leader, highlighting the power of inviting allyship through vulnerability and the impact of pop culture representation in normalizing inclusion. This thought-provoking conversation is a must-listen for anyone passionate about reimagining belonging and driving change in these turbulent times.
Mar 1, 2024 • 1h 1min
E308: Small Choices, Big Impact: Words as a Tool for Change with Jackye Clayton, Textio's VP of Talent Acquisition and DEIB
This episode was originally recorded as a Community Call and features a conversation with Jackye Clayton, Textio's VP of Talent Acquisition and DEIB. Jackye reveals how AI tools like Textio can mitigate exclusionary workplace communications, and how your most subtle word choices may inadvertently perpetuate bias. She also outlines Textio's approach to developing equitable language technology and provides pragmatic ideas to cultivate authentic belonging through conscientious communication.
Feb 23, 2024 • 1h 5min
E307: Patience, Perspective and Progress: Advancing Inclusion in Times of Resistance with Jorge Quezada
Jorge Quezada, Chief Inclusion Officer and VP of People & Culture at Granite Construction, joins the program for a conversation with Jennifer about their decades of experience guiding organizations on the journey toward diversity, equity and inclusion. Jorge and Jennifer discuss the pendulum swings of progress and pushback, the difference between checklist "doing" and transformative visionary "being," the emotions that accompany change, and more. Jorge also shares his thoughts about Michelangelo's idea that the practitioner's role is to chip away obstacles to reveal the beauty already existing in each organization's people and potential.
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.
