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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.