The Will to Change: Where Leadership Meets the Courage to Evolve

Tune in as Jennifer dives deeper into the transformational shift from the self-authoring mind to the self-transforming mind—and why this passage is so challenging, even when we feel ready for it. Building on last week's archetypes, she explores the emotional and practical realities of releasing an identity that once saved us, navigating the disorienting "hallway" between who we were and who we're...

In this minisode, Jennifer invites listeners into a deeper exploration of how leaders truly grow over time—moving beyond effort, ego, and externally defined roles into wiser, more spacious, community-centered ways of leading. Drawing on adult development theory, mythic archetypes, and her own 30-year journey in advocacy, she unpacks the inner shifts that occur as we outgrow old identities and step...

In this minisode, Jennifer invites listeners into a candid conversation about the ongoing journey of aligning who you are becoming with how you show up in the world. Joined by her collaborator Amber Kidd, she explores the powerful intersection of heart and architecture—the inner shifts, purpose, and vision that spark change, and the practical systems, language, and platforms that help bring that e...

In this minisode, Jennifer reflects on the quiet courage it takes to outgrow the rooms, roles, and identities that once fit us. Drawing on the poetry of Dr. Tunde Okewale and her own metaphors of gardens, shells, and shifting seasons, she explores grace not as softness, but as a vital leadership technology—what allows us to stay human in uncertain times. Legacy, she reminds us, isn't something we...

In this reflective minisode, Jennifer invites us to see the work of diversity, equity, and inclusion as a living cycle rather than a linear journey. Using the metaphor of nature's four seasons—spring, summer, fall, and winter—she explores how each stage brings its own lessons, from the hope and emergence of new ideas to the quiet reflection that sustains future growth. As the DEI field experiences...

In this minisode, Jennifer invites us into an intimate reflection on what it truly means to lead, rebuild, and stay human in seasons of profound transformation. Drawing from her own experience of letting go, dissolving old identities, and tending to what remains, she explores four inner practices that make reinvention possible—stillness, grief, surrender, and humility. These are not side practices...

In this minisode, Jennifer explores the idea of  midwifing collapse —inspired by writer Josie Plaut's reflection on the difference between prolonging what is dying and creating space for what wants to be born. Drawing from her story of doctors intervening in her father's final days while a nurse quietly held space for truth, this conversation invites us to look at our own impulse to "doctor" faili...

In this episode, Jennifer Brown and Out Leadership CEO Todd Sears reflect on the evolution and disruption of LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion—and what it means to lead in a time of uncertainty and change. Together, they trace how the "business case" for equality once drove historic corporate progress, and why those same strategies are faltering amid shifting cultural, political, and economic tides. Thro...

In this episode, Jennifer is joined by Peter Schein, co-author of  Humble Inquiry: The Gentle Art of Asking Instead of Telling (Third Edition) . Together they explore how leaders can embrace curiosity, vulnerability, and openness to build trust and strengthen relationships. Peter shares how humble inquiry contrasts with diagnostic or confrontive questioning and why shifting focus from content to c...

This episode features highlights from a series of audio recordings originally created for OutNEXT, Out Leadership's global LGBTQ+ leadership-development program. The first conversation dives into the creation of the inclusive anthem "It's Raining Them," reflecting on music as activism and the balance between self-expression and professionalism. The episode also explores the power of mentorship and...

This episode features highlights from a series of audio recordings originally created for OutNEXT, Out Leadership's global LGBTQ+ leadership-development program. Captured live during the OutNEXT summit sessions, these conversations were designed to inspire and equip emerging LGBTQ+ leaders with tools for authentic leadership, community building, and inclusive impact. Listeners will hear reflection...

Tune in for a lively, practical conversation about bringing artificial intelligence into everyday work and life. Jennifer is joined by Mishel Horta, Head of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging for DHL Express Americas, and Amber Kidd, an Innovation-Focused Operations & Marketing Consultant. Together they explore how different AI tools—like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Copilot—each have the...

Step into a candid conversation with Kara Richardson Whitely as she explores the realities of weight stigma, the buying power of plus size consumers, and why brands miss out when they fail to embrace all bodies. Kara shares her powerful story of resilience as a plus size adventurer and advocate, offering insights into how businesses can heal the customer journey and create meaningful inclusion. Fr...

In this minisode, Jennifer reflects on the themes from her upcoming book  The Shape of Change , exploring what it means to face uncertainty, grief, stillness, and surrender with courage and presence. She shares personal insights on how we can loosen our grip on old identities, embrace radical presence, and find wisdom in the discomfort of transformation. Discover how to cultivate resilience in a r...

In this episode, Jennifer is joined by Mará Rose Williams, Assistant Managing Editor for Race and Equity at The Kansas City Star, to explore the role of journalism in telling the truth, fostering community, and protecting democracy. Mará reflects on leading the groundbreaking Truth in Black and White project and what it means to look back five years later. The conversation examines how storytellin...

In this episode, Greg Valdovino, Vice President of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, joins Jennifer for a conversation about how Kansas City is turning hospitality into a powerful driver for economic growth and community connection. He discusses how the city is preparing to welcome the world for the 2026 FIFA World Cup through its ambitious Welcoming City initiative. From breaking old s...

Tune in to this episode of  The Will to Change as Jennifer is joined by futurist and founder of The Future of Now, Elatia Abate. Together they explore what it takes to thrive in the emerging wisdom economy and why the old knowledge-based models are no longer enough. Elatia shares insights on leading with resilience, flexibility, and purpose during times of disruption, and how to build organization...

In this special episode of  The Will to Change , Jennifer introduces her forthcoming book,  The Shape of Change , a powerful synthesis drawn from hundreds of episodes of the podcast. Jennifer also reflects on how the podcast itself became a body of work, rich with wisdom, vulnerability, and transformation. Listeners will hear about the inspiration behind the book, the collaborative process that br...

In this special episode, originally recorded for The Liberation Chronicles , Jennifer Brown is featured in a powerful conversation about what it truly means to lead inclusively. Drawing from her signature framework, the Inclusive Leader Continuum, Jennifer discusses the four stages of inclusive leadership and emphasizes the importance of building learning-centered cultures rooted in humility, acco...

In this episode of The Will to Change, Jennifer Brown sits down with author and thought leader Maggie Jackson to explore why uncertainty, so often seen as something to fear, might actually be our greatest asset. Together they unpack how leaning into the unknown can spark resilience, adaptability, and even joy, both in our personal lives and in the way we lead. From surfing literal waves to navigat...

In this episode, you'll hear from Celeste Warren as she unpacks how equity has evolved, why it's so often misunderstood, and what it really takes to create a more inclusive, balanced future. Drawing on decades of experience and insights from her new book, Celeste shares how to move beyond fear and resistance to build true shared purpose. You'll learn why equity is essential for everyone, how to co...

In this episode, Jennifer welcomes workplace consultant, bestselling author, and advocate Minda Harts to explore why trust is the true currency of equity and belonging. Drawing on insights from her new book, Minda introduces the "Seven Trust Languages," a groundbreaking framework that helps leaders and teams build authentic, sustainable trust at work. Together they unpack how trust gaps often come...

In this special episode, originally recorded live for Remote Daily, Jennifer reflects on the growing backlash against the DEI industry and what it means to lead through uncertainty as long-standing systems begin to unravel. She shares how an intentional pause has become a powerful space for reflection and reinvention, and explores why community, rather than corporate structures, may be the most du...

In this Pride Month reflection, Jennifer takes listeners on a journey through 25 years of LGBTQ+ workplace advocacy, beginning with her early days organizing panels in New York and culminating in the founding of Jennifer Brown Consulting. She explores the evolution of corporate inclusion efforts, the power of community, and the tension between authenticity, accountability, and assimilation in toda...

Elfi Martinez, Vice President of Inclusive Organizations at Changeforce.ai, returns to the program for a conversation with Jennifer about the current crossroads facing the DEI field.  Jennifer and Elfi's discussion ranges from a discussion about cultural backlash and the erosion of shared language to the urgent need for clear standards and behavior-based accountability. This conversation examines...