Jennifer Leslie: Transform your Business with Self Awareness

On the Brink with Andi Simon

Self-awareness is a game-changer in leadership, and Jennifer Leslie is proof of that. In this episode, Jennifer, a human resources executive, author, and meditation teacher, shares her inspiring journey and groundbreaking work in creating conscious leadership programs. Her message is simple but powerful: to lead others effectively, you must first understand and lead yourself.

Jennifer's unique perspective on leadership, rooted in her early career in catering and event management, is truly enlightening. Managing teams of up to 250 individuals, she developed a fascination with understanding people’s strengths and creating environments where everyone could thrive. Transitioning into HR, Jennifer combined her operational expertise with a deep passion for empowering individuals to excel.

Check out Jennifer's video podcast here:

Five years ago, Jennifer's leadership approach underwent a pivotal transformation when she enrolled in the Inner MBA program. This collaborative initiative by Sounds True, NYU, and Wisdom 2.0 emphasizes conscious business practices, encouraging leaders to prioritize self-care as a foundation for better leadership. Jennifer took this mindset back to her organization, where she developed a 12-workshop leadership program designed to foster listening, tough conversations, and feedback skills—cornerstones of effective leadership in today’s fast-paced workplace.

Jennifer's workshops play a crucial role in empowering leaders to navigate the pressures of modern work environments. She observes that leaders are often afraid to confront tough situations, but Jennifer’s workshops equip them to face challenges with courage and authenticity. By teaching leaders to embrace discomfort, Jennifer ensures they can have honest, impactful conversations that drive growth and build trust.

Jennifer's work is a testament to the power of collaboration. In addition to her workshops, Jennifer contributed to the book Leading with Self-Awareness, a collaborative effort by the Changing Work Collective. In her chapter, Jennifer shares a transformative moment that occurred while listening to a sermon from her father, an Episcopal priest. Inspired by the phrase “Be bold,” she reexamined her career and committed to stepping outside her comfort zone. Her chapter provides practical tools to help others do the same, making the book a powerful resource for anyone seeking personal and professional growth.

Jennifer’s story reminds us that leadership is not just about commanding teams but about creating connections, fostering inclusion, and empowering others to succeed. Her approach aligns with modern leadership principles emphasizing humility, transparency, and collaboration over command-and-control methods.

For Jennifer, being bold means rethinking her leadership style and helping others reimagine theirs. She encourages leaders to ask themselves, “What are you giving up if you don’t take a step forward today?” Her message resonates in a world where work and leadership are rapidly evolving.

Jennifer’s work demonstrates that conscious leadership is about more than just achieving business goals—it’s about transforming workplaces into environments where individuals can truly thrive. Her innovative leadership programs and insights from Leading with Self-Awareness provide a roadmap for anyone ready to embrace change, take bold steps, and lead with intention.

Key Takeaways:

• Self-awareness is the foundation of effective leadership.
• Listening and tough conversations are essential skills for creating inclusive and successful teams.
• Being bold means stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing change with courage.
• Leadership is about creating environments where everyone feels valued and can contribute their best.

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From Observation to Innovation,

Andi Simon, PhD

CEO | Corporate Anthropologist | Award-Winning Author Simonassociates.net [e-mail] @simonandi LinkedIn