We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jennifer Hutton. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jennifer below.
Hi Jennifer, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
Growing up in the south, being the only one in the room was something I constantly faced. When I was younger, my parents made an effort to keep me in spaces where everyone did look like me, and theres something to be said for that. It allowed me to develop my marginalized identities in positive lights. There was a season when I thought that as a Black woman, I had to go above and beyond to prove that I deserved to be in the room, but that became exhausting. I didn’t like leading with my accomplishments. So I decided that showing up in those room and leading with who I am vs. leading with my credentials was a more aligned approach. I believe that I am enough without the bells and whistles and that the rooms I am destined to be in already have a space for me.
I also believe if you are the only one in the room, do whatever you can to remedy that by opening the doors for others. Authenticity coupled with an abundance mindset can be a game changer for you and the communities you identify with.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am a pediatric physical therapist and I have worked with children of all ages and different abilities. From little kids needing assistance learning to take their first steps to teenage athletes recovering from injuries, I discovered that the common thread for progress was finding ways to help children connect their minds and bodies to explore the strength and resilience that lies within each of them.
Working with children from marginalized communities allowed me to see the health and healthcare access disparities that exist and sparked my desire to be an advocate for recreational opportunities outside of the clinic. All children have a right to learn the different ways that they can enjoy movement.
One way I chose to address the healthcare disparities was to start a membership community called Building Allyship. This community is for healthcare and wellness professionals with a desire to learn what true allyship looks like. My mission is for Building Allyship is to provide a platform for professionals with marginalized identies to share their expertise with willing hearts, facilitate a space of accountability, constructive challenging of ideas, community learning, and help others strengthen their voice and stance as advocates in their own communities. The doors for this community will re-open in 2024 and you can get a preview of what we talk about in the community on my podcast Beyond Allyship with Dr. Jpop.
In February of this year, I released a product with Shambhala Publications called the Get a Movin’ Activity Deck for Kids that includes activities that allow kids of all different movement abilities to have fun while experiencing all different components of movement. I’d used movement cards with children I worked with, but the illustrations never reflected them and the activities always had to be modified for their disabilities. It is important for children to have resources they can relate to and see themselves in. The illustrations depict children with wheelchairs, prosthetics, limb differences, cochlear implants and more. The activities include fun scenarios that allow children to use their imagination and explore breathing, mobility, flexibility, balance, strength, and endurance while including options for movement diversity. The deck is 2023 National Parenting Product Award winner and a Gold winner of the 2023 Mom’s Choice award.
The deck can be found on the websites of Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Walmart, and Shambhala Publications,
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I believe a qualities most impactful were my work ethic and the belief that I can figure anything out, and if I can’t I can find someone who will. The skill that has been most impactful is having ADD. It took me awhile to learn how to use the aspects of this diagnosis for my benefit, but once I saw the difference as a tool it opened possibilities.
My advice to those early in their journey on developing any quality, skill, or area of knowledge is to lead with curiosity and accountability. Leading with curiosity allows you to focus on learning vs. expectations. Leading with the accountability allows you to be honest with where you may be lacking, seek out people who can assist you on your journey, and commit to the changes you’re working toward.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
When I feel overwhelm I typically will take a pause and do some form of breathing techniques that signal to my body I am safe. Then I look at all the things on my plate that are triggering the overwhelm. This allows me to see the things that I have control over and focus on the next best steps to move forward. I also make note of whether I need a break, to spend time with people I love or doing an activity that brings me joy.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.drjpop.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.jpop/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-hutton-9346031a5/
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/Get-Movin-Activity-Deck-Kids/dp/1645470571
