Meet Kris Jennings

We recently connected with Kris Jennings and have shared our conversation below.

Kris, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

My consulting practice involves complicated technology programs. Often, I’m the only woman in the room. In one recent project, the leadership team consisted of six men….and me!

Earlier in my career, being an outlier used to intimidate me. I’d stay quiet, waiting politely to be asked to contribute to the discussion. I knew that my observations were different, and I held back because of that.

But now I know that my observations are MORE valuable to the conversation because I have a different perspective than others in the room. Not just because I’m a woman but also because I empathize with the people who will use the technology.

I have the courage to speak up more in meetings because I know I’m speaking on behalf of many others who aren’t in the room.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m world-class at fear. I don’t mean that I’ve conquered it. I mean that I’ve lived in fear virtually all my adult life.

Fear is always with me.

In 2020, I was finally diagnosed with chronic Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

That diagnosis changed my life because it changed how I think and feel about fear.

I used PTSD-specific healing modalities like EMDR to create new neuropathways. I created new behaviors to become more aware of fear’s presence. I began practicing mindfulness techniques to have greater tolerance to sit with it.

I also noticed how much fear was involved in the organizational change consulting work I’ve been doing for more than a decade. The leaders and teams I was consulting with have LOTS of fear.

The knowledge and skills I was gaining as a result of my PTSD were helping me guide others out of fear and see my work in a whole new way.

Courage isn’t the absence of fear but deciding to act despite its presence. My change consulting work took on a greater purpose.

This is why I wrote my first book: Inspired by Fear: Becoming a Courageous Change Leader.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

The three skills most valuable to me as an entrepreneur:

1. Create your opportunities. Don’t wait to be told or asked to do something. If you want it, go after it.

2. The universe has got your back. When you’re acting in alignment with your purpose, things come easily. I know I’m making the “right” decision when it’s easy. Trying too hard is a signal that something’s not aligned.

3. There’s enough for everyone. It’s easy to drop into a scarcity mindset or compare yourself with others. I feel more confident when I remember that my unique combination of skills and experiences will call in the “right” clients and partners.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Becoming an author was a special “bucket list” accomplishment for me in 2024. I’d like to help others achieve their goal of adding author to their credentials. Reach out if you want a creative partner and ghostwriter for your book.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.krisjennings.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kris-jennings/

Image Credits

The second image (with me holding the book): Lucas Botz Photography