An Interview with Jennifer Jensen: Author of Developing Authentic Leaders

Jennifer Jensen is an authentic leader with over 25 years of progressive experience in the corporate world. Throughout her career, she has collaborated with numerous leaders, identifying common skills gaps and recognizing the critical need for their development.

Driven by a profound observation of the scarcity of truly exceptional leaders compared to the abundance of mediocre ones, Jennifer aims to bridge this gap. Her pragmatic approach, reflected in both her life and work, has culminated in a compelling book that serves as a guide for mentoring leaders – seasoned professionals and newcomers alike – toward embodying the qualities we aspire to see in modern leadership.

As a beacon for those striving to lead with authenticity and impact, Jennifer’s mission is clear: to cultivate a new generation of exceptional leaders who can navigate and thrive in today’s complex landscape.

Tell us about your book.

My book is a practical reference guide designed for leaders at all levels, whether you’re just stepping into a leadership role or you’re a seasoned veteran. It serves as a toolkit to kickstart your transformational journey by guiding you through several key areas. First, it encourages you to identify your unique leadership style and understand its impact on those around you.

The book offers concise advice that delves into the who, what, how, and why of leadership dynamics. You’ll find practical strategies to develop your leadership skills applicable to both your personal and professional life. One of the core features of the book is its emphasis on flexibility, allowing you to define your unique contributions as a leader, including recognizing both your strengths and areas for improvement. This culminates in creating an actionable plan to enhance your skills.

Within the pages, there’s something valuable for every leader—whether you want to realize your authenticity, inspire dynamic teams, expand your influence, or improve your genuine communication skills. The book covers 52 well-structured topics that provide key insights, guidance, and reflection points to inform and challenge you as a leader.

Ultimately, this practical field guide is meant to accompany you as you embark on or continue your leadership journey with confidence and clarity.

Why did you want to write a book?

I wanted to write a book because I saw a significant gap in the market for resources tailored specifically for both emerging leaders and those who were already established but needed guidance on key topics to enhance their abilities. Throughout my career, I have watched countless leaders operate at a mediocre level, often unaware of the critical elements that could elevate them to greatness. It became clear to me that there was a pressing need for mentorship and practical insights that addressed these shortcomings.

My goal was to create a resource that not only inspires but also equips leaders with the tools and knowledge they need to develop their leadership skills, foster their teams, and ultimately drive their organizations to success. I believe that every leader has the potential to be extraordinary, and I wanted to provide the guidance and framework to help them realize that potential.

What do you think are the main pitfalls for indie writers?

Indie writers face several challenges that can impede their success. Here are some of the main pitfalls:

Limited Marketing Knowledge: Many indie writers are primarily focused on their craft and may lack experience in marketing and promoting their work. Without effective marketing strategies, even high-quality books might not reach their intended audience.

Quality Control: In the absence of traditional publishing gatekeepers, indie writers might overlook the importance of professional editing, cover design, and formatting. Subpar production values can detract from the reading experience and damage credibility.

Time Management: Balancing writing with the multiple aspects of self-publishing, such as marketing, networking, and administration, can be daunting. Poor time management can lead to burnout or unfinished projects.

Building an Audience: Establishing a reader base can be challenging for indie writers, particularly if they lack a prior platform or following. Without a strategic approach to audience engagement, it can take considerable time to gain traction.

Staying Motivated: The journey of an indie writer can be isolating and fraught with rejection or slow sales. Maintaining motivation and resilience in the face of these challenges is crucial, yet often difficult.

While the indie publishing path offers opportunities for creative freedom, it also presents significant challenges that writers must actively address to succeed.

What tips can you give other authors looking to self-publish?

Self-publishing can be a rewarding yet challenging venture for authors. Here are several tips to help you navigate the process and maximize your chances of success:

Choose the Right Self-Publishing Company: It’s essential to partner with a reputable self-publishing company that aligns with your vision and needs. Look for a company that offers comprehensive support, including book cover design, formatting, editing, and marketing services.

Invest in Marketing: As you approach the publication of your book, allocate a portion of your budget specifically for marketing efforts. This has been a significant learning curve for many authors, including myself.

Gather Reviews and Build Credibility: Encourage early readers to leave reviews on platforms like Amazon and Goodreads. Positive reviews can significantly enhance your book’s credibility and attract new readers. I am currently working on building this for my book and it takes a lot of time and effort.

What was your steepest learning curve during the publishing process?

The steepest learning curve I encountered during the publishing process was navigating the complexities of marketing for my book. Initially, I underestimated the critical role that effective marketing plays in a book’s success. Understanding various strategies, from leveraging social media to engaging with target audiences, required substantial research and adaptation.

As a writer, what is your schedule? How do you get the job done?

As a writer, my schedule is both structured and flexible, allowing me to stay focused while adapting to the ebbs and flows of creativity. I set clear goals for myself, often aiming to write 2-3 chapters a week. This ambitious target keeps me motivated and advancing steadily toward completion.

A critical aspect of my process is having an accountability partner who plays a pivotal role in my writing journey. This individual holds me to my goals, providing encouragement and a sense of responsibility that is imperative for progress. Knowing that someone is invested in my success pushes me to maintain my commitment and overcome any obstacles that may arise.

How do you deal with writer’s block?

Dealing with writer’s block can be a challenging experience, but there are effective strategies to overcome it. One approach that proved particularly beneficial for me was working with an accountability partner. This partner offered encouragement and posed insightful questions that helped to identify the underlying causes of my writer’s block.

Having someone who actively listens and asks probing questions can be instrumental in identifying the underlying causes of your writer’s block. These discussions may reveal specific fears, pressures, or uncertainties that you might not have fully recognized on your own. By articulating these feelings, you can often gain clarity and perspective, which can be pivotal in moving past the block.

How do your friends and family get involved with your writing? What do they think of your book?

My friends and family have been incredibly supportive throughout the writing process, providing encouragement and motivation at every stage. While I suspect some may have thought I was embarking on a rather ambitious endeavor, they never voiced any doubts, which I greatly appreciate. Their unwavering belief in my vision was instrumental in pushing me forward.

Since the release of the book, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Many have expressed their appreciation for the themes and concepts I explored, affirming that they now understand the vision I aimed to convey. It has been gratifying to see how my initial ideas have resonated with readers and how my loved ones have embraced the final product. Their enthusiasm and insights have been invaluable to me as both a writer and an individual.

What did you learn on your journey as an author?

My journey as an author has been incredibly stretching and transformative. Writing a book was entirely out of my comfort zone, and I quickly realized that it would not only be a test of my writing abilities but also a deep dive into my own psyche. Throughout this process, I learned a great deal about myself, particularly regarding my strengths, weaknesses, and fears.

As I navigated the ups and downs of crafting my narrative, I discovered hidden strengths I never knew I had – like resilience and creativity – while also confronting my weaknesses, such as self-doubt and procrastination. There were moments when I felt overwhelmed by the enormity of the project, and I often questioned my ability to see it through. However, as I progressed, I came to understand that I needed to get out of my own way. This realization was pivotal; I recognized that the project was so much bigger than me, and it deserved to be shared with the world.

Ultimately, this journey not only helped me grow as a writer but also as a person. It taught me the importance of perseverance and the value of pushing beyond my comfort zone, leading to greater self-awareness and a newfound confidence in my abilities.

What’s next for you as an author?

As I look to the future as an author, I’m excited to embark on a new chapter that goes beyond writing. I am establishing a business called Authentic Leader, designed to support and coach leaders on their journey to becoming more authentic in their leadership styles.

Through Authentic Leader, I am offering one-on-one coaching sessions tailored to individual needs, helping leaders delve into their self-awareness and develop their unique leadership qualities. Additionally, I will provide customized self-awareness and leadership assessments that will help identify strengths and areas for growth.

My aim is to create actionable development plans that empower leaders to take concrete steps toward authenticity. Ongoing support and resources will also be available to ensure continuous growth and reinforcement of the skills learned.

Beyond individual coaching, I am launching a comprehensive Authentic Leader program that spans one year, combining deep learning with practical application. This program will include workshops designed to engage leaders in collaborative learning and sharing experiences, fostering a community of authentic leaders.

I believe that by combining my writing with these coaching and leadership development initiatives, I can truly impact the way leaders connect with themselves and their teams, ultimately creating more genuine and effective leaders in various fields. I’m thrilled to expand my reach and help others cultivate their authentic leadership journey.