Jennifer Spencer’s Post

As I welcomed my third grandchild into the world last week — my daughter’s beautiful baby boy 🩵🍼, my heart overflowed with love and gratitude. I seldom share personal posts, but today I’d like to share that being a grandmother is one of life’s greatest privileges, and with each new addition to our family, I’m reminded of the incredible power of love and connection. [It’s simply magic!] These moments are time to pause and reflect on, if we are fortunate enough, the simple, profound joys of life: the warmth of family, the bond between generations, and the privilege of nurturing and supporting those we care about most. Family has always been at the heart of who I am. Watching my daughters grow from children into the remarkable, strong women they are today — and now mothers themselves, balancing family and rewarding careers — fills me with pride and gratitude. There’s nothing quite like the joy of being there for them, helping when needed or simply being a comforting presence. That’s what love is: showing up, supporting, and being a steady light in their lives. They often call me the ‘helicopter mother’ and I really don’t mind! As a grandmother, my role isn’t to do everything for them but to be present when needed — much like a lighthouse shining a light through life’s uncertain moments. This is how I also approach my career coaching work too. Everyone needs support at different stages of life, whether that’s raising a family or navigating career challenges. It’s important to know it’s okay to lean on others, to ask for help, and to have someone there to guide and encourage you. The love and support I provide my family are the same qualities I bring into my work. I care deeply about the professionals I work with, and just like family, I believe in being there to help my clients grow, achieve, and feel empowered in whatever they set out to do. How do you balance the love of family with the demands of work? I’d love to hear how your family has shaped your journey, both personally and professionally. #careers #family #compassion

What if instead of telling yourself you are taking a step back in your career, you reframe it as passing the torch? The decision to change career paths as a parent is often met with a mix of emotions. There's the clear knowledge that you're doing what's best for your family. A wave of internal conflict can surface though – feelings of giving up, shame, and questioning your identity. It's a struggle many working parents face. Especially moms who often bear the brunt of societal expectations and systemic barriers - but I felt it too as a dad. Stepping back from my career to focus on my family's needs wasn't easy. I wrestled with the shoulds and the coulds, questioning why we couldn't and others managed. What I've learned from my experience and talking to over 50 working parents: There's no one-size-fits-all solution. Your path is yours to define. Here's where the idea of passing the torch comes in. Instead of feeling like you are making a sacrifice or giving up, you are passing along your energy and love to your kids. You are giving them the support they need at a crucial stage of their lives. You are showing them that they matter. It is so easy to see now how that effort I put in my family has paid huge dividends. And here's the good news: it doesn't have to be an either/or. My career path has swerved in so many different ways to match the right balance for that season of our parenting journey. I help working parents find the job they need to do both. Feel accomplished at work and be the parent they want to be. It may look very different than your choices today. If you are drained by work and have nothing left for your kids, send me a DM. Let's shift the narrative around career changes for working parents from one of shame and sacrifice to one of empowerment and intentionality. Maybe it's time to think about passing the torch. #workingparents #careersafterkids #parenting

It’s true, you may not grow up to fulfill your childhood dreams. Land a spacecraft on Mars. Train the next Secretariat. Be America’s Next Top Model (as I clearly thought I was😂). But it doesn’t mean you won’t fall in love with what you do. If you would have told teenage me that I would be THIS passionate about insurance and sales, I would have laughed. Truly. My story is not of one “aha!” moment about my job. And I wish I hadn't spent so much time hoping that it would be. It was more a slow progression of discovering many passions and strengths. Then finding something that aligned with that, while challenging me in the direction I knew would increase my ability to help people. Our future is not black and white, and we should be so grateful for that! If there was one thing I could tell this girl - exactly a decade ago - ALREADY anxious about her path and career, it would be this: - Embrace who you are and don’t wish to be somebody else. - Uncover what makes you unique, and where your strengths lie. - Focus on those things a lot more than which job title you will someday fill. - Work hard and with excellence but be present and let tomorrow care for itself. Your dreams can change and grow. Correction, they WILL. Let them. How exciting, the undiscovered passions ahead. I have an idea! Let’s make the comment section a collection of stories of how your adult career has turned out differently than your childhood dreams, and the joys and lessons of that adventure. If you are feeling the panic of choosing your major or career or just having any sense of direction at all, let THIS be encouragement to you that: 1)     You are in GOOD company (aka 96% of the adult world!!) 2)     You are not “abandoning” or “failing” them – it’s part of growing up! 3)     You have dreams YET to discover, just get out there! Most importantly: Seek more for contentment amidst the uncertainty than for complete clarity. It'll go a lot farther, trust me. Come back here as often as you’d like, & feel free to reach out to me, I am eager to be a resource to you! #ChildhoodtoNow #NewDiscoveries #DontFeartheFuture

On Sept 28, 2014, my life took a pivotal turn when I was arrested for criminal charges and spent 3 months in a wonderful rehab facility called Snohomish County Jail. It marked the day I lost everything and the beginning of my second chance, leading me on a path of recovery and personal growth over the past ten years. Through my journey, I've embraced key principles that have not only guided my recovery but also shaped my approach to my career: **One Day at a Time** - Focusing on the present moment is crucial in building a stable future with less anxiety. Any time you spend stressing on the future takes away from the work needed in the present. **Honesty, Open Mindedness, Willingness** - Being open and honest in all you do can be transformative in your personal and professional life. **Keep your side of the street clean** - Owning up to mistakes and making amends is essential for your serenity and your relationships with others. We are all human, we all make mistakes and owning it can help you grow from it. I am grateful for everyday I get to show up to work at Array Marketing. At Array I’m surrounded by supportive colleagues and mentors who have accepted me (and my past) from Day 1. Their understanding and love have been invaluable as I've transitioned into a career I am truly passionate about. I truly feel like I’ve made a family here. This post is not to seek congratulations but to offer hope to those facing struggles. Remember, tough times will pass, and your strength will shine through when it's most needed. To anyone facing challenges, know that I believe in you, and brighter days are ahead. Even if I don’t know you, know I’m hear to talk if you need an ear. You are not in this alone. Here's to 10 years of sobriety. #PersonalGrowth #RecoveryJourney #CareerSuccess

“one of burnout's more imperceptible aftershocks is that it erodes your ability and willingness to simply brute-force things. It becomes harder to ‘just do' something if you don't have a deeper sense of purpose, or you're not convinced it will lead to the outcome it promises.” Burn out is one of those things that creeps up on you 😪 I experienced it firsthand during the lockdown. My day morphed into meals while being on a virtual meeting to a work chat notification that appeared on the tablet I was using to watch a movie. Balancing personal time became a huge struggle. I struggled to say no to meetings that clashed with other aspects of life. Coupled with the pervasive ‘hustle hard’ work culture that is often found in Asia, I found myself dreading to start my day and eventually feeling emotionally detached all the time. Thankfully, I managed to take a break in between jobs experiencing the quiet roads and parks with social distancing still in place. This allowed me to take peaceful walks out of my home, reconnect with myself and tend to my mental health before moving into the next job 🌿🚶♂️ In the post-pandemic era, it has become extremely important to assert your boundaries in order to achieve your idea work-life arrangement — whether is it through calendar blocking 🗓️ or responding accurately to that meeting invite that is lacking agendas or targeted outcomes. I have learnt that taking control of my time is spent is the key to living a life I can be proud and happy with. It is also the best way to avoid burnout again. #worklifeintegration #worklifebalance #burnoutrecovery

Laid Off From Your Long-Term Position? Are you feeling lost, unfulfilled, or stuck in your current career path - especially after a layoff? This captivating interview with Melissa Georgeoff is a must-watch for anyone seeking inspiration and guidance on navigating life's challenges with faith, resilience, and authenticity. ✅ Witness the Transformative Power of Faith Melissa's story is a testament to the healing and transformative power of faith. Discover how she found solace, strength, and clarity during her darkest moments, ultimately paving the way for a renewed sense of purpose. ✅ Overcome Insecurities and Imposter Syndrome Many of us struggle with self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and fear of not being "good enough." Melissa shares her battles with insecurity and reveals how she overcame limiting beliefs, to embrace her true worth and potential with guidance by the irrepressible Taavo Godtfredsen. ✅ Redefine Your Legacy Melissa's advocacy for people with disabilities is a powerful reminder of the impact we can have when we align talents and passions to a greater cause. Be inspired by her journey, from a small-town girl to a trailblazer in the complex wheelchair industry, championing the rights and visibility of an often-overlooked community. If you're seeking a career change, personal growth, or simply a dose of inspiration, this interview is for anyone striving to be seen and make an impact. Link to full interview in comments. 👇 Overcome adversity and create a life that truly matters. #overcomingimposter #overcominginsecurity #disabilityadvocacy #purposedriven #impostersyndrome

Reflecting on my time spent within the walls of one company, it's like flipping through the pages of a deeply personal diary. This journey, spanning numerous years, wasn't just about climbing the corporate ladder; it was about the countless lessons learned, the shared smiles, and sometimes, the shared tears. It's been a journey of not just professional, but profound personal growth - in the healthcare field, yes, but also in understanding the human spirit. I am so grateful for the people I've worked with and many who are like family to me. This path taught me the beauty of giving without expecting, the strength found in compassion, and how vital our community is. It's a legacy of love, empathy, and philanthropy I'm proud to pass on to my children. These aren't just values; they're the essence of who we are, guiding us in how we interact with the world and give back to those around us. And now, I find myself pondering a question, one that feels particularly pertinent to our times: Is the true essence of professional success found in staying rooted with one company, nurturing depth, and continuity? Or does it lie in spreading our wings, exploring diverse terrains across different organizations to gather a bouquet of skills and perspectives? I'd love to hear your stories. Have you found your niche in the steadfast loyalty to one company, or have you discovered your rhythm in the adventure of new beginnings? How have these choices shaped not just your career but the person you've become? Let’s turn this into a conversation, a sharing of paths walked, and lessons learned. I believe there’s so much we can learn from each other's experiences. #CareerJourneys #LifeLessons #GivingBack #CommunitySpirit #PersonalGrowth #Risingtothetop #BrowardHealth

Yesterday, I read an excerpt by Jon Tyson on midlife psychology. As I wade into the midlife waters, I found it to be particularly insightful. Tyson compares and contrasts what he calls “the first adulthood” with “the second adulthood.” On the second adulthood, he says: "The beginning of the second adulthood is about ruthless honesty with ourselves and deep introspection. We need to come to terms with who we actually are, not who we wish we could be. We have to acknowledge our weakness, break our addiction to the immediate and spectacular, and cultivate a new kind of life. We have to learn to tend to the things we have neglected and dismissed in our pursuit of mission, impact, and change. But what makes this so hard is that we are facing things in ourselves we don’t know how to confront. We find that though we may be experts in impact, we can be infants in insight. We are forced to confront that which has been buried in the soil of our ambition, the dark stuff of the soul that if not tended to will poison the public fruit of our lives.” I’ll leave the personal insights in my bedside journal, but I kept coming back to this as an organizational leadership principle for nonprofits. If you are a leader of a nonprofit organization that has recently experienced #layoffs or #cutbacks after a season of unparalleled growth, lean in here. “We have to learn to tend to the things we have neglected and dismissed in our pursuit of mission, impact, and change.” ❓ What are those things that have been neglected in your season of growth? We find that though we may be experts in impact, we can be infants in insight. ❓ What insights are lacking? What do you need to learn? I encourage you to not rush into the mid-life crisis pitfall of trying to “relive the first adulthood.” In an organization, this could look like bringing in fresh new talent or launching a big new strategy that drives toward more impact, more success, more recognition. If you embrace this “second adulthood” you may discover, as Tyson has, that “there is a new confidence and humility that emerges through a sober assessment about what [you] are good at, what [you] are called to, and what actually fills the heart” of your organization. #organizationalleadership #organizationalchange #nonprofitleadership #leadership

To all of you in midlife, here is your call to action from Brene Brown. This is my favorite: "You were made to live and love with your whole heart. It’s time to show up and be seen." "I think midlife is when the universe gently places her hands upon your shoulders, pulls you close, and whispers in your ear: I’m not screwing around. It’s time. All of this pretending and performing – these coping mechanisms that you’ve developed to protect yourself from feeling inadequate and getting hurt – has to go. Your armor is preventing you from growing into your gifts. I understand that you needed these protections when you were small. I understand that you believed your armor could help you secure all of the things you needed to feel worthy of love and belonging, but you’re still searching and you’re more lost than ever. Time is growing short. There are unexplored adventures ahead of you. You can’t live the rest of your life worried about what other people think. You were born worthy of love and belonging. Courage and daring are coursing through you. You were made to live and love with your whole heart. It’s time to show up and be seen." ~ Brené Brown If you are a woman in midlife, or care about someone who is, I can guide you to reclaim your confidence, courage, clarity and commitment in your worlds of work. Do any of these questions reflect your current state of being? ~Have you been working for a while and seek new meaning for your career and life? ~Have you been seeking that promotion or considering landing elsewhere? ~Have you an idea to start that business or a philanthropic endeavor? ~Are you considering re-entering the workforce, and just don't know your place? If any of these resonate with you, please reach out to schedule an informative discovery call with me. #midlife #women #career BTW, this image is me swimming 8 lengths of a pool for the first time!

Fired up Fridays, here we go!: 1. I spent some time in Park City last weekend. While it's only 20ish minutes away from my home in SLC, it felt like a world away. It was incredible watching older adults down to small children geared up and attacking the slopes. As skiers finished their runs and returned to the lift, I saw plenty of smiles, heard tons of laughter, and witnessed loads of joy. Whatever you love, my hope is that you can get out and participate in that activity or experience this weekend! Flame of fun earned 🔥! 2. I really botched a training this week. I can't really explain where it started going awry, nor why...all I know is that it wasn't my best showing. This is upsetting and disappointing and infuriating and confusing. And, it's also, a really good thing. Professionally, I always want to be on my "A" game and hitting homeruns and crushing it! However, there's a lot to learn and take away from when we miss the mark and get off track. With much reflection and synthesis, I have already started to make sense of where to improve, how to go about doing so, and why these steps would be meaningful to me and those my work impacts. Roaring humble fire on this one 🔥🔥! 3. The free agency period is officially open in the WNBA! And movement has already started. Free agency (in any league) is always a fascinating time for me. To see strategies and ambitions start to unfold on the part of organizations and individual players alike, is quite telling. For example, Natasha Cloud, who has only played her professional career with the Washington Mystics is taking her talents to the Phoenix Mercury. Might she desire a change of leadership? Role? Environment or team dynamics? This reminds me that no matter the industry you work in, organizations are always looking ahead and employees are complex beings with many intersections of needs, goals, and identities that require attention and fulfillment. Employer/employee splits will happen, the question becomes why they happen. And, are we facilitating positive and progressive departures, or playing a role in ugly and unfortunate ones? Blazing down the court here 🔥🔥🔥!