Jennifer Howard

I've had some amazing mentors along the way, but it really goes back to my upbringing. When you don't come from a lot, there is this drive that you have, and it just shows up because you want more for your life. I've done all the timelines of where did that drive come from, and it's from my family, one in particular that really gave me opportunity. I always say this - the resilience is quiet, because it is. People just don't know what you're going through, and that's what drives you. Life's challenges, life's not fair always, and that resilience and walking through those moments is where my drive comes from. I have a family I love and support, and I want to be prosperous, and I want to give back. When I'm able to go talk to women about grief and how it's nonlinear and can show up 10 years from now, that is so much of what's defined who I am every day.

I would say that one of the first things that I learned in leadership, and a lot of people get really focused on that title or trajectory to that title, but one of the best things you can do is understand that people follow trust. When you build trust, good things follow. When you're honest, you're consistent, when you show up, that's it. Where trust is built, good things will follow. People may not remember your face or name, but they remember how you made them feel. That's really powerful. And women, you can be breaking inside and still be leading, and it makes you a better leader. It can make you very much a better leader in making decisions and leading teams. You have to anchor yourself in really what are your core values. When you know your core values and you've done those exercises and you have that framework to go back to, you can say yes and you can say no to things, and you can protect your time that way.

I anchor myself in my core values. I've done so many core value exercises and personality assessments, and when you know your core values and have that framework to go back to, you can ask yourself if things align with them, and you can say yes and no to things and protect your time that way. At my core, I'm a strategist. I think about perspective and values and the power that you have in that framework as you move forward. Trust is fundamental to me - people follow trust, and when you build trust, when you're honest and consistent and show up, good things follow. I want to give back, I really do. When I'm able to go talk to women about grief and leadership, helping someone is my goal. That's what I want. I truly want to help and give back.