Vanessa Jenkins

I attribute my success to being a natural problem solver and connector who genuinely loves helping people. Once I found that senior leaders kept opening up about their vulnerabilities and asking for leadership support, I realized this was my calling. Getting the coaching certifications and credentials allowed me to bring in the science and actionable strategies, not just mindset work, which made it even more impactful. My time working with military and civilian leaders in government taught me how to empower leaders who already have so much ingrained in them, helping them replicate their leadership, maintain accountability, and communicate their style effectively. What really drives my success is my ability to constantly recreate myself and push boundaries. I'm always innovating rather than repeating the same approaches, and I've been successful at gaining trust to push innovation across both government and consulting roles. I don't do cookie-cutter solutions. I co-create with clients, which leads to authentic engagement and real culture change. Being a force multiplier, showing others how to do things rather than being the only person who knows how, has been key to my impact.

The best career advice I've received came from my mentors, particularly one who taught me that once you realize you can do anything, it's not that hard. I've had a neighbor for about 5 years who has lived a parallel life to mine. We've lived in the same places, traveled to the same places, work in the same industry, and even went to the same high school 20 years apart. She's like my future self, and we chat about recognizing and acknowledging each other, which is so special. Mentors help you see what you're not seeing because we're so busy with everything else. I've also had mentors who champion me, help me get recognition, and genuinely check in beyond just business. One woman I connected with immediately does this beautifully. She'll stop the tactical conversation and say, 'Seriously, just check in with yourself.' That presence and genuine care is the most powerful thing ever. She told me I need to find a champion, and she's committed to doing whatever she can while also checking in with me personally. Having that support, versus someone just saying 'be like me' or 'do it my way,' is what's truly helpful.

Don't use people to compare yourself, but use people to compel yourself. When you see someone doing something amazing, rather than getting jealous and comparing yourself thinking 'I can't do that,' use it as motivation. Say 'I want to do that too' and reach out to them. Use different experiences from other people as a way to compel and fine-tune what you want to do, and calibrate your decisions. Don't just compare and think there are only two buckets, their way or your way. Really pave your own way with that motivation from others.

One of the biggest challenges in my field is shifting organizational culture and ensuring leaders are truly ready and willing to engage in change. At the same time, there’s a strong opportunity to use assessments and co-creation to design tailored solutions that build trust, alignment, and sustained momentum with engaged leaders.

The values most important to me are innovation, pushing boundaries, and making things accessible to everyone. I believe that once you realize you can do anything, it's not that hard, and I don't want to be the only person who knows how to do things. I want to be a force multiplier, showing others how they can do it too, so everyone has access to the same opportunities. I value being a connector and problem solver, helping people get unstuck when they don't know where to start or how to do something. If that's the barrier, I want to knock it out because that's the easy part. Outside of work, I love all four seasons and enjoy snowboarding, paddleboarding, and travel. Being an auntie is an awesome hobby for me. I also listen to the Mel Robbins podcast and James Clear for inspiration. Serving as the Colorado Event Coordinator for SheJumps is deeply meaningful to me because it increases participation of young girls and women in outdoor sports, which aligns with my values of empowerment and community.