Hey there Impact Maker!
If you’re new here, I’m so glad you’ve joined us. And if you’ve been part of this community for a while, thank you for coming back each week!
When I restarted this newsletter last month, I did it with one goal in mind: to create something human in a world where so much of what we see online feels increasingly automated. I wanted to share a quick weekly resource you could actually use, something that might make you think, spark an idea, or just offer a fun moment at the end in The Backstage Pass.
But more than anything, I wanted to show up as a real person writing to real people.
I subscribe to several email newsletters myself, and the ones I stick with are the ones that feel like a conversation, not just content. That’s what I hope this becomes for you, too.
So now that we’re four weeks into this experiment, I’d love to know… is this landing for you? Have you found anything useful, interesting, or worth sharing?
The best way to let me know is simple: just hit reply. Your response goes directly to my inbox, and yes, I will be the one reading and replying. 😊
Whether you’ve got a question, some feedback, a different perspective, or just want to say, “Hey, I love horses too, Jennifer!”, I’d genuinely love to hear from you.
Let’s keep this space human, helpful, and a little bit fun.
This Week's Featured Insight
HR is not just a support function — it’s your organization’s secret weapon.
Too many executives still see HR as the place to go for policies, hiring, firing, or performance reviews. But in reality, HR can be one of the most powerful levers for driving business transformation — if it's empowered and equipped to lead strategically.
In this week’s featured insight, I break down how business leaders can unlock the full potential of their HR teams, and how HR professionals can step up as strategic partners.
From mindset shifts to building a business case, you’ll find practical ways to move HR (or any function) from reactive to revolutionary.
Click the link in the box below to read more...
Jennifer on the Business Breakdown Podcast
I recently joined the Business Breakdown podcast to share a behind-the-scenes look at how I built my speaking business, and why relationships have been at the heart of it all.
Host Al Dea and I talk about my journey from corporate HR to the keynote stage, what drew me to professional speaking, and how personal branding helped me show up with clarity and consistency. I also share some of the biggest challenges I’ve faced (hello, pandemic pivot), and how moments of reflection have helped me stay grounded in my purpose — even when the path forward wasn’t clear.
If you’re building a business, growing your personal brand, or simply curious about what it takes to be a paid professional speaker, I think you’ll enjoy this one.
🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts
🎧 Listen on Spotify
3 Resources For You This Week
✍️ IBM CEO says replacing HR staff with AI led to more hiring via People Matters
Lots of nervous conversations are happening this week as a result of IBM's CEO sharing that they're replacing many HR positions with AI tools, and then increasing hiring in growth-focused roles. According to CEO Arvind Krishna, automating some of HR's tasks freed up resources that were redirected toward hiring engineers, salespeople, and other roles that require human creativity and decision-making.
The question that we should be asking? Is this the beginning of the end for traditional HR, or the start of a new era where HR leads the charge in transformation and growth?
🤔 What the heck is a personal brand in 2025? via Creative Boom.
This smart, funny, and very relatable read cuts through the noise around personal branding today. It’s not about curating the perfect grid or chasing algorithms — it’s about how you show up, the work you do, and the values you bring to it.
In a world where everyone is trying to be a thought leader, maybe the most authentic brand is just… being yourself. Consistently and thoughtfully.
🚫 Is HR failing — or just misunderstood?
In one of the most discussed posts I’ve shared recently on LinkedIn, I highlighted Dr. John Sullivan’s data-driven critique of HR’s performance, from strategic impact to diversity, pay equity, and employee trust.
The numbers are hard to ignore, and so are the reactions. The conversation in the comments has taken on a life of its own, with thoughtful insights, strong opinions — and some disagreement — all of which underscore how complex and critical these issues are.
If you haven’t read the post (or weighed in yet), I’d love for you to add your perspective.
The Backstage Pass
A peek behind the curtain into what I’m loving, learning, or laughing about lately.
There’s a new baby in our barn!
This past Saturday, a beautiful pinto colt named Ajay was born where my horses live their best lives — and I’ve already claimed unofficial auntie status!
Ajay’s name means unconquerable or invincible, and if his constant kicking and biting are any indicator, he'll definitely live up to it. 🤣 He’s got the signature markings of his papa (who also happens to be my sweet Nahla’s dad), and he’s the first baby horse for his human mom, who is constantly checking YouTube to find out what his every move means.
Watching their bond form takes me right back to June 2016 when Nahla was born and I spent every evening at the barn with her and her mom (my ❤️ horse, Sarabi), soaking up those first precious months. There’s nothing like the joy of welcoming a new life — and it truly makes my horse crazy heart so happy.
Sharing a photo below so you can fall in love with him too...
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