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Introducing Jennifer Young
Jen describes herself as a recovered-admitted-lawyer-turned-Workplace-Wellbeing-Specialist, Life & Resilience Coach, Facilitator, Mental Health Advocate, Youth Leadership Development Advisor and Writer.
After university, Jennifer moved to Wellington and took up a role in Leadership Development.
During this time, she struggled with the transition from study to work. This was compounded by the fact that her initial workplace had a bullying environment. Over time Jen vowed that she never wanted another person to have this same experience and Intentional Generations was created.
Now, let’s listen to this interview with Jennifer Young…
What was your vision when you first started your venture?
To be a judge and make decisions to help the lives of others. Although, that would be many decades in the future.
At the start of my career, I found myself in such a toxic work environment. I developed anxiety and depression. I had to quickly learn to manage my mental wellbeing. Specifically prioritising my mental health.
The idea for JenY Insites (now Intentional Generations), was influenced by my first working experience. The reality was so different from what I had imagined work-life to be. I was shocked. I never wanted another person to experience that kind of treatment. This influenced my passion to make changes in organisations. Helping others develop the confidence to bring about the understanding of wellbeing and mental health.
I value variety and freedom. Being able to help a range of organisations from corporates, government to schools is important to me. Impacting people, helping them develop skills to navigate life's challenges.
I unintentionally started in 2017 with my blog, JenY Insights. I shared tools, resources and what I’d learnt over the years working in Leadership Development. The vision was to take the training for senior leaders and make it accessible to those less privileged. I also shared my own experience as I trained myself.
After moving from consulting to a corporate learning and development role, I noticed my anxiety starting to return. Part of it may have been the environment, but I had a voice inside telling me to get out. I couldn't ignore it anymore. I had to take my own advice and access my greatest growth by stepping out of my comfort zone.
To form a new habit you need to do something for at least forty days before it becomes automatic. So, I challenged myself to a ’Forty days of Facing Fear’ practice. I was scared of rejection, failing and even succeeding. So I did one thing that scared me every day for forty days. It forced me out of my comfort zone, growing my confidence exponentially. Next, I travelled to Italy and taught English for three months. On returning, I knew that I wanted to help people every day for the rest of my life.
Everybody gets a sense of looking up to people who seem to be doing great things. Think of an amazing person riding a lion. Those watching are in awe. That person seems so crazy and adventurous. The reality is that person is thinking “Holy shit, how do I get off, I’m going to be eaten alive!!!”
That's very much what it is like to be an entrepreneur. I can't take credit for that metaphor. It came from a mentor, Toby Thomas.
How did you deal with early setbacks?
I have a lovely network of friends, called Founders Supporting Founders. We discuss life beyond social media. setbacks and challenges. I committed to being really honest about my challenges publicly.
For the first year and a half, I earned very little. I was giving a lot of my time away fro free. I didn't know how to charge. I had no experience in running a business. I was wearing twenty different hats. CMO, COO, CEO, sales, networking and delivery.
I would get offers to speak at many events, but most would expect me to present for free. Just because I was new. That was an exhausting setback. Nine months in, I was burning the candle at both ends while reminding myself to take care of my wellbeing. It was difficult. People don’t talk about how hard starting a business can be. Especially when you don’t have the luxury to hire help.
Working out my worth, another comfort zone challenge for me. Up until this point nobody had openly talked with me about how to charge for my service. I started by talking to people more experienced in their coaching / public speaking journey. It taught me what was or wasn’t normal to charge. The best bit of advice I received was to charge for your worth. Even if it’s uncomfortable. It’s not just the hour I spend with a client. It’s the preparation beforehand and don’t forget all that training and previous experience. I also learnt, that in a corporate market, if I didn’t charge enough, I wouldn’t be taken seriously and I’d lose the contract.
I have to be assertive and clear on my worth. Time and energy are incredibly precious resources. There are only so many hours in a day. I can't be everywhere providing my service for free. I’ve learnt to be a lot more discerning.
Was there a time that you wanted to give up?
Yes! Two or three times over the last three years. Giving up, or at least taking a break. Finding a job, having a steady paycheque with training, holiday and sick pay.
In reality, I may have had challenging days, but on reflection, it's very clear that I don't want to work in a full-time office environment.
In challenging times, I’ve learnt to ask my network for help. It’s surprised me how generous my community is when I share with vulnerability and openness. So grateful for those in my network. Many have become amazing friends.
I’ve learned to step back, reassess the situation, then make decisions that align with my values.
COVID has been challenging for my business sense. Many people said that they wanted my services, but didn't have the budget. During the New Zealand initial lockdown, I gave away my services at reduced rates or for free. Not sustainable from a business perspective. Thankfully the last two months have massive. I'm booked out until January 2021.
COVID tested my confidence and commitment. Even though I'm supporting hundreds of people, I still need support as well. Luckily, Wellington is the most incredible community.
Particularly over the last year, I learnt that even though I work within wellbeing, understanding all the resources available, I can still struggle. I’ve doubled down on being more compassionate to myself. Just because I work in wellbeing, doesn’t mean I have to be perfect.
Were there any traps that you fell into?
I’ve never shared this before. One trap I’ve learnt to navigate learning to see people’s intentions for meeting with me. Some were professional, others would be asking for my WhatsApp number or to take me out for coffee!
Being a young female, using social media to authentically share my journey publicly, I have to be careful who I agree to meet. I’ve unfortunately had a few meetings with potential clients where I ended up with a dating proposition instead. The way I dress or how friendly I appear could potentially send the wrong message. I’m strict about only meeting new people in a public setting. Sadly, this is still a thing.
Possibly it's because of my caring nature. Maybe it’s from my counselling training and listening skills. Some people may not have experienced this kind of attention.
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What inspires and motivates you?
This podcast gives a great insight into creating a new venture. It’s not all lollipops and rainbows.
Being aware of just how privileged I am. My older brother, Alex, passed away from cancer when I was eight years old. He was my best friend. This keeps me grounded. I often give back to communities that support disable kids or those struggling with cancer.
My mum. She’s one of the most resilient people that I know. She’s lost a child and last year she beat cancer. That was really hard to go through as a family.
Past experiences. The ones I would hate others to experience. They inspire me to do my work. Training people to be more resilient and navigate life’s challenges.
Can you describe a breakthrough that you're particularly proud of?
Completing my forty days of fear challenge. Working out what I wanted from life and taking a stand for it.
During the first year, I treated my work as an experiment. The idea of running a business terrified me. I was only 25! Getting that affirmation that my ‘project’ was working was a huge breakthrough, boosting my confidence. Knowing that one insight I share may not just change someone's mind, but in fact, change their life.
One lady came up to me after an event and said, “I’ve been to most of your events over the last year. There was one event I didn’t feel like attending. I was feeling suicidal, but I went. You shared how you’re guided by getting up, dressing up and showing up every single day. No matter what. No matter how small. Even if it's just getting up, having a shower and going for a walk to the letterbox and back. You stopped me from taking my life that day.” Now that was an ‘oh shit’ breakthrough. Realising what I do is way bigger than me just saying some inspirational stuff. When I started being vulnerable about my struggles with mental health, everything shifted. It removed the perception that I was perfect and helped people relate.
What do you see as being your biggest lesson?
Discovering my vision and what I wanted to do with life. I would rather spend sixty hours per week building my dream than somebody else’s who’s values done align with mine.
During my first career consulting, I was chatting with a senior leader who told me, “Don’t waste your life, figure out what cause and impact that sets your heart alight. You don’t want to get to my age and find that you’re in a job you hate. I’m overweight, my wife is divorcing me, my kids can’t stand me, I have a huge mortgage and I’m totally stuck.” He looked close to tears. That image is still with me.
Spending time reflecting, practising mindfulness, yoga, dance, whatever helps you get to know yourself is one of the best time investments you’ll ever make.
Has your vision always been clear and how has it evolved?
There's pressure to figure out what it is we want from life and to stick with it. But, life isn't linear.
Research says we're going to have at least three careers in a lifetime. But sometimes we have to adapt.
My vision hasn't always been clear. Even now, I’m really busy with a huge variety of clients. I know in the new year I'll be taking time to reflect on my vision.
My vision in January 2020 was very clear. I wanted to be performance dancing (no), run a retreat in Bali (no), write a book (no), run a six-figure business (not quite, thanks COVID I’ll get there).
The reality is that nothing is set in stone. My vision of positively impacting a culture change to be more inclusive, intentional and adaptive is still there. However that happens, I’ll have to figure it out.
What would you do differently if you had to start again from scratch?
I would probably have worked part-time to keep things less financially stressful. Hindsight is a beautiful thing. Instead, I dived straight in after travelling. I was so stubborn and determined not to go back into the corporate world. That financial stress wasn’t fun.
I started working out of the BizDojo from the beginning. I’m so grateful for my time with that community. It taught me so much about building a business, connecting with others and I gained confidence in my skills as a baby coach and speaker.
I would engage a coach or mentor earlier for professional advice also.
CONNECT WITH JENNIFER
If you have enjoyed this article and want to start a conversation with Jen, you can reach out on:
Websites: Intentional Generations
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jenniferjyoung/
Instagram: @jenyinsights
Please don’t forget to tell Jennifer that I sent you.
Interview and photography by Wellington Headshots Photographer Tim Morrison (all rights reserved)