In this episode of Unboxing OD, I sit down with Jenn Stevens, an Organizational Development leader whose path into this work is anything but conventional. From firefighter to yoga studio owner to executive coach and L&D leader in tech, Jenn’s story reflects a career stitched together by one consistent thread: a deep commitment to people.
We talk about what it really means to “hustle with heart” - bringing both drive and presence into the work. Jenn shares why presence is the true differentiator in leadership, how she’s built teams with a 100% promotion rate, and the simple but powerful practices that sustain real development: weekly one-on-ones that never get canceled, rotating leadership opportunities, and strengths-based stretch assignments that let people grow into their potential.
This isn’t just theory. Jenn gets candid about the difference between checking the box on development and actually investing in people, why advocating behind closed doors matters, and how the advice to “lead from the seat you’re in” transformed her approach to ownership and leadership.
If you’re looking for a grounded, human perspective on how to develop leaders at every level, this is a conversation worth listening to.
Connect with Jenn Stevens:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenn-stevens-ms/
- Website: https://presenceod.com/
SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2430745/support
CONNECT WITH KENNETH:
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kenneth-pearson
- Pearson & Pearson LLC: www.pearsonpearson.llc
- E-Mail: info@pearsonpearson.llc
TO ORDER "THE FLOW OF FIVE TIERS":
Buy The Flow of Five Tiers: A Framework for Structuring High-Functioning Organizations (20% Off)
THE 21-DAY LEADERSHIP REALIGNMENT
https://www.pearsonpearson.llc/21-day-leadership-realignment
THE 1:1 PATHFINDING SESSION
https://calendly.com/kenneth-pearson/pathfinding-session
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