In this podcast episode, Jennifer McClain, a social impact leader with over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, shares her career journey and insights into leadership and professional growth. Jennifer initially joined the nonprofit world out of necessity and struggled to find her path in the field. She emphasized the importance of faith, family, and friends in helping her make courageous career decisions and navigate challenges.

Jennifer's career trajectory has been marked by her willingness to pivot and adapt. She transitioned between roles, including stints in the government and different nonprofits, searching for her ideal fit. She highlights the significance of lifelong learning and gaining additional qualifications to excel in her chosen field.

Jennifer also shares her experiences of being promoted into management positions without proper training or support. In her early career, she initially adopted a "command and control" style, but later, when promoted in her current organization, she recognized the importance of effective leadership and sought out leadership development programs to enhance her skills.

To conclude, Jennifer provides recommendations for individuals whose leadership is unwilling or unable to invest in their development, emphasizing the importance of seeking out external resources, learning opportunities, and mentors to enhance their leadership skills and advance in their careers. Tune in now.

BIO: Jennifer D. McClain is a distinguished community development leader and nonprofit executive with a

successful history of managing teams and supporting community-focused organizations. Jennifer has

spent over two decades honing her craft. Her talent as a facilitator has allowed her to lead sessions with

over 800 participants since 2013 along with being acknowledged as a noteworthy leader in the industry

by Crain's Chicago Business. As the Senior Director of Economic Opportunity, Wealth Building, and

Leadership Development at LISC Chicago, she leads the programming and funding strategy for their

work in individual economic opportunity, including the network of Financial Opportunity Centers (FOCs).

Jennifer is also the CEO and Founder of Mission ENSPIRE, LLC, where she equips women, nonprofit, and

faith-based organizations to define their purpose and operate at their fullest potential through coaching,

consulting, training, and facilitation.

Key discussion points from this episode include:

• Introduction - 11:07
• Embracing Change and Courage - 17:01
• Longevity at an Organization - 23:09
• Mentorship - 36:28
• Empowering Moment - 53:09
• LLH Questions - 1:03:53

Connect With Denise: https://linktr.ee/denisetaylorlive

Website: www.denisetaylor.live

Facebook: Denise Taylor, Instagram: @denisetaylor.live

Connect with Jennifer: https://missionenspire.com/

Takeaways:

• “I’m proud to be able to show my daughters and my goddaughter and other women what a successful career journey looks like as defined by me, myself, and I, along with the good and the bad.“ - Jennifer McClain
• “As a leader, you can't do everything. That's what you have a team for.” - Jennifer McClain
• “As women in corporate America, whether we wanna admit it or not, we are still running into unspoken barriers.” - Denise Taylor

Life, Love and Happiness Wisdom Questions and Answers:

What is your life wisdom?

• “It's okay to not know something and say you don't know something, and it’s okay to ask for help. That doesn't make you look less intelligent."

What's your love wisdom?

• “Love is patient. Love is kind. It does not envy. It does not boast. It is not proud. It does not dishonor others. It is not self seeking. It is not easily angered. It keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres; love never fails.”

What is your happiness wisdom?

• “You define happiness and is what you make of it. Remember to do things that make you happy."