Welcome to "Pursuit Playbook," where we dive into the journeys of remarkable individuals who are shaping the future with their unique strategies and insights. In this episode, our host Aprileen interviews her long-time friend, Jeanell English, who recently transitioned from a C-Suite corporate executive role to entrepreneur, as co-founder of Elizabeth & Minnie Publishing.
Jeanell shares her story, highlighting the crucial skills she acquired in business school that equipped her for running her own enterprise, emphasising the importance of data analytics, modelling, and accounting. She reflects on her experiences in corporate America, particularly the challenges faced by black women and women of colour, and her dedication to embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) into organisational frameworks.
Jeanell also discusses her passion for book publishing, the significance of intellectual property ownership, and how she leverages her network to create opportunities for herself and others. This episode is rich with wisdom on authentic leadership, the strategic importance of kindness and empathy, and the power of maintaining strong relationships. Whether you're contemplating a career shift, looking to enhance your DEI initiatives, or seeking inspiration to align your career with your core values, this episode offers invaluable guidance.
5 Key Lessons from this episode:
1. The Power of Business Education:
Jeanell underscores how her business school education provided her with essential skills such as data analytics, modelling, and accounting. These competencies have been critical in managing her business and expanding her professional network.
2. Setting Clear DEI Goals:
Jeanell emphasises that effective diversity work requires clear, specific goals to stay focused and create meaningful impact. Her experiences demonstrate how clarity in objectives can transform organisational dynamics.
3. Authenticity and Personal Branding:
Transitioning to entrepreneurship has allowed Jeanell to represent her own values authentically rather than those of an institution. She believes that authentic leadership, driven by personal motivators, is crucial for making a real difference.
4. Mentorship and Strategic Relationships:
Success is often bolstered by the support of mentors, sponsors, and close peers. Jeanell outlines the importance of knowing who holds power within an organisation and building strong, strategic relationships with them.
5. Redefining Success and Embracing Failure:
Jeanell encourages questioning traditional measures of success and urges viewing failures as opportunities for redirection. Her perspective reinforces that failures are learning moments that contribute to long-term growth.
Get to know our Playmakers:
Stay up-to-date with Jeanell's professional journey and initiatives through her social media channels:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanell-english/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeatothenell/
- Publishing Company: https://www.elizabethminnie.com/
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This is an AiAi Studios Production, recorded by Aprileen Alexander in April 2024.
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