Dr. Jen Bennett | The Unexpected Influencer

In this episode of She Impacts Culture, we're joined by Dr. Susan DeWoody, who shares her straightforward yet powerful insights on leadership. Through her journey, Susan discusses the loneliness that often comes with being at the top, the importance of staying true to oneself despite external pressures, and why making mistakes is crucial to growth and innovation. Her experiences shed light on the realities of leadership and the unexpected benefits of embracing imperfection. Today's episode is all about Pivoting with Purpose! 

 We specifically chat through:

• Embracing Pivots: Susan shares how she navigated shifts and steered her career in new directions, highlighting the strength of flexibility and growth from welcoming new opportunities.
  
  
• Navigating Leadership's Lonely Path: Susan sheds light on the isolation that can accompany leadership roles and how she found her way through it, offering insights into building connections while leading.
  
  
• Breaking Free from Expectations: Susan shares her journey of discarding conventional expectations to embrace her true identity, highlighting the importance of authenticity in leadership and life.
  
  
• The Value of Mistakes: Learn from Susan's perspective on why making mistakes is essential for growth and innovation and how embracing them can lead to unexpected success.

Leadership is not just about guiding others but also about navigating one's path with the courage and confidence God has instilled within us. Susan's journey reminds us that while leadership can be a solitary road, it is also an opportunity for impactful personal growth and connection. By being fully who God created us to be, acknowledging our imperfections, and learning from our mistakes, we can lead with greater impact and authenticity. Let's walk our leadership paths with faith, embracing the lessons God places before us to impact culture through our faith, work, and leadership!

Connect with Susan:
Website: https://strataleadership.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susandewoody/

Dr. Susan DeWoody is a proud first-generation college graduate, lifelong learner,

solution finder and champion for the underdog.

Prior to joining Strata Leadership as President, Dr. DeWoody was part of the non-

profit leadership sector of CarterBaldwin Executive Search, a firm listed among

the top 1% of search firms in the nation by Hunt Scanlon. For the past 20 years,

she has served in multiple areas on college and university campuses: recruitment,

advising, campus life, NCAA DII athletics, and academic affairs to name a few.

Her most recent academic post involved serving on the president’s cabinet at

Oklahoma Baptist University as the first female Provost in the institution’s more

than 113-year history.

Dr. DeWoody earned the Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership in

Higher Education Administration from Dallas Baptist University. She earned

the Master of Science in College Student Personnel Services from Northeastern

State University where she completed a graduate assistantship for the Dean of

Enrollment Management. She earned the Bachelor of Science in Education from

Arkansas Tech University and an Associates of Arts degree from University of

Arkansas – Fort Smith.

Although she has also lived in Arkansas, Texas, and North Carolina, her heart

and her roots are firmly planted in Oklahoma. She has been married to Dr. Dale

DeWoody (English PhD and educator) since 2003.

Dr. DeWoody believes deeply in the never-ending pursuit of learning and has a

strong desire to inspire others to be intentional about finding their purpose.

Friends welcome to another episode of the She Impacts Culture podcast! Today, I'm thrilled to introduce our guest, Andrea Cunard, the driving force behind Phenix Counseling. Andrea's journey is a testament to resilience and faith, shaped by navigating through life's wilderness moments. From the humble beginnings of her counseling practice to the personal trials she's confronted, Andrea joins us to share her valuable insights on living authentically and purposefully. Today's episode is all about Finding Purpose in the Wilderness.

 We specifically chat through:

• Embracing the Unknown: Finding Purpose in the Wilderness
• The Power of Faith: Trusting God's Process in Business and Life
• Nurturing Connections: Cultivating Genuine Relationships and Seeking Guidance

Andrea shares her experiences and wisdom, offering valuable perspectives on cultivating authentic relationships and seeking guidance in both personal and professional spheres. Whether you're navigating your own wilderness moments or seeking inspiration to propel you forward, this conversation promises practical advice and encouragement. So, as you journey onward, may you find courage in embracing life's both-and, trusting in God's process, and nurturing authentic relationships that guide and sustain you. Remember, you're never alone, and every step forward brings you closer to the Purpose and fulfillment that await you.

Connect with Andrea:
Website: https://phenixcounseling.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/phenixcounseling/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phenixcounseling/

My heart’s desire is to facilitate your mental and emotional freedom. I love creating the space and processes for you to discover your true self and to create healthy relationships from that place of authenticity. I enjoy helping you apply all of this to the workplace as well – whether identifying your calling or building a healthy culture for those you lead.

I’m known for creating accessible processes for healing and development within a warm, no-judgment relationship.  It started with earning my master’s degree in counseling back in 2003. My unplanned discovery of counseling when I lost my mother had inspired me to return to school as a young mom to pursue this profession. Life was full of blessings but also included a difficult marriage, a beautifully complex daughter with a chronic illness, confronting the details of my own adoption history which had never been discussed, facing the cultural ramifications of being a first generation adult in the US (coming from Jamaica), then losing my daughter and a few years later, my marriage. By the grace of God, I managed to complete a rigorous PhD in counselor education and supervision in the midst of it all. Education, training and life experience combined to create an expertise in human transformation. I’m now a ‘wilderness’ guide, walking others through trauma recovery, grief, loss, and building identity. I also find myself shepherding adoptees who want to process the dynamics unique to us, which were swept under the rug when we were kids.   

Outside the counseling room, I invest in partnerships that merge faith and psychology. Coaching local leaders to build lay counseling ministries across the globe is how you will find me serving others. Today, I am blessed to be in a healthy marriage. We have a ‘spicy’ cat named Kameko. I get excited about planning and running holistic retreats.  When I’m not at my desk, you can often find me working on an art project, listening to music, reading, watching something funny, hiking or traveling.  

Today's guest on the She Impacts Culture podcast is Wendy Puffer, Owner and Chief Executive Officer of Marion Design Co., a social design studio committed to the revitalization of downtown Marion through empowering community assets. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of faith in action, the significance of presence, and breathing new life into cities! 

In this episode, we specifically chat through:

• Designing a life of purpose
• The transformative power of presence
• Reshaping perceptions
• Nurturing authentic connections within communities 

Friends, if you find yourself in a season of wanting to revitalize your city, community, or work, this episode is a must-listen. Wendy's insights and experiences offer a roadmap to inspire change and impact. Wendy's journey of faith intersecting with design to breathe new life into Marion, Indiana, will encourage you! Her story is a testament to the transformative power of faith in action to nurture stronger communities.

Connect with Wendy:
Website: https://www.mariondesign.co/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mariondesignco
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariondesignco/

Wendy Puffer, NCIDQ, is the Owner and Chief Executive Officer of Marion Design Co., social design studio committed to the revitalization of downtown Marion through empowering community assets. Her design staff of professionals and interns have created design throughout the city such as the Marion City Brand and Marion Health’s (MGH) recent rebrand and hosted events such as the Marion Made Fashion Show and Market. As a licensed interior designer, her design is scattered throughout Grant County and beyond. She launched two design programs at IWU; Interior Design and Design for Social Impact. As a professor, she led teams to paint murals on the Sweetser Cafe and on Converse Mainstreet, directed eight teams to build temporary facade designs on the downtown square, and co-launched Marion Design Co. with design colleagues in 2016. She earned a Design Thinking MFA in 2016 which expanded her collaborative offerings to empowering business and organizations to creatively solve “wicked problems” through innovative solutions. She’s been married to Dr. Keith Puffer, IWU Psychology Professor for 36 years and has three adult children located in New York, Los Angeles, and Indianapolis.

In this episode of the She Impacts Culture podcast, I'm reflecting on the challenges and opportunities of balancing family, faith and career - a daily juggling act for many of us in the marketplace. Today’s episode is all about Navigating Priorities! 

 I specifically chat through:

• Identifying your top priorities, including family, faith, and career.
• Being bold and saying no to commitments that don't align with your priorities.
• Communicating your boundaries at work to align with your faith.
• Standing firm in your beliefs and priorities, even when facing uncertainty.

Friends, we often face choices and challenges that test our boundaries and priorities. It's not always easy, and sometimes, the path forward isn't clear. But remember, it's okay to stand firm in your beliefs and prioritize what truly matters to you, even when you don't have all the answers about how things will turn out. Why? Because we have a God who cares about the details of our lives and is by our side!

Connect with Jen:
Website: https://drjenbennett.com/
#BeWorthFollowing Book: http://amzn.to/2H4gn9m
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjenbennett/
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjenbennett/

Dr. Jen Bennett is a passionate educator with over two decades of experience. She currently holds the role of Assistant Professor of Entrepreneurship and Endowed Faculty in Business Entrepreneurship at Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU), where she has the privilege and opportunity to build, teach, lead, and empower the next generation of leaders who can make a significant impact in the marketplace.
 
 Beyond academia, Jen has been recognized as one of the "65 Women in Digital You Should Be Following" and selected as one of 55 social media influencers to attend #NASASocial for the Falcon Heavy Rocket Launch. She’s also authored the book, "#BeWorthFollowing," and is the host of the She Impacts Culture Podcast.
 
Jen’s passion lies in building, teaching, leadership, and fostering success in others. She equips college students and women to positively impact their communities, providing them with the practical skills they need to thrive in the vocations they've been called to.

Welcome to the She Impacts Culture Podcast, where today, I have the pleasure of hosting my friend and work colleague, Dr. Jennifer Noseworthy, a plant biologist and an incredible professor at Indiana Wesleyan University. I'm thrilled to introduce you to Jen as we explore her life's work, her deep passion for biology, and the meaningful difference she's making in science and here in Marion, Indiana! Today's Episode is all about Planting Seeds of Change! 

In this episode, we specifically dive into:

• Jennifer's Journey: Cultivating a childhood love for plants inspired by her grandmothers.
• Faith-Fueled Teaching: Making science accessible through storytelling, linking it to everyday life and Scripture.
• Career Infused with Purpose: How faith empowers impactful career choices.
• The Power of Community: Unlocking potential in all, with small steps leading to great change.
• Defying Time Constraints: Pursuing passion as the driving force behind effective time management.
• Empowering Women: Championing self-advocacy, pushing boundaries, and celebrating self-worth.

Friends, Dr. Jen Noseworthy, is one of a kind! I know her inspiring journey will encourage and motivate you as you seek to live the life God has called you to. Her journey and story remind us that as we pursue the God-given passions that He has planted within us, we can impact culture right where we are! With small steps, we can have a career filled with purpose while supporting the community God has placed us in. 

Connect with Jen:

IWU Alliance Gardens: https://www.instagram.com/iwu.alliance.gardens/

Dr. Jennifer Bonina Noseworthy is an Associate professor of Biology at Indiana Wesleyan University and Director of the IWU Alliance Garden. She teaches a range of courses, including Crops and Society, Plant Biology, and Environmental Science in the Division of Natural Sciences. Jennifer has 10+ years of experience in academic advising focused on helping students navigate their undergraduate journey through professional development and mentorship. Her passion for advising stems from her own undergraduate experience when her academic advisor helped her realize her passion for plant biology. Watching students transform during their academic journey is the most gratifying experience! Jennifer’s other passion is to serve as the director of the IWU Alliance Garden, whose mission is to produce food utilizing sustainable agriculture. She enjoys interacting with the garden interns while working alongside them during the growing season. When she is not teaching, Jennifer enjoys traveling and being outdoors, which she does often with her husband and two daughters in their RV.

In this episode of the She Impacts Culture podcast, we're joined by Dawn Conwell, from single mom to serial entrepreneur and community leader in Marion, Indiana. Dawn walks us through her journey from being a single mom with just $20 in her bank account and a tank of gas to kickstarting her cleaning business. She shares the importance of perseverance, faith, and community support in her entrepreneurial journey. 

In this episode, Dawn and I specifically chat through: 

• Embracing the Spirit of an Entrepreneur
• The Power of Determination
• Making Decisions When Tired
• Exploring Different Business Ventures
• Trusting God and Staying Strong

Dawn's inspiring journey from a single mom to a serial entrepreneur and community advocate is a testament to the power of perseverance, unwavering faith, and community support. Her story is a reminder that success takes time and hard work, but with determination, the right mindset, and an unyielding faith in God, you can reach your goals and step confidently into your vocational calling. Dawn's message is simple: seek God, trust God, stay the course, and don't give up.

Connect with Dawn:
True Envy Boutique FB and IG: https://www.facebook.com/trueenvyboutique and  https://www.instagram.com/trueenvyboutique/
Ashley’s Ice Cream FB: https://www.facebook.com/ashleysicecreamcafe

Welcome to the first episode of the #SheImpactsCulture podcast in 2024! Are you ready to kickstart this year with a fresh perspective? If 2023 threw some unexpected challenges your way – much like the curveball of my house fire– stick around. We're looking back to move ahead in 2024!

In this episode, I specifically chat through:

• God's unwavering faithfulness, even in the face of challenges.
• The significance of embracing your current situation instead of rushing into change.
• The art of finding purpose and making an impact in everyday, ordinary moments.
• Discovering untapped passion and purpose in the unknown.
• Recognizing God's purpose in your current job and community.

Friends, what did 2023 teach you, and how can those lessons shape your journey in 2024? Life's challenges are often our greatest teachers. If you're ready to face this new year with a renewed perspective, then I want to encourage you to set aside some time to be still and allow God to share His insight with you as you step into this new year with confidence and courage. 

Thank you for joining me on the #SheImpactsCulture podcast. May this year bring abundant blessings and opportunities as you seek God and His path for you!

Connect with Jen:
Website: https://drjenbennett.com/
#BeWorthFollowing Book: http://amzn.to/2H4gn9m
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjenbennett/
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjenbennett/

Dr. Jen Bennett is a passionate educator with over two decades of experience. She currently holds the role of Assistant Professor of Entrepreneurship and Endowed Faculty in Business Entrepreneurship at Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU), where she has the privilege and opportunity to build, teach, lead, and empower the next generation of leaders who can make a significant impact in the marketplace.
 
Beyond academia, Jen has been recognized as one of the "65 Women in Digital You Should Be Following" and selected as one of 55 social media influencers to attend #NASASocial for the Falcon Heavy Rocket Launch. She’s also authored the book, "#BeWorthFollowing," and is the host of the She Impacts Culture Podcast.

Jen’s passion lies in building, teaching, leadership, and fostering success in others. She equips college students and women to positively impact their communities, providing them with the practical skills they need to thrive in the vocations they've been called to.

Friends, welcome to episode #110 of the She Impacts Culture podcast, Everyday Beauty! As I stand here on the cusp of a new year, I'm filled with overwhelming gratitude for each of you, my faithful listeners. Because of your unwavering support and encouragement in my life, we've journeyed together past the incredible mark of 100 episodes. You are the heartbeat of this podcast, and I can't thank you enough. 

Also, here we are, getting ready to say goodbye to a year that's been both beautiful and challenging—2023. It's been a year marked by unexpected challenges and surprising beauty. Join me on this episode as I reflect on the highs and lows, the blessings and trials, and uncover the profound beauty that can emerge from life's most trying moments. Friends, God is good and can be trusted no matter what life throws our way.

As we say goodbye to 2023 and step into the unknown of 2024, I want to leave you with a powerful challenge. In 2024, let's actively seek out and celebrate "Everyday Beauty." Take those ordinary moments in your daily life, capture them, and share them using the hashtag #EverydayBeauty. Whether it's a simple morning routine, a vibrant sunset, or a smile from a stranger, let's uncover the hidden beauty that surrounds us daily. It's time to see the remarkable in the ordinary. I can't wait to embark on this journey of discovery with you in 2024. Together, we'll find beauty in the most unexpected places, and in doing so, we'll draw even closer to the One who makes all things beautiful. 

I look forward to reuniting on January 4th right here on the She Impacts Culture podcast! Let's embrace the #EverydayBeauty challenge with open hearts and eyes. Merry Christmas Friends!

Connect with Jen:
Website: https://drjenbennett.com/
#BeWorthFollowing Book: http://amzn.to/2H4gn9m
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjenbennett/
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjenbennett/

Dr. Jen Bennett is a passionate educator with over two decades of experience. She currently holds the role of Assistant Professor of Entrepreneurship and Endowed Faculty in Business Entrepreneurship at Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU), where she has the privilege and opportunity to build, teach, lead, and empower the next generation of leaders who can make a significant impact in the marketplace.
 
 Beyond academia, Jen has been recognized as one of the "65 Women in Digital You Should Be Following" and selected as one of 55 social media influencers to attend #NASASocial for the Falcon Heavy Rocket Launch. She’s also authored the book, "#BeWorthFollowing," and is the host of the She Impacts Culture Podcast.
 
Jen’s passion lies in building, teaching, leadership, and fostering success in others. She equips college students and women to positively impact their communities, providing them with the practical skills they need to thrive in the vocations they've been called to.

In this new episode on the #SheImpactsCulture podcast, Jenni Catron, founder of The 4Sight Group, shares her inspiring professional journey. Jenni's life pursuit has been to uncover her God-given gifts and cultivate those with great passion and purpose. Her story begins in a small Midwest town and leads to the world of music, where she was employed by one of the world's leading music companies. She traveled the globe, marketing, branding, and promoting top Christian music artists. From there, she transitioned into full-time ministry and leadership development. In this episode, Jenni shares the unexpected turns in her career and the valuable lessons she's learned along the way. Jenni's story reminds us that life's most profound opportunities often arise when we least expect them. Today's episode is all about Unexpected Opportunities.  

In this episode, we specifically chat through:

• What healthy leadership looks like
• The significance of understanding and embracing your leadership philosophy
• The challenge of staying present and grateful in the midst of ambition and forward-thinking
• The impact of not burning bridges and the unexpected opportunities that may arise from past connections
• Embracing the unpredictability of the professional journey

Friends, Jenni's story is a testament to life's twists and turns. Sometimes, the bridges we build and maintain from our past can lead us to incredible opportunities in the future. Let's embrace the unpredictability of our professional journeys and welcome the unexpected with courage. In those unexpected moments and unforeseen detours, we often find the work we were created to do. So, as you navigate your path, stay open to the surprises, and have faith that each twist in the road is leading you to the place God wants you for that season of life.

Connect with Jenni:
Website: https://www.get4sight.com/
Podcast: https://podcast.get4sight.com/
Free Resources: https://www.get4sight.com/resources#free-resources
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/get4sight/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennicatron/

Jenni Catron is a writer, speaker, and leadership expert whose passion is to lead well and to inspire, equip and encourage others to do the same. She speaks at conferences nationwide, seeking to help others develop their leadership gifts and lead confidently. As Founder and CEO of The 4Sight Group, she consults with individuals and teams on leadership and organizational health. 

Jenni is the author of several books including Clout: Discover and Unleash Your God-Given Influence and The 4 Dimensions of Extraordinary Leadership. Jenni writes regularly at www.get4sight.com and contributes to a number of other online publications as well. Outreach Magazine has recognized her as one of the thirty emerging influencers reshaping church leadership. 

Jenni loves a fabulous cup of tea, great books, learning the game of tennis, and hiking with her husband. 

Friends, today I’m compelled to share a message that the Lord has continued to press upon me over the past year. This message centers around Jeremiah 29:7, which states, “But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” It’s a verse and message that I can’t get out of my mind, and today, I want to share with you what the Lord has impressed upon me: Seeking the Welfare of the City. 

 Some of the main points I dive into include:

• The Call to Seek the Welfare of the City: Jeremiah 29:7 reminds us of the importance of loving and serving our communities.
• Answering the call to Marion, Indiana: My personal story of answering the call to move to Marion, Indiana, and the initial emotional challenges faced.
• Motivation to Work for the City: We are called not to withdraw from our cities and communities but to actively pursue their well-being. Our own welfare is intertwined with the well-being of the city where God has placed us.
• Ways You Can Begin to Seek the Welfare of Your City: I share some practical, actionable ways you can begin seeking the welfare of your city: Pray, Learn, Enjoy, Open, Engage, and Be. 

Friends, our faith calls us to actively engage with and enhance the places where we live and work. Whether you are called to a thriving metropolis or a struggling community, the message remains the same: seek the welfare of the city where God has placed you. Through prayer, continuous learning, embracing community life, opening your doors to others, active engagement, and being a good neighbor, you can live out your faith and make a meaningful impact. Fully embrace the call to seek the welfare of your city, for in doing so, you will also find your own welfare.

Connect with Jen:
Website: https://drjenbennett.com/
#BeWorthFollowing Book: http://amzn.to/2H4gn9mInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjenbennett/
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjenbennett/

Dr. Jen Bennett is a passionate educator with over two decades of experience. She currently holds the role of Assistant Professor of Entrepreneurship and Endowed Faculty in Business Entrepreneurship at Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU), where she has the privilege and opportunity to build, teach, lead, and empower the next generation of leaders who can make a significant impact in the marketplace.

Beyond academia, Jen has been recognized as one of the "65 Women in Digital You Should Be Following" and selected as one of 55 social media influencers to attend #NASASocial for the Falcon Heavy Rocket Launch. She’s also authored the book, "#BeWorthFollowing," and is the host of the She Impacts Culture Podcast.
 
Jen’s passion lies in building, teaching, leadership, and fostering success in others. She equips college students and women to positively impact their communities, providing them with the practical skills they need to thrive in the vocations they've been called to.