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.
IG: @aiai.studios //
Website: www.aiaistudios.com
