The Runway Podcast Episode 6: Leading with Courage, Vulnerability, and Humanity in Uncertain Times with our guest Jennifer Brown

In the corporate world, queer and trans professionals are often told to bring their “whole selves” to work—yet the runway isn’t always built for us. Over the past few years, we’ve watched companies navigate a massive transformation, followed by an aggressive backlash against corporate DEI programs. From “DEI hushing” to shifting corporate commitments, DEI practitioners and workplace leaders find themselves standing in a complex, liminal space.

In Episode 6 of The Runway, co-hosts Stephanie Battaglino and Erica Vogel sit down with author, keynote speaker, and leadership evolution authority Jennifer Brown. Together, they explore how to lead through disruption, navigate the loss of familiar structures, and discover the power of rediscovery.

Key Takeaways from the Conversation

1. Evolving Beyond the “Shape” of the ExpertAfter running a successful DEI firm for over two decades, Jennifer shares her personal journey through the stages of grief and acceptance as the external landscape shifted. Being attached to a specific “shape”—whether a job title or a consulting model—can block growth. Change is constant, and our value lies in making meaning, building community, and staying grounded in our purpose.
2. Moving Past the Era of CertaintyThe days of top-down leadership, rigid certainty, and scripts are over. Leaders who succeed in this moment are those willing to say, “I don’t have all the answers, but here are our core values, and here is how we will navigate this together.”
3. Humanity and Trust over Short-Term ThinkingWhen organizations default to pure risk mitigation and short-term shareholder pressures at the expense of human safety and belonging, trust breaks down. Groundbreaking ideas and strategic innovation stem from an environment of psychological safety and authentic connection.
4. Finding Beauty in the “Winter”In her latest 2026 release,
   The Shape of Change on Leadership, Resilience, and the Urgent Art of Becoming More Human Together,
   Jennifer reflects on how life and business move in cycles. A winter season isn’t the end; it’s a quiet period of deep preparation, reflection, and reinvention for what lies ahead.

Featured Quote

“We can’t wait for the storm to pass. We are learning to dance in the rain.” — Jennifer Brown

🎧 Listen to Episode 6 now on Spotify!

📺 Watch the Video Episode: Catch the full edition on our digital home at Leading From the Heart on
Substack.

🤝 Connect with Jennifer: Find and network with Jennifer Brown directly on
LinkedIn.

We’d love to hear your thoughts!

How is your organization navigating corporate inclusion and allyship in the current landscape?

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therunwaypc@gmail.com
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We’re paving the way together, and we’ll see you next time on The Runway.

— Stephanie & Erica