Conversations with Jenna Washnieski

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenna Washnieski.

Hi Jenna, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in rural northern Wisconsin, and my access to activities, entertainment and socializing was more limited than most. Looking back, this shaped me in a way I’m incredibly grateful for. My imagination, problem solving and ability to create the world I wanted to see, all came from this early age.

If I wanted something to happen, I took the initiative to make it so. I think this mentality is what landed me in leadership roles my whole life – from elementary school into adulthood. It came naturally to see possibilities, communicate a vision, influence situations and galvanize people. I knew early on I was born to be a leader.

Throughout my journey in leadership, I’ve made it my mission to keep my life as balanced and blended as possible. I’ve never wanted my life to feel limited or small. I regularly reflect on how I can harness the imaginative spirit of that young, country-mouse that was always playing, dreaming and creating. This fierce pursuit of balance and expansiveness has been my core approach to life.

For instance, while in grad school, I knew the identity of “grad student and teaching assistant” might feel limiting. To expand my identity, I attended a middle-eastern dance class. I loved it. My body felt at home with the music and I felt unstoppable. I have a journal entry after that first class that says, “Wouldn’t it be cool to get really good at this?” Fast forward a couple years, and I was dancing professionally with the company, and performing regularly in local restaurants, festivals, clubs and parties. In addition to my full-time work at a nonprofit, I was spending an average of 15 hours a week dancing. My pursuit of passions outside of work allowed me to feel like my whole self inside of work. It’s so important to pay attention to things that feel good and create space for them in your life, no matter what. (And never underestimate the power of writing something down – hello manifestation!)

My career brought me to Kansas City nearly 10 years ago. I led a regional nonprofit and had the opportunity to further refine my love of leadership through this experience. Over time, I noticed the leadership qualities that created strong teams and cultures, as well as the qualities that stifled trust, innovation and fun. It was through this process that I decided to pursue my coaching certification and delve deeply into leadership development. Additionally, I’m a yoga instructor and have practiced consistently for over 15 years. I love finding opportunities to integrate yoga philosophy into leadership development, and aim to help people discover the deep well of inner wisdom, strength and resilience they possess.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
A smooth road is a boring road! Thank goodness for the bumps in the road that reshuffle us and show us what we’re capable of!

First off, like many people at the midpoint of their career, I discovered there’s not one true ladder of success. I followed the path I thought was “supposed to” in order to create a happy life. I had the job, the marriage, the house…but still didn’t feel happy. Around the time I turned 40, I understood happiness is truly an inside job. I worked hard to get my external and internal worlds arranged so I could align more effortlessly to the person I desired to become. It takes courage to make those changes. People often believe you need to be confident to embark on a challenging journey, when in fact, what you need is courage. I firmly believe confidence is a byproduct of doing brave things.

The concept of confidence is important to me because for a long time, I lost my confidence. In my mid-30s, I moved to KC and stepped into an executive leadership role, overseeing a three-state region. In retrospect, it was a bumpy and lonely transition. Even though I had the skills to do the job, a voice inside me told me I wasn’t qualified. This voice convinced me I had to prove my worth and didn’t deserve the role. As much as I showed up externally with self-assuredness, internally I was constantly questioning myself. I felt disconnected with the most foundational version of myself, and made myself small. I somehow forgot who I was. Reclaiming my confidence came in the form of naming my values, living courageously into them and giving myself grace to be imperfect. It was such a gamechanger and is something I regularly work on with clients.

We all walk around with a little voice telling us we’re not good enough. Rather than expecting it to disappear, I’ve learned to co-exist with it by finding more opportunities for levity, laughter and balance.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’ve blended my love of leadership with my passion for living an expansive, playful life. I am a leadership coach, facilitator and speaker. I reconnect people with their confidence by helping them recognize the undeniable strengths they’ve cultivated throughout their life. It’s really easy to compare ourselves to others or think our life is supposed to follow one trajectory on a specific timeframe. When we do this, we lose touch with the truly unique blend of traits we bring to the world.

I regularly encourage people to, “Remember who the F you are.” When I think back to the 11-year-old version of me starting ‘zines, running barefoot in the grass and creating elaborate choreography no one would ever see, I’m like, “Oh yeah, I’m designed to be a playful, creative spirit…be more of THAT!” It’s easy to forget your greatness when you’re in a cycle of self-doubt and comparison.

I specialize in unraveling the stories that are no longer helpful for the person you’re becoming – both in and outside of work. We’re one whole person, after all. The better we can identify our authentic, true selves, the more influential and happier we’ll be. I speak to groups about the power of tapping into strengths and passions, naming your personal values and boldly claiming your unique brand of confidence. Workplaces that embrace self-awareness and vulnerability have higher trust, and are frankly way more fun to work for.

Working one-on-one with emerging leaders is another specialty of mine, as I know how lonely it can feel being a new leader, questioning your worth and quietly struggling with confidence. I’m equal parts cheerleader and bossy big sister (I’ve had lots of practice with my own younger sister, who’s my favorite person in the world.)

Any big plans?
A couple years ago, I started a podcast and am loving the opportunity to interview brilliant people and share my thoughts with the world. It’s called, “In With…The Podcast,” and it’s an irreverent and honest exploration of finding more confidence in leadership and more balance in life, as well as the junk we learn to let go of along the way. As I say, “Out with the old, in with the YOU.” I’m looking forward to the future evolution of the podcast and the topics we’ll explore.

In second grade, I declared I’d be an author when I grew up. I think we should pay attention to the wide-eyed desires we have early in life before adulthood talks us out of our dreams. I’m honoring my second-grade self and working on a book about boldly embodying your passions in and outside of work to live your biggest, most favorite life.

Speaking of a balanced life, I’m always planning my next adventure. Travel is my favorite pastime, and I prioritize at least one solo trip each year to connect more deeply with myself. Although, my sister and I regularly take pretty epic trips together, too!

I love working with people who are on the edge of fierceness and craving a bigger, more balanced life. We have this one beautiful life, and I firmly believe anything is possible. Connecting with like-minded people is my fuel and I’m eager to meet people ready to do this exciting work!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.inwithcoaching.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/inwithjenna
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenna-washnieski/
• Other: https://inwith.podbean.com