Jennifer Nash: Be Human, Lead Human

 

 

I actually felt seen as a human being. And it really changed the trajectory of my life.”

 

-Jennifer Nash

Jennifer Nash on The Importance of Being Seen

Dr. Jennifer Nash is a business leadership consultant and author of  “Be Human. Lead Human,” a guide for leaders who aspire to create more empathetic, connected, and high-performing teams. Jennifer’s framework provides actionable steps to develop relational skills that are vital for modern leadership.

Jennifer grew up in the Midwest and worked her way through school, eventually finding herself in a career where she felt unnoticed and undervalued. It wasn’t until she encountered a leader who truly saw her as a human being that her life took a transformative turn. This pivotal experience led her to question why more leaders don’t foster environments where employees feel seen, heard, and valued. Driven by this question, Jennifer pursued an MBA and a PhD, diving deep into the intricacies of leadership and human connection.

Her consulting business and subsequent book, “Be Human. Lead Human,” are the culmination of her research and experiences. The book is structured around relatable stories and practical tools that help leaders understand and implement behaviors that make their teams feel appreciated and connected.

A particularly striking part of our conversation was Jennifer’s discussion on the concept of “mattering.” Drawing from Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, she explained how crucial it is for individuals to feel that they matter both at work and in their personal lives. This sense of mattering can significantly impact motivation and purpose, which are essential for a fulfilling life.

This book is written for business leaders but it’s applicable to all of us. In a world of technology we have to remember the human element and how important it is.

 

Jennifer Nash: The Importance of Being Seen

 

 

“I actually felt seen as a human being. And it really changed the trajectory of my life.”

 

“We risk losing empathy and gaining apathy. We risk decreasing social connection and increasing loneliness.”

 

“Meaning and purpose are so important.”

 

“Hearing is about not just the physiological act of hearing. It’s also about the figurative aspect of hearing someone.”

 

“Mattering falls up towards the top of Maslow’s hierarchy. It’s really around making sure that we understand that our existence here on this earth matters to someone.”

 

About
Bump in the Road

Everyone hits a bump in the road. The question becomes: What do you do with it?

I share stories about how people experience, manage and navigate life's bumps, hopefully using them as a pivot into a more conscious and meaningful life.