Discover key leadership insights from Jenney Rees, Senior Advisor for Senator Curtis, as she shares lessons on empathy-driven leadership, breaking barriers, and career growth at the WBIL Impact DEN event. Learn how women can lead with strength and purpose.
The latest WBIL Impact DEN event on February 19th featured Jenney Rees, Senior Advisor for Senator Curtis and former CEO at RevRoad. With an extensive background in both the private and public sectors—including serving as a mayor and as a cabinet member for Utah Governor Spencer Cox—Jenney shared valuable insights on breaking barriers, leading with empathy, and driving impactful change.
Key Takeaways
Embrace Career Twists and Turns
Jenney’s journey, from tech startups to public service, illustrates that career paths are rarely linear. She encouraged attendees to stay open to unexpected opportunities and see change as a growth experience.
Lead With Empathy and Action
Effective leadership is not just about strategy—it’s about understanding the people you serve. Jenney shared a powerful story from her time as Mayor of Cedar Hills, where listening to a frustrated resident led to real policy improvements.
Challenge Assumptions and Adapt
Innovation requires questioning traditional processes. Jenney discussed a government efficiency project that streamlined laptop procurement, reducing wait times from 77 days to just 3 days—a perfect example of how rethinking systems can drive impact.
Advocate for Women in Leadership
Women in leadership often face gender biases and self-imposed barriers. Jenney highlighted the importance of networking, advocating for oneself, and embracing both competence and compassion in leadership.
The Power of a Strong Network
Building relationships is key to career growth. Jenney emphasized networking and mentorship, encouraging women to seek opportunities to connect, learn, and support one another.
Conclusion
Jenney’s message was truly inspiring, offering valuable insights on leadership as a balance of listening, understanding, and purposeful action. Her journey proves that whether in business, government, or entrepreneurship, women can break barriers, drive change, and lead with both strength and empathy.
A heartfelt thank you to Jenney Rees for an empowering and thought-provoking event!
Watch the full event here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTU_5w5HJQM&t=135s