StrategicMonk Interview: Jen Olney
1. When did you first recognize that you were a leader?
Early in my childhood I was instilled with core values from both my parents to lead a life that serves others and to be mindful that we each have a purpose within that is one to not only serve the gifts and talents we have been bestowed but to also ensure that we are a light to others to find their own path of service as well. As I began my own career, I always strived to mentor others to lead from within.
My earliest leadership memories have been serving as one who has been guiding diverse teams of individuals and cultivating their motivation and passion, purpose. I believe my leadership has been one to serve others and create a legacy of leaders in my wake. I hope that I have left those who I have had the privilege to serve better than they were before we met. My leader within is always to inspire with humility and to transform others to be their very best.
2. What is the story behind #bealeader?
The purpose of #bealeader is twofold. There is an online community space that I have created on Twitter using the hashtag #bealeader. Within this space, I have created a platform that invites all to come together to share wisdom and counsel on leadership roles, issues and diverse topics. Each week, there is a weekly tweetchat on Thursday evenings where I select a topics or invite a special guest to highlight specific issues to bring the community together to discuss.
Secondly, #bealeader is also my business coaching and mentoring program. I work with individuals and small groups to advise on strategic leadership development, life skills, performance and productivity.
3. What is the most challenging part of preparing for #bealeader each week?
The most challenging issues are narrowing down the focus.
There are so many topics that we can delve into each week. Leadership is a broad spectrum of issues. What is unique about #bealeader is that the challenge of stripping down the topics to create new ways of looking at issues with a different lens.
#bealeader is also about challenging the status quo. I find that each week the community can take-away a new perspective from the conversation that we may not be able to get from another chat. The challenge I see is that I want #bealeader to be one community where you can come in and leave with a nugget of knowledge that is sticks with you, and where you feel that you can make a difference as well.
What I also love about #bealeader is that I can give a platform to individuals who may not be able to have a voice. Whether it’s a small business or author or life coach, or perhaps a leader in education for example, I reserve one chat a month to what I call the Real Leader, Real Issue Chat. It’s a way for the community to have a Q&A session with the individual l and for the individual to take the stage as well. It’s a conversation, not just one sided. We are all learning together in this type of chat.
4. What do you enjoy the most about #bealeader so far?
I have enjoyed seeing the community of #bealeader grow. It has been an honor for me to see so many individuals give of their time and efforts. This month I hosted a guest writer series, Real Leaders, Real Issues, and I was overwhelmed with the support of many individuals such as Scott Mabry, Jane Perdue and others who have written guest posts in support of this project for #bealeader. The more rewarding part of me is that the community of #bealeader isn’t about me or my program, it’s about the platform and serving others, which takes me back to beginning of core values in leadership.
5. What is next for #bealeader? What do you see developing in the next six months or a year?
#bealeader community will continue to grow. I am working in the background on a possible audio show for #bealeader as well as a few others surprises. I have more special guests coming this fall and since the success of the guest writer series for July, I will continue to keep the door open for guest writers each month. As for the #bealeader platform, I am continuing to work with individuals and I am looking at putting together an ebook for kids later this year based on the video series my son, Nicholas, has put together called “Don’t Be A Jack The Jerk, Be A Leader”
Thank you, Jen.
[Image by Hamed Saber]
20 Comments
Edward Colozzi
July 24, 2012Always nice to see your posts Greg, and especially this one that highlights your conversation with the Founder of #bealeader, our mutual friend and certainly a Twitter Tweetheart, Jen Olney. Both of you are true leaders! Keep up the excellence Greg, EdC
Jennifer Olney
July 24, 2012Thank you, Ed. I am so indebted to you for your support and leadership as well. I appreciate your kindness, strength and faith.
Strategic Monk
July 24, 2012Thank you, Ed.
Yes, Jen is an inspiring leader, who demonstrates her gifts everyday. It is always a pleasure, and a learning experience, to join the conversation with her, and with you.
Talk to you soon!
Jennifer Olney
July 24, 2012Greg, Thank you for taking the time to interview me for your blog. I am so honored to have met you and connected with you via social media. Your leadership and guidance is awe inspiring, and truly, I am grateful to you and your continuing support.
Strategic Monk
July 24, 2012Thank you, Jen.
Thank you for your kind words and recognition. It is a pleasure to be connected to you; I learn from you every time we talk.
Thank you!
Kaarina Dillabough
July 24, 2012Jen is a true leader, wonderful spirit and someone I’m proud to call a friend. Wonderful interview! Cheers! Kaarina
Strategic Monk
July 24, 2012Thank you, Kaarina. It is a pleasure to meet you, and I look forward to getting to know you better.
Cheers!
Kaarina Dillabough
July 24, 2012Ditto that:)
Jennifer Olney
July 24, 2012I’m so proud to call you my friend as well, Kaarina. Thank you so much. You have been such a wonderful inspiration to me. From my early days on Twitter, you have been a guiding light. Thank you.
Kaarina Dillabough
July 24, 2012That makes me very, very happy:)
Scott Mabry
July 24, 2012Great interview Greg! Love the insight into Jen’s story. I think we all have stories about how and why we chose to be leaders. Maybe a subject worth pursuing further. Very grateful for #bealeader and for the amazing insights I gain from this community.
Jennifer Olney
July 24, 2012I’m grateful for you, Scott. Early on you were always there in the community of #bealeader and have offered your time and wisdom. So grateful to you, Scott. Thank you so much for all you do. I’m honored by you.
Strategic Monk
July 24, 2012Thank you, Scott!
Absolutely, I agree! Each of us has a story to share, and each of us can inspire others with the ways we have overcome challenges to become who we are. Each of us learns and gains from what we share.
DoralOrchids
July 24, 2012Strategic Monk: Thank you for sharing the interview. I very much enjoyed reading this. I will look forward to future articles.
Strategic Monk
July 24, 2012Thank you, Doral!
I am glad that you enjoyed reading this post, and look forward to talking again soon.
Burke Allen
July 24, 2012Have you looked into google events and google + hangouts? This could really take #bealeader to the next level both technically and community.
Great job with your efforts so far you have shown us all what it means to #bealeader!
Strategic Monk
July 24, 2012Thank you, Burke!
I am sure there are exciting things ahead for #beaLeader!
Jennifer Olney
July 25, 2012Hi Burke! Yes. I’m looking into doing a series of video chats this fall. I’ve been approached to perhaps take the weekly #bealeader chats to online video as well. Thank you so much for being a great part of the #bealeader community, your efforts, wisdom have been so appreciated! I’m very grateful to you.
Dave Moore
December 19, 2012Hi Greg
I have been taking a slow walk around your blog and reading your posts. This is a great interview and really details the process of #bealeader from thought to reality.
Still strolling around….
Nice work
Dave
Strategic Monk
December 19, 2012Thank you, Dave!
You are very welcome. Take your time, have fun, and come back whenever you can.