Jennifer Hough’s, leadership journey is nothing short of remarkable. She has gone from almost dying from meningitis, losing her memory and deep depression to building the Largest Integrative Health Clinic in Canada from 2003-2012. This was followed by an evolution from 2013 until the present day, creating and building The Wide Awakening (TWA), which is now an award-winning training ground for Visionary Leaders. As the President of The Wide Awakening, she has dedicated her career to empowering visionary leaders to find flow and fulfillment and fostering lasting change.
In this interview, Jennifer shares her insights into the qualities that have shaped her as a leader, the challenges she anticipates in the ever-evolving business landscape, and the strategies she’s implementing to prepare her organization for the future.
From overcoming obstacles to building a culture of innovation, Jennifer offers invaluable lessons for aspiring leaders while underscoring her commitment to creating a thriving global community.
Leadership Qualities that Contributed to Success
Jennifer credits her success as a leader to a combination of curiosity, compassion, and a deep love for people. She prioritizes understanding others’ perspectives, fostering empathy, and creating alignment in her teams.
Her leadership style is characterized by a commitment to efficiency, flow, and continuous learning. Jennifer believes in empowering those around her, leading with authenticity, and embracing challenges as opportunities for growth.
Key Trends and Challenges in the Industry
As she looks to 2025 and beyond, Jennifer foresees significant shifts in global systems such as healthcare, politics, education, and socio-economic structures.
She believes these changes create opportunities for leaders and organizations to build bridges and innovate.
Jennifer highlights the importance of forward-thinking leaders who can embrace transformation and bring fresh perspectives to their industries, laying the groundwork for systemic evolution.
Preparing for the Future
At The Wide Awakening, Jennifer is equipping her business to thrive amidst rapid change by implementing flexible systems and expanding visibility. Her team is being trained to adapt quickly while supporting clients in navigating complex challenges.
She’s also establishing a mission-driven foundation to assist those affected by environmental disasters, helping them transcend trauma and flourish. Additionally,
Jennifer is leveraging AI to enhance communication, streamline operations, and maintain a cutting-edge approach to global shifts.
Overcoming Obstacles
Jennifer views challenges not as failures but as opportunities to redirect and innovate. She actively seeks expert guidance to avoid reinventing the wheel and encourages her team to approach problems collaboratively.
Weekly meetings foster open discussions where questions like “Who has expertise on this?” and “Is there an AI solution for this challenge?” ensure creative problem-solving.
This approach keeps her organization adaptable and solution-focused.
Cultivating Innovation
Innovation is deeply ingrained in The Wide Awakening’s culture. Jennifer fosters an entrepreneurial mindset, encouraging her team to take ownership and embrace co-creative solutions.
Programs that build confidence and explore non-linear thinking are central to this environment. Team members are rewarded for innovative ideas that drive progress, creating a workplace where creativity flourishes.
She is also a Board Member for two innovative organizations: The Conscious Center for Living and Dying (CCLD) and the Evolutionary Business Council (EBC) which are leading the way to a new future when it comes to the way live our lives full out, and how we collaborate and exponentiate each other in business respectively.
Influential Resources
Jennifer’s leadership style has been shaped by key resources, including programs and certifications from leadership communities such as Dan Sullivan’s (Book: Who Not How) and Adam Grant (Book: Think Again).
Other inspirations include Laura Gisborne’s Limitless Women program, Bruce Lipton’s The Biology of Belief, and Brené Brown’s work on vulnerability and leadership.
These resources, combined with her dedication to lifelong learning, have fueled Jennifer’s ability to lead with clarity and purpose.
Building Strong Teams
Jennifer emphasizes the importance of consistent communication and emotional support in team-building.
She holds weekly meetings to celebrate successes and address challenges while also connecting individually with team members to ensure their well-being.
Tools like Kolbe assessments help her team understand each other’s strengths, fostering a culture of mutual respect and collaboration.
Social and Environmental Responsibility
Jennifer is passionate about using her platform to make a meaningful impact. From raising funds for disaster relief in Asheville to supporting trauma relief workers, she leads by example.
Her commitment to global well-being extends to empowering leaders working on humanitarian initiatives, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth.
Embracing Digital Transformation
Recognizing the power of technology, Jennifer has integrated AI into her organization to enhance communication, training, and client engagement.
This embrace of digital tools ensures The Wide Awakening remains responsive to changing demands while offering innovative solutions to its clients.
Essential Skills for Success
Adaptability and personal development are cornerstones of Jennifer’s philosophy. She emphasizes the need for systems that reflect the speed of change and human behavior.
By applying principles from brain science and neuroplasticity, Jennifer prepares her clients to thrive in an ever-changing world while maintaining their personal well-being.
Vision for the Future
Jennifer envisions a future where businesses seamlessly integrate personal fulfillment, creative problem-solving, and the physics of flow.
Her pioneering approach transforms traditional leadership into a more dynamic, purpose-driven experience.
By focusing on connection and innovation, Jennifer continues to set a new standard for leadership in the modern world.
Significant Achievements
Jennifer’s career is filled with accolades, including the Leadership Award for Training from the International Association of Top Professionals and the Humanitarian Award for Social Impact from Limitless women.
However, her proudest achievement is the creation of The Thriving Operating System, a technology that combines physics, neuroplasticity, and leadership training to help clients unlock their full potential.
Conclusion
Jennifer Hough’s leadership journey exemplifies the power of resilience, vision, and adaptability. By integrating cutting-edge science, personal growth, and a commitment to global well-being, she is transforming the future of leadership.
Her story serves as an inspiration for leaders seeking to navigate change with purpose, authenticity, and a sense of possibility.
Discussion about this post