Disrupting the Status Quo
Jennifer Cloer talks about the power of storytelling, rethinking the workplace, and taking leaps even before you’re ready
Welcome to She Lights the Way, where inspiring women share their stories, insights, and wisdom. In our debut episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Jennifer Cloer, founder of Story Changes Culture and creator of the impactful Chasing Grace project. A longtime friend, confidante and fellow storyteller, Jennifer Cloer and I share a passion for uplifting women’s voices to foster positive change. We talked about her career journey, the inspiration behind her acclaimed docuseries Chasing Grace, the importance of bringing women's often overlooked stories to light, and her commitment to elevating women in the tech industry.
Pushing Boundaries, Uplifting Others
From her early career at Tektronix and her instrumental role in helping shape the Linux Foundation to creating the acclaimed docuseries Chasing Grace and launching her own business, Story Changes Culture, Jennifer's narrative is a testament to the power of stepping into unknown spaces, taking risks, and pursuing meaningful impact. Through it all, her commitment to elevating and inspiring female leaders, especially women in tech and media, shines brightly.
Chasing Grace, Pioneering Change
The creation of the Chasing Grace Project was a pivotal moment in Jennifer's career. She traces its origins to feeling angry about the adversity and bias women faced in tech, adding that anger can be a productive catalyst if harnessed properly.
“I was angry. I was experiencing and witnessing a lot of things happening to women in my communities and organizations that didn't seem quite right.”
Transforming anger into action, she channeled that emotion into creating three powerful episodes that shed light on the underrepresented stories of women in tech, tackling issues like discrimination and harassment. "We didn't shy away from conflict and adversity, which I think a lot of women connected to," she says.
The project’s impact went beyond screenings, resonating with women who felt inspired and found the courage to ask for promotions, change jobs, and confront unfair treatment in the workplace.
Leaning in to Listen
We talked about the importance of storytelling in breaking stereotypes and creating a sense of community for women navigating male-dominated spaces. Jennifer emphasizes how critical it is that women’s narratives are not left untold. “We don't feel as alone when we see that,” Jennifer says of encountering stories of women overcoming challenges to succeed. She emphasized that telling women's stories matters because representation helps women feel empowered to speak up and contribute their talents.
Our conversation reinforced that there is still so much progress to be made in bringing more women's voices to the forefront. We also touched on the pandemic’s impact on work dynamics, the necessity for workplaces to adapt by offering flexible solutions that cater to diverse needs, and the changing landscape shaped by millennial and Gen Z perspectives.
“We need people telling the stories of these women. The more we elevate their stories, it increases their profile and can increase their career opportunities.”
Tuning in to What Matters
When asked to define success, Jennifer pointed to impact and wellness as her key measures. Success, for her, is measured by the positive influence she has on her life and the lives of others. The Chasing Grace project and Story Changes Culture community exemplify her commitment to making a lasting impact. Jennifer also stresses the importance of personal wellness and self-care, pointing out that these things really matter for overall human experience.
Jennifer’s perspectives resonated with me, as I talked about how being intentional about time, energy, attention, and passion can lead to enhanced personal and professional fulfillment.
Jump First, Grow Wings Later
We each shared valuable insights into our own personal growth as we reflected on our career journeys. Jennifer encourages taking leaps, even when you don't know everything, as the best opportunities often come from risks, using her own example of declining an early promotion because she didn't feel ready. Looking back, she wished she had just taken the opportunity.
I emphasized the transformative power of recognizing and embracing your unique strengths, as it opens the door to a profound sense of purpose and fulfilling contributions.
“You don’t have to know everything to take the next leap. And don’t be afraid to take the leaps.”
Women Helping Women
We closed our conversation with a heartfelt discussion about the significance of She Lights the Way. To Jennifer, it signifies women supporting women, guiding each other towards collective success, and illuminating the path forward. She loves the spirit of the name and the aim of exploring women’s experiences across different industries to find common threads. “To me, I envision you or a number of women, right, saying, let's go, this way, the promised land is this way," Jennifer says. "You've got your torch and you're lighting the way down the dark tunnel saying, come with me."
Jennifer offered a sneak peek into what’s next for her. She is working on a book and exploring new avenues for creative expression, while remaining dedicated to growing the Story Changes Culture community, supporting women in tech, and discovering fresh ways to tell impactful stories.
You can connect with her on LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter.
Jennifer’s wisdom and passion serve as a beacon for all women navigating their unique journeys. Our empowering heart-to-heart left me energized about the power of storytelling to ignite positive change, and I'm inspired to carry on this mission of illuminating women's journeys through She Lights the Way. There are so many more badass ladies' tales waiting to be told, so stay tuned!
