Jodi Orgill Brown, MS, CFRE's Recent LinkedIn Posts

Last week I spent a day at a conference for social media influencers. Definitely a new experience for me. Some of the people there were creators whose videos and posts I watch every single day, so seeing them in person felt a little surreal. The event was hosted by Derral Eves, known for his YouTube strategy work and the global series The Chosen. I met him several years ago in Texas on set for the filming of season one of The Chosen. Every time I've seen him since then, I'm excited and honored that he remembers me! ;) The ideas, creativity, and generosity in that room were incredible. But my biggest takeaway had nothing to do with algorithms or views. It was this: We are all influencers. Some people reach millions online. Most of us influence one person at a time—through our words, our kindness, our example, and what I call the real AI: Authentic Interactions. Influence isn’t about follower count. It’s about what we do with the influence we have. For me, the most important question is simply, "Are we using it for good?" Just out of curiosity, when you follow someone online, what matters most to you? Which online influencer would you like to be in the room with? Ben Kjar Jared Shores Stephen Jones Jasmin Rappleye John Dye ★ --- 🔺Your people’s strength is your competitive advantage. I’m Jodi O. Brown — #InspirationalSpeaker, strategist, and brain tumor survivor equipping leaders and teams to perform with purpose, #adapt with strength, and #lead with impact.  🔺Every interaction counts.

Most companies talk about giving back. This one hands generosity to every employee and says, “You decide.” I’m speaking on March 11 at the Build then Bless business conference, in Lehi, Utah, and I can’t stop thinking about how aligned this organization is with what I teach about human connection. Build Then Bless helps companies empower their employees to BE philanthropic. Every employee gets $50 a month to bless someone else’s life in whatever way feels right: A special tip for the airline attendant who treated you with care, despite the long line of angry customers, or a donation to the nonprofit where you got your dog, or buying dinner for a family in need. Each individual chooses, but the whole company benefits. What will I be speaking about? How everyday interactions build trust, opportunity, and impact—often long before we realize they matter. Can you can see why this message is needed? If you know connection matters, and you are a force for good, this is a room you’ll want to be in. I'm excited to speak with other great messengers of good, Clint Pulver, Kirby Heyborne, Robert Ferrell, Carrie H., Jared Halverson and more! Join us and be in the room where it happens! Registration information: https://lnkd.in/gtnqHG32 --- 🔺Your people are your competitive advantage. I’m Jodi O. Brown — #InspirationalSpeaker, strategist, and brain tumor survivor equipping leaders and teams to perform with purpose, #adapt with strength, and #lead with impact.  🔺Every interaction counts.

Personal Post: I never thought I would see 50. With an initial diagnosis of an inoperable brain tumor—and now 26 surgeries—there were many moments where my life was nearly cut short. But I’m here. And turning 50 feels less like a milestone, and more like a gift. So much laughter, a little chaos, plenty of shenanigans—and the absolute joy of being surrounded by the people I love most. My heart is full in the best kind of way. Yes, I turned 50, AND I haven't felt so young in years! Now I don’t take a single year for granted, and I’m incredibly grateful for this life, these memories, and all of you who are part of my story. 🎁 Here's to a great year of getting stronger through struggle, building resilience, and making every interaction count! (And THANKS for all the birthday wishes!) Music by Stef Winston * A Home of Glory --- 🔺Your people’s strength is your competitive advantage. I’m Jodi O. Brown — #InspirationalSpeaker, strategist, and brain tumor survivor equipping leaders and teams to perform with purpose, #adapt with strength, and #lead with impact.  🔺Every interaction counts.

He was next in line to lead a church of 17.5 million souls, but he cared about the one. Fifteen years ago, as I was recovering from the fight for my life — battling a brain tumor — I met one of my real-life heroes, Apostle Jeffrey R Holland. My dad had been working with him and he introduced the leader to our family. When he reached me, Elder Holland stopped and said, “Jodi, I know you. I have been praying for you.” Here was a man who led millions, and yet he prayed for me, by name. That moment taught me something I’ll never forget: true leaders see the one, the real person, the struggle behind the face, the heart in the quiet fight. His teachings changed how I read scripture and how I strive to live. He will be deeply missed. Thank you, Elder Holland, for praying for the one. For me. Until we meet again. Jeffrey R. Holland 1940-2025 #JeffreyRHolland #TrueLeadership #SeeTheOne #connection Von Orgill --- 🔺Your people’s strength is your competitive advantage. I’m Jodi O. Brown — #InspirationalSpeaker, strategist, and brain tumor survivor equipping leaders and teams to perform with purpose, #adapt with strength, and #lead with impact. 🔺Every interaction counts.

How do you know when you are in the presence of greatness? Last night I got to attend the premiere of the film, "Standout", about my friend and colleague, Ben Kjar. I can honestly say that every person in that theater left feeling empowered to challenge themselves, become better, and not be afraid to STANDOUT. When this show hits theaters on January 23 -- give yourself (and your family) the gift of inspiration, motivation, and transformation from watching Ben's story. Ben was born with Crouzon syndrome, which caused facial and growth abnormalities. He was bullied, teased, and dismissed far too often. But when he found purpose and excitement through wrestling, it sparked a flame that led to a fire within him that could not be extinguished. I laughed, cried, and cheered—and left feeling ready to conquer the world. Tanner Christensen took an amazing story and created a life-changing film. Buy tickets now. And always choose to Standout. LaCol Kjar --- 🔺Your people’s strength is your competitive advantage. I’m Jodi O. Brown — #InspirationalSpeaker, strategist, and brain tumor survivor equipping leaders and teams to perform with purpose, #adapt with strength, and #lead with impact. 🔺Every interaction counts.

Resilience isn’t willpower—and if that’s all you’re using, you’re already behind. I’ve had 26 surgeries and years of complications from a brain tumor. There are days when my physical body is weak, but my mind and resolve are stronger than ever because I’ve learned how to weather storms. Thriving through change, disappointment, volatility, and disruption takes more than grit. #Resilience and #antifragility are built on principles and tools—and when you understand them, you can PLAN for challenges instead of being derailed by them. That’s why Henry Bowles, Ph.D. and I are hosting a 60-minute live masterclass focused on practical, science-backed mind and body strategies to build real resilience. If 2026 is already demanding more of you, personally or professionally, this may be the framework you’ve been missing. Register using the link below. Hope to see you there! --- 🔺Your people’s strength is your competitive advantage. I’m Jodi O. Brown — #InspirationalSpeaker, strategist, and brain tumor survivor equipping leaders and teams to perform with purpose, #adapt with strength, and #lead with impact. 🔺Every interaction counts.

I spent hours creating content. The algorithm spent seconds deciding no one would see it. Last month in Puerto Vallarta, something shifted. The longer I was away from the U.S., the less I cared about posting. I looked around and noticed no one was performing for a screen. They were working hard. Playing hard. Fully present. Social media can be powerful — authentic, connective, even transformative. But it should never replace real life. When I came home and started creating again, the engagement was minimal. It felt like we’re living inside a simulation we helped build — one where companies decide who sees what, when, and how often. Then I had this realization: 100 years ago, how long would it have taken to reach 1,000 people? Door to door. Street corners. Days of effort. Now we can do it with a click. That perspective changed everything. It’s okay to step away. And when you come back, come back real. Live your life first, and live it so you can bless others along the way — that’s the bonus. --- 🔺Your people’s strength is your competitive advantage. I’m Jodi O. Brown — #InspirationalSpeaker, strategist, and brain tumor survivor equipping leaders and teams to perform with purpose, #adapt with strength, and #lead with impact. 🔺Every interaction counts.

A brain tumor, facial paralysis, and 26 surgeries didn't break me. They taught me persistence. Most people think you have to be tough to be resilient. The reality is you just have to be willing to stay in the fight. The strength develops little by little each day. I may not be able to overcome this challenge, but I can still conquer every day. Not because the battle gets easier, but because I choose to keep going. If you want to learn some of the techniques I use to be resilient, check out the info on my Resilience Masterclass in the comments. --- 🔺Your people’s strength is your competitive advantage. I’m Jodi O. Brown — #InspirationalSpeaker, strategist, and brain tumor survivor equipping leaders and teams to perform with purpose, #adapt with strength, and #lead with impact. 🔺Every interaction counts.

Today would have been his 19th birthday. My nephew, Jared Baker, son of David Baker and Tamra Orgill Baker, started fighting for his life from lymphoma at the young age of 9. In the next 7 years, he underwent more treatments and surgeries than anyone should endure. But he fought with strength, humor, light, and love. In his last days of life, while he was hospitalized and struggling himself, he reached out to friends and asked if there was anything he could do for them. He focused outward and made the world a better place with his presence and care. Jared is the bravest person I've ever known. He was also best friends with my sons, who miss their cousin like crazy. They have continued to grow and change, but Jared is forever 16. I know they are living large, trying to make their time count, in part to honor the time and experiences Jared didn't have. Today, this week, this month, will you channel your best inner Jared and do something nice for someone else? Help us bring "JOY FOR JARED" so his family knows that his legacy lives on. Please report back and let me know whose lives you impacted through Jared. God bless. In loving memory of Jared Von Baker January 6, 2007 - October 3, 2023 --- 🔺Your people’s strength is your competitive advantage. I’m Jodi O. Brown — #InspirationalSpeaker, strategist, and brain tumor survivor equipping leaders and teams to perform with purpose, #adapt with strength, and #lead with impact.  🔺Every interaction counts.

In a world where nearly every business conference right now is focused on AI, automation, and technology, Wednesday's Build then Bless Conference focused on a different kind of AI: Authentic Interactions. Technology is reshaping how we work and communicate, but this conference asked challenged us to think about what happens when we intentionally put the "human" back into humanity in business. I was honored to take the stage to talk about Interactional Leadership, and loved hearing other speakers explore the power of human connection, generosity, and heart in leadership. In business we often measure success through ROI—Return on Investment. But what if we also measured our Return on Interactions? Better yet, when we individually work on our Return on Interactions, the business Return on Investment will grow because people ARE invested. They show care, kindness, generosity, and the return shows up to create stronger companies. Technology may change the way we work, but human connection is still what makes organizations thrive. A few personal thank-yous for the people who made the day even more special: • Derek Miner and 🍋 Greg Trimble for creating and leading Build Then Bless • Marc Chenn for surprising me with an impromptu reunion after 30 years! • My brother-in-law David Baker for supporting and helping all day • My National Speakers Association Mountain West Chapter friends who showed up in force • And my college freshman son, Daven Brown, who attended his first business conference and helped at my table A day full of ideas, connections, and reminders that how we interact with people still matters—more than ever. If you were in attendance, what was the best part of the day for you? Kirby Heyborne Briana Johnson Jenny Haase Carrie H. Chester Elton --- 🔺Your people’s strength is your competitive advantage. I’m Jodi O. Brown — #InspirationalSpeaker, strategist, and brain tumor survivor equipping leaders and teams to perform with purpose, #adapt with strength, and #lead with impact.  🔺Every interaction counts.

A Month in Puerto Vallarta — Including the Day the City Was on Fire I’ve spent the last month in Puerto Vallarta. A few weeks I was on a solo retreat. The last week my husband joined me for a true vacation. The sunsets. The ocean air. The warmth of the people. The beauty of the mountains meeting the sea. It is an extraordinary place. And yes — I was there on Sunday during the chaos. There were fires across the city. Some car fires burned just three blocks from where I was staying. When I saw the fires closing in, my heart raced in fear and anxiety. The horizon looked like a war zone, and we were in the middle of it. We got told to "shelter in place". That part is true. Here’s what’s also true: I’ve spent months in Mexico over the last several years, in multiple cities. That Sunday was the only time I have ever encountered a real threat or felt danger. The violence lasted hours, not days. Civilians were not targeted. The military quickly arrived alongside local police and took control. Within 24 hours: * Businesses were reopening * Streets were being cleared of debris * Neighbors were checking on neighbors * We were out for lunch overlooking the beach * Life was moving forward Resilience isn’t denial. It’s perspective. I was disappointed watching U.S. news coverage. Most clips that aired showed the worst few moments — none of the calm after the storm. Some reporting was flat-out false. Other parts were technically true, but incomplete. Now I know that many media outlets sensationalize and create false news. They care about profits, clicks, views, and likes NOT truth. The exception: ABC 4 Utah interviewed me and gave fair coverage which told both sides of my story. You can see the story on their Instagram page, using the link below. (I'm grateful for their integrity.) The problem with incomplete stories is they shape incomplete perceptions. These Mexican cities should not be defined by a few hours of unrest. Are there areas that are unsafe? Of course. You could say the same of nearly any town in any state or country. Hard moments can happen anywhere in the world. What matters is how quickly people respond. How they rebuild. How they move forward. How they refuse to let fear define the narrative. Our friends that live there lost $8,000 in 36 hours from people canceling upcoming tours and experiences. The beautiful, hard-working, serve-with a smile people are the ones who will suffer if we panic. More lessons to come soon... But for now — I remain grateful for this city, these people, and the reminder that strength is often revealed in the aftermath. --- 🔺Your people’s strength is your competitive advantage. I’m Jodi O. Brown — #InspirationalSpeaker, strategist, and brain tumor survivor equipping leaders and teams to perform with purpose, #adapt with strength, and #lead with impact.  🔺Every interaction counts.

When you teach resilience, sometimes life gives you a week to practice it. I have five speaking engagements in seven days. I don’t usually schedule this many so close together—it’s hard on my physical body and energy—but this week has become a real-time laboratory for the principles I teach about resilience, antifragility, and meaningful interactions. A few reminders from the road: * Preparation creates freedom. The more prepared you are, the more professional, present, and spontaneous you can be with the audience. * Everyone is at a different place in the journey. Some ideas feel brand new to one person and like a repeat to another. That’s okay. Most important principles need to be heard multiple times before they truly sink in. A speaker’s job isn’t always to say something new. Often it’s to say something true in a way that resonates at exactly the right moment for someone to finally act on it. * And, the message and the messenger both matter. If the message is right but the messenger doesn’t feel authentic, it won’t stick. If the messenger is compelling but the message is off, it won’t be believed. When both align—that’s when real impact happens. I’m gearing up for the biggest stage of the week on Wednesday at the Build then Bless Business Conference. Just out of curiosity, what makes a message actually stick with you—the content itself, or the authenticity of the person delivering it? --- 🔺Your people’s strength is your competitive advantage. I’m Jodi O. Brown — #InspirationalSpeaker, strategist, and brain tumor survivor equipping leaders and teams to perform with purpose, #adapt with strength, and #lead with impact.  🔺Every interaction counts.

When everything goes wrong… but turns out exactly right. I was excited for my final speaking engagement of 2025—a holiday retreat and learning day for the organization. We were all geared up for a great day and a great presentation. Then the tech failed. Right as the event organizer began reading my intro, the video we planned to open with refused to play. No sound. No visuals. No fix in sight. So she handed me the microphone. And in that moment, I did what every leader has to do at some point: I let go of the plan and led with presence. Was it perfectly smooth? Probably not. But it created something better—a low-tech, high-touch beginning. No one was distracted by screens. Everyone leaned in. The room became more alive, more connected, and more engaged than any slide could have created. By the time the backstage tech magician got everything working, the audience didn’t seem to care. Yes, the visuals supported one small activity, but the meaning, the momentum, and the message were already in motion. Everything that mattered still happened: The messages were still delivered with detail and care. The audience was still impacted. And I walked away a little more resilient. Again. Sometimes the best moments are the ones we never planned. What unexpected pivot taught you something valuable this year? --- 🔺Your people’s strength is your competitive advantage. I’m Jodi O. Brown — #InspirationalSpeaker, strategist, and brain tumor survivor equipping leaders and teams to perform with purpose, #adapt with strength, and #lead with impact.  🔺Every interaction counts.

Ever wanted to build your business and be uplifted at the same time? On Wednesday, March 11th, I'll be speaking in Lehi, Utah at the first ever Build Then Bless conference. I'll be speaking on the power of interpersonal interactions in life and leadership. I'll also be joined by an absolutely STACKED lineup of speakers, musicians, and athletes for this incredible one day event. So here's what you need to do: Visit buildthenbless.com to sign up now. Early bird pricing expires soon and I've dropped my affiliate code in this post so you can save even more on this amazing day: Enter JB35 when you register for your ticket. You won't want to miss it. See you there! Build then Bless 🍋 Greg Trimble Derek Miner --- 🔺Your people’s strength is your competitive advantage. I’m Jodi O. Brown — #InspirationalSpeaker, strategist, and brain tumor survivor equipping leaders and teams to perform with purpose, #adapt with strength, and #lead with impact.  🔺Every interaction counts.

My friend, Williamson Sintyl, is the epitome of resilience. He survived, trapped in rubble, for 28 hours after the Haiti earthquake of 2010. Now, he invests in others, to grow people, companies, and hope. I am lucky enough to know and be inspired by him. And, this week he wrote a very kind post about how I live resilience. Wow. He is the master, I am still practicing, every day. Huge thanks to ALL who teach us new lessons about perseverance, resilience, and antifragility. Life and business are hard. Learn from those who don't just endure it, they conquer, one day at a time! If you want to learn the principles and tools I teach to increase resilience, check out the 60-min live masterclass I am doing with fellow resilience expert, Henry Bowles, Ph.D. Join us and let's rise together! $29 Resilience Masterclass info and registration: https://lnkd.in/gyZPhhg4? notrack=true --- 🔺Your people’s strength is your competitive advantage. I’m Jodi O. Brown — #InspirationalSpeaker, strategist, and brain tumor survivor equipping leaders and teams to perform with purpose, #adapt with strength, and #lead with impact. 🔺Every interaction counts.

A few years ago, when I saw the casting call for a music video by Gentri, I got excited and nervous. I knew immediately I couldn’t play Mary. But I knew I could play the homeless woman -- different than others, cast out, and unseen. Being part of the "Mary’s Boy Child" music video was meaningful and creatively fulfilling. It reminded me that there are roles for all of us when stories reflect real people—and real faces. I didn't even mind taking the hot chocolate powder and rubbing on my face and through my hair to get a more unkempt look. 😉 I hope to do more acting in the future. And I hope we continue to normalize seeing people with facial differences on screen—not as a statement, but as part of everyday storytelling. If you want to watch the full video, head to YouTube and search: GENTRI – “Mary’s Boy Child.” Representation starts with participation. And sometimes courage is simply saying yes to the role that fits you—right now. "Hark now hear, the angels sing, a new king's born today. And we will live forever more because of Christmas day!" Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah! --- 🔺Your people’s strength is your competitive advantage. I’m Jodi O. Brown — #InspirationalSpeaker, strategist, and brain tumor survivor equipping leaders and teams to perform with purpose, #adapt with strength, and #lead with impact. 🔺Every interaction counts.

I once bought a “one-size-fits-all” summer dress while on vacation. It didn’t fit. I tied it. Then I pinned it. Eventually, when I got home, I sewed it, trying to make something generic work for a very real body. After several attempts, I finally donated it, hoping it might fit someone else. That’s how resilience is often taught. One-size-fits-all tools for pressure that keeps changing shape. My incredible friend, Henry Bowles, Ph.D. is a leadership expert with Harvard and Oxford PhDs who translates ancient philosophy and modern research into practical tools for peak mindset, agility, and performance. Together, we are hosting a short 60-minute masterclass called Inside-Out Resilience—built for leaders and teams who need tools that adapt instead of forcing the right fit. It’s practical, science-informed, and filled with applicable tools and memorable real-life examples. The class is perfect for both leaders and frontline workers. Three Masterclass Dates to choose from: * Friday, January 23, Noon EST or * Wednesday, January 28, 1 PM EST or * Friday, January 30, Noon EST Cost: $29/person (intentionally accessible) If this feels relevant, I invite you to sign up in the link: https://lnkd.in/gz_dZiQW 2026 is underway. This can be the year you get tools to better navigate through change and pressure! Are you open to personal and business growth? --- 🔺Your people’s strength is your competitive advantage. I’m Jodi O. Brown — #InspirationalSpeaker, strategist, and brain tumor survivor equipping leaders and teams to perform with purpose, #adapt with strength, and #lead with impact.  🔺Every interaction counts.

Are you willing to do one minute of work for one year of inspiration? To celebrate the launch (TODAY) of my new inspirational quotes and journal book, I’m giving away 50 digital downloads! The new book —> A Year of Becoming: 365 Days of Hope, Strength, and Finding the Light Your part takes about one minute: DM me your email address. You’ll receive the full digital version for download and print: * 365 daily inspirational quotes * Bite-sized reflections * Simple prompts to help you grow with intention throughout the year My only request? If this journal becomes a meaningful part of your year, I’d be grateful if you’d share an honest Amazon review after you’ve used it. Your insights help others decide if it’s the right companion for their own journey. If you’re ready for a year of becoming, I’d love to send this your way. DM me and I’ll get it to you. If you'd rather have a paperback copy, it is available on Amazon, link below. --- 🔺Your people’s strength is your competitive advantage. I’m Jodi O. Brown — #InspirationalSpeaker, strategist, and brain tumor survivor equipping leaders and teams to perform with purpose, #adapt with strength, and #lead with impact.  🔺Every interaction counts.

Last week, I traded my speaker’s microphone for a seat in the audience—for the best reason. I attended Shingo Connect to celebrate my husband, Tolan Brown, who is E.V.P of Supply Chain and Manufacturing, and the O.C. Tanner team as they were honored with the "Shingo Advocate"—the lifetime achievement award—a massive recognition for their 30-year journey in excellence. As a resilience and antifragility expert, I’m obsessed with how systems grow stronger under pressure. Watching this team, I realized that #Lean isn't just about "efficiency", it’s the ultimate framework for #Antifragility. Tolan made a point during his remarks that stuck with me: "Low-hanging fruit is an absolute myth. We’ve never run out of it in 30 years; we see it everywhere." That is the definition of a #resilient mindset. It’s the ability to look at a mature system (or a mature life) and still find ways to evolve, grow, and improve. - Lean seeks to eliminate waste and better processes to improve outcomes. - Antifragility seeks to increase your capability to thrive during hardship and change, to improve outcomes. At the heart, we are trying to do the same thing: help people and organizations reach their highest potential. Huge congrats to Tolan and O.C. Tanner for showing us how it’s done for over three decades. Everyone in the know is aware that the award wouldn't have been possible without the leadership of Gary Peterson, who took a team of "unbelievers" on the greatest improvement journey of their lives. The best part for the company? O.C. Tanner's Lean journey, though 30-years-long, has just begun. The best part for you? Every person and every company can become Lean and Antifragile, one experiment at a time. Great job by the O.C. Tanner team, and congrats to the Shingo Institute team for putting on a conference that highlights the BEST of what can happen when we get out of our comfort zone and see "what happens if"! Shingo Institute O.C. Tanner Nermana Kuzmanovic Rasheed Cooper Tyson Heaton Josh McEwan Ken Snyder Alessandra Fantoni Ryan Lambson Lidija Alomerovic --- 🔺Your people’s strength is your competitive advantage. I’m Jodi O. Brown — #InspirationalSpeaker, strategist, and brain tumor survivor equipping leaders and teams to perform with purpose, #adapt with strength, and #lead with impact.  🔺Every interaction counts.

One of the underrated benefits of being a professional speaker: the people you get to call friends. Four years ago, I met Larry Long Jr 🎤 by a pool at a conference in Orlando. Since then, our paths have crossed everywhere from Nashville to Scottsdale to Vegas. This week, he finally made it to my hometown—Salt Lake City—to speak to the National Speakers Association Mountain West chapter -- on the connection between relationships and sales. The day before his big presentation, we got to enjoy dinner and a great conversation. Then we met other speaker friends, 🎤 Rob Ferre, CSP and Lindsay Schiess, LCSW, at a Utah Jazz game. I was reminded why Larry is so respected. He lives what he teaches. He invests in people, encourages generously, and equips others to aim higher, achieve more, and create real impact. During his fantastic presentation, Larry demonstrated why he is the real CEO — the Chief ENERGY Officer. His enthusiasm was through the roof, and he had everyone engaged, taking notes, and laughing while they learned. My favorite take aways: * Sales is a MATCH-MAKING process. It is trying to find the right fit between needs and services. * The core of sales is relationships. In relationships, you care about others and offer what will HELP them, not what you want to sell them. Grateful for the time together—and for friendships built around purpose, values, and service. Thanks, Larry, for representing our industry in the best way possible! --- 🔺Your people’s strength is your competitive advantage. I’m Jodi O. Brown — #InspirationalSpeaker, strategist, and brain tumor survivor equipping leaders and teams to perform with purpose, #adapt with strength, and #lead with impact.  🔺Every interaction counts.

Dreamers vs Doers. People regularly ask me for coaching on how to write a book or become a professional speaker. Their excitement is real and their ideas are good—but many want to jump straight to the finish line. “How do I market my book?” “How do I get booked for paid speaking?” “How do I grow my platform?” The irony? These questions are often asked before they’ve written a chapter or a single talk. Potential is wonderful. Ideas are great. But dreaming doesn’t change your life, your business, or your impact. Work does. Consistent effort. Writing when it isn’t flowing. Practicing when no one is watching. Showing up long before the spotlight ever arrives. Dreamers imagine what’s possible. Doers take the next step—and keep going. What’s the one action you will take today to move it from potential to performance? I’d love to hear it. We all have potential, but performance sets the "doers" apart from the dreamers. --- Your people’s strength is your competitive advantage. I’m Jodi O. Brown — Strategist and brain tumor survivor equipping leaders and teams to perform with purpose, #adapt with strength, and #lead with impact.  Every interaction counts. #InspirationalSpeaker #Antifragility #Resilience #Communication

Your audience doesn’t need perfection. They need presence. In my early speaking days, I tried to memorize every word of my speech. Every line. Every transition. And when the words got mixed up, I lost my place — and I lost the connection. Eventually, I realized something: my best moments on stage weren’t the perfectly scripted ones. They were the moments when I stopped performing and started being with the audience. When I was reacting to them. Teaching them. Focusing on their needs, not my nerves. Most speakers and leaders get anxious because their attention turns inward. But presence shifts everything. When your focus is on what you bring to the audience, nerves transform into energy and excitement. I learned that to communicate with impact, it’s not about perfect delivery. It’s about presence in the moment. What do you do to be fully present when you speak or lead?

I’m struck by how some of my hardest moments in 2025 became unexpected blessings. I went to New York in July expecting surgery that would help my eye blink. Instead, due to extensive damage, my eye had to be sewn closed. At the time, it felt like a worst-case scenario. And honestly, for a while, it was. I ran into things, bumped into people, and even broke some toes trying to navigate the world with limited vision. But nearly six months later, I see more clearly. Having my eye mostly closed has given me something I didn’t realize I desperately needed: respite. Less pain. Less irritation. And freedom from the constant mental load—wondering if my eye would get damaged, if scar tissue would build up, or if something as simple as wind would cause harm. What I first labeled as a negative has turned into relief, rest, and peace. A positive. A reminder as we step into a new year: sometimes the blessing doesn’t arrive how we expect—but it still arrives. What challenge in your life could actually be a blessing in disguise? Huge thanks to the one and only, John A. DeMato for the fabulous headshots! --- 🔺Your people’s strength is your competitive advantage. I’m Jodi O. Brown — #InspirationalSpeaker, strategist, and brain tumor survivor equipping leaders and teams to perform with purpose, #adapt with strength, and #lead with impact.  🔺Every interaction counts.

Is doing your job enough? Loved this fabulous conversation on Eric A. Brooker's podcast, Counsel Culture™, aptly titled, "Strength After the Breaking Point". We talked about resilience, leadership, and the power of interpersonal interactions—and how daily exchanges are the crux of true influence. The reality? HOW you do your job matters! You will make an impact with every interaction. The question is, will you leave a negative impact or a positive impact? Choose your interactions wisely! Check out this very personal and inspiring podcast, Counsel Culture with Eric Brooker. PS -- The week before my podcast interview with Eric, one of my leadership and teamwork heroes, Patrick Lencioni, was the guest on his show! That reminded me what an honor it is to have these important conversations so we can help people grow. --- 🔺Your people’s strength is your competitive advantage. I’m Jodi O. Brown — #InspirationalSpeaker, strategist, and brain tumor survivor equipping leaders and teams to perform with purpose, #adapt with strength, and #lead with impact. 🔺Every interaction counts.

Leadership pressure isn’t going away. The question is how you respond when it shows up. Inside-Out Resilience for Leaders is a live, science-informed workshop led by Henry Bowles, Ph.D. and Jodi Orgill Brown, MS, CFRE, bringing together internal regulation and strategic leadership in one integrated approach. Choose one live session: • Tuesday, March 3 at 1 PM EST • Friday, March 6 at 2 PM EST • Monday, March 9 at 12 PM EST This work goes beyond mindset. It focuses on regulating stress responses, sharpening decision-making, and translating inner stability into meaningful leadership action. Register here: https://lnkd.in/eveShFAr