Episode 18: Reinventing Yourself and Leading with Heart: Insights from Jennifer Kay
Sep 24, 2025Episode 18: Reinventing Yourself and Leading with Heart: Insights from Jennifer Kay
In this insightful and wisdom-filled conversation, Lori sits down with Jennifer Kay—an executive search professional and coach with 25 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and biosciences industries. From building teams for breakthrough cancer treatments at Merck and Moderna to guiding leaders through career reinvention, Jennifer shares how relationships, reflection, and alignment can unlock clarity and joy in leadership.
This episode isn’t just about finding the right role—it’s about reconnecting with your values, embracing change, and leading with purpose and heart. If you’re navigating uncertainty, reinventing yourself, or simply craving more joy in your leadership journey, this conversation will inspire you to pause, reflect, and realign.
Key Takeaways from Episode 18 of The JOY CEO Podcast
Relationships Are the Real Currency
Jennifer emphasizes that strong, authentic relationships are at the heart of effective leadership and career growth.
→ Audience follow-up: How intentional are you about nurturing your professional network?
Clarity Comes Through Reflection
Taking time to pause and reflect helps leaders uncover alignment between their values, skills, and next steps.
→ Audience follow-up: What’s one reflection question you need to ask yourself right now?
Reinvention Requires Courage
Jennifer shares her journey of transitioning from executive search to executive coaching, highlighting that fear can be a signal to reinvent yourself.
→ Audience follow-up: Where is fear showing up in your career—and how could it point you toward growth?
Self-Identity Shapes Leadership
Your sense of self deeply impacts how you lead and how others experience your leadership.
→ Audience follow-up: Are you leading from a place of clarity—or confusion?
Joy Is Not Optional
Even in high-pressure industries like pharma and biosciences, Jennifer stresses that joy is essential for resilience and long-term success.
→ Audience follow-up: What brings you joy in your work—and how can you build more of it into your day-to-day?
Mentioned Episode 18 of The JOY CEO Podcast:
- Jennifer’s work building teams at Merck and Moderna for breakthrough cancer treatments
- The power of executive assessments in leadership development
- A transformative hike that reshaped Jennifer’s perspective
- Lessons from navigating COVID-19 challenges as a leader and coach
Reflection Prompts for Episode 18 of The JOY CEO Podcast:
- Where in your career are you being invited to reinvent yourself?
- Who in your network do you need to reconnect with this season?
- How do you measure joy in your leadership journey?
Who Episode 18 Is For:
- Leaders in transition or navigating uncertainty
- Executives seeking alignment between values and career goals
- Professionals in high-pressure industries looking to sustain clarity and joy
- Anyone curious about blending leadership with purpose and heart
Want to Go Deeper with Lori Pine?
- Reconnect with a mentor, colleague, or friend this week—strengthen your network.
- Journal on the question: What does joy look like in my leadership right now?
- Connect with Lori on LinkedIn or Instagram.
- Learn more about coaching, retreats, and leadership support at loripine.com.
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