ABOUT JENNA
The unicorn who spent years acting like a pack horse.
At the North Carolina School of Science and Math, one of the top STEM high schools in the country, the mascot is literally a unicorn. When Jenna was accepted, she became convinced it was a clerical error. So for two years, she moved herself to the back row. Head down. Carrying the load. Hoping no one would notice.
Like many high performers, she took the discomfort as proof she didn’t belong. That belief followed her long after graduation, and it took years to unlearn.
So What Changed?
Eventually, Jenna noticed the pattern: every time she waited to feel ready, her goals got a little smaller. So she started choosing audacity instead, and her career changed with it.
She’s spent nearly 25 years leading brands, innovation, and teams at Hasbro, Rich Products, Voyant Beauty, and Lasko. She has served as Vice-Chair of the STAR Foundation board and appeared on morning TV as a brand spokesperson. With an MS in Clinical Psychology and an MBA from William & Mary, her approach is grounded in both behavioral science and corporate reality.
Today she brings that to the stage with The Audacity Advantage, a keynote that helps people catch the moment they start to shrink and choose bold action instead, before they feel ready.
Proof Under Pressure
It was February 2020. One week into a new promotion. Customers were canceling orders, a global shutdown was bearing down, and her boss needed something new to sell, fast.
The normal speed to market was 12 to 18 months. The ask was weeks.
She said yes before she could see the path.
Eight weeks later, PAYA hand sanitizer was in production. The launch beat the annual profit target by 1,017%, and not one person on her team was furloughed during the shutdown.
That’s what choosing audacity in the half-second gap looks like when the stakes are real.
Fast Facts
Nearly 25 years leading brands, innovation, and teams at Hasbro, Rich Products, Lasko, and Voyant Beauty
Launched a product in 8 weeks against a 12–18 month norm, beating the annual profit target by 1,017% despite a global shutdown
Former Vice-Chair, STAR Foundation Board of Directors
Live guest on multiple morning TV news shows as a brand spokesperson
MBA from William & Mary + MS in Clinical Psychology, so her approach is grounded in behavioral science and corporate reality
Graduate of the North Carolina School of Science and Math. Always and forever a unicorn.
“Jenna presented to a large group of our managers, and she is genuinely one of the best presenters we have ever had at this meeting. She’s warm, sharp, and articulate, but even more importantly, she is an engaging speaker who captures the audience’s attention.”
Theresa Bunn
Director of Operations, RMG