“Be patient with yourself as you evolve.” – Anonymous
Dr. Jen Bennett is a Professor, Author and Speaker who is dedicated to connecting and helping others achieve success and develop the skills needs to make an impact and unveil their various paths throughout life. She is the host of the She Impacts Culture Podcast, “a podcast for trailblazing, faith-based women who want to lead with influence and impact culture for Christ through their work.” Let’s check in….
What has been your proudest accomplishment – personal or business – since your 2014 feature?
I would say taking steps of faith, even when I didn’t have all the answers upfront. When I was offered a position at Wake Forest University as the Communication and Program Director for the Center for Entrepreneurship, I didn’t know how God would work it out. My husband, son, and I lived in Florida, our home state. But we knew this was an opportunity I could not pass by. So, I said yes to the offer, even though I had no idea where I would live, I would be separated from my husband and son for a bit, and we didn’t know what job the Lord would open for my husband. We just went for it through faith and trusted God would work out all the details, which He did.
Then…we did it again in 2020, in the middle of Covid, when I was offered a Strategic Communication Professor position at Indiana Wesleyan University. So many unknowns once again, and on top of that, moving to a state we never imagined living in during a global pandemic. But…God was faithful! The past two years (almost 3) have been fantastic in Indiana. God has been so good!
So, I would say my proudest accomplishment is taking steps of faith, even when I didn’t have all the answers upfront.
What has been the hardest lesson learned, and how did it affect change in your journey?
That God’s plans are indeed better than my plans. I’m a planner; I like to plan everything out and know everything upfront. But many times, that is not how God works. We must walk by faith and trust that He knows what’s best for our lives. Learning that even though my life hasn’t turned out like I thought it would be, God can be trusted!
How have you managed to stay connected with other women or your ideal client?
Social Media and conferences. That is the beauty of online communication. Because of social media, we have the opportunity to meet people that we otherwise may have never met. And then to meet them in person at conferences is priceless! I even went on a girl’s trip with my friend Julie who I met online!
Has who you are at your core grown or stayed the same?
I was grown. Years ago, I was very focused on myself and achieving. And as an achiever, this can be hard to control at times. And while I still want to achieve and be successful, it’s not the focal point in my life. Today, all I want is Jesus. All I want is to follow His path in my life. My heart truly wants more of Jesus.
Any relocations or family additions?
Yes, we currently live in Indiana, a state I never imagined living in. But goodness, Indiana has been SO good to us! We moved here in the summer of 2020, in the middle of a global pandemic. But I have fallen in love with Indiana. There is something peaceful and beautiful about driving on the country roads, with no traffic, and seeing all the farmland.
What is your secret to staying relevant?
Trusting God.
What does your self-care routine look like?
This is an area I need to get better at. Since moving to Indiana, I’ve been a bit busy with my work at the university, my podcast, She Impacts Culture, and writing and speaking. When it comes to self-care, my favorite thing to do is walk and be in nature. I LOVE the peace that comes with that. I love taking in God’s beauty. And I love my hobby of landscape photography. These things are SO good for my soul!
What is a recent or upcoming new project, product, or new endeavor?
I began the She Impacts Culture podcast in April of 2021. Our mission is to empower, teach, equip, and advance Christian women who want to lead with influence and impact the culture for Christ through their work. Our vision is to create a community of trailblazing Christian women who are transforming culture for a Kingdom Impact! We envision a community of emerging leaders who meet together to draw closer to the heart of God while encouraging and “spurring one another on toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24-25).
We believe that each of us is in our places and positions for such a time as this (Esther 4:14).
What does success look like to you now?
Following the will of God. Doing what He has called me to do. Drawing closer to Him and having an intimate relationship with Him. And being who He has created me to be.
Read Dr. Bennett’s first CWM interview here
How important has having a strong support circle been in your journey?
So very important! Let me share an example with you. I was recently asked to be a keynote speaker at a Christian Communicators conference. Before the keynote, I was under attack. For the first time, I felt like the enemy was attacking me and that I was under a spiritual attack. Before this, I don’t think I’ve ever said that. It’s not something I take lightly. When I realized this, I asked my private FB community for prayer. And guess what? Their prayers worked! Within a day, I felt SO much better!I’m a BIG believer in having a circle of people around you that will pray on your behalf. We need this in today’s world! I often think of Esther in the Bible. She had a big task in front of her: to approach the king (and possibly lose her life) to save her people. What was the first thing she did? She gathered around people who would pray and fast with her. And this one act, I believe, was life-changing!
We need people surrounding us in prayer! Prayer works!
Whose opinion matters the most to you?
God.
Think back to when you felt your life was in “shambles.” How would the woman you are now handle that same situation differently?
I’m still learning this. God has proven Himself faithful in my life, time and time again. When I feel like the weight of this world is too much, I try to think back on those times when God was faithful and cared for me, my family, and every need we had. I tend to be a worrier, so it’s crucial for me to seek God and think back and remember God’s faithfulness.
Who or what pours into you to help you achieve your own wellness goals, maintain your joy and pour back into others?
Friends. Local friends I meet with to laugh with and have fun outings with. They bring so much joy to my life!
Has your hopes for your legacy expanded since your first feature OR are you more focused on “manifesting and living in your now” versus what you leave behind?If anything, I want people to know that I loved Jesus with my entire being and that everything I did or was a part of was Jesus-focused. I want people to see Jesus in me and see a difference in me. I want to point to Jesus in everything.
How do you want people to feel when you walk into a room?
Calm, at ease, and approachable. I want people to know they can approach me, and I’m for them!
What would you say is your passion? What motivates you to keep going in order to align your life with that passion?
Jesus is my passion. I love sharing about Jesus in all I do. Whether I’m in the classroom with my college students, writing a post on social media, speaking at a conference, or writing a book, my passion is to help others see and experience the peace, hope, and freedom found in Jesus.
Tell us about a time you made yourself proud.
Moving to Indiana. This was a big step for me. I had some fears to work through and navigate. But I told myself I would not allow my fears to keep me from moving forward into all God has for me. I don’t want to be on my deathbed wondering what my life could have been like had I not let fear get in the way.
How do you make time for the things/people and places that are most important to you?
I’m not sure there is a “plan” around this. I just do. I invite people to lunch with me on campus. I ask friends to get together for lunch. I invite people over to the house.
How do you nurture your gifts?
Pray, seek Jesus, seek my group of trusted friends, attend conferences, and allow myself to be open to learning new things and trying new things. I don’t stop learning. Learning is a part of my everyday life.
What’s next for you?
Writing a new book! This book will be geared toward 20–28-year-olds and based on faith, work, and culture! I’m excited about this!
Anything to add?
I love connecting with people! I can be found on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at @DrJenBennett. People can also connect with me on my website at: DrJenBennett.com
And my podcast, She Impacts Culture, can be found on my website and all the major podcasting platforms.
