Jennifer Vessels – Get to know our VAB member
We’d like to introduce you to VAB member Jennifer Vessels, a Silicon Valley veteran based in Oslo, Norway. She is CEO of Next Step and has led transformation for Adobe, Google, IKEA, Microsoft and Novartis. Jennifer brings visionary yet practical insights to boards based on her 25+ years’ experience leading transformative growth within Fortune 100 companies and is an award-winning keynote speaker who translates Silicon Valley innovation into actionable guidance that drives measurable results across global markets. She has delivered millions in increased valuation, revenue and profitability for Adobe, Cisco, Novartis and others through her unique P.EA.C.E. (Purpose, Exploration, Action, Collaboration and Empowerment) approach.
In her upcoming book Emergence: How Leaders Break Free from Outdated Thinking, Jennifer shares her answer: the P.E.A.C.E. approach. This methodology is practical and was built and stress-tested over two decades of transformation work within F100 companies. If you would like to learn more about Jennifer, check her availability as a keynote speaker or discuss her current projects, feel free to contact her on [email protected]
What inspired you to become part of the Virtual Advisory Board (VAB) community? Professional transition, a search for board opportunities, the wish to build a portfolio career?
Business as usual is obsolete. Emergence is an opportunity for leaders to shift mindset, business models and leadership style. The VAB community of experienced, diverse leaders from around the world is a great sandbox in which I learn to share my experience and co-create success with fellow board members. As a Silicon Valley veteran who thrives on innovation, challenges and diversity, VAB extends my impact.
Describe your biggest challenge with your current career or professional transition process? Where would you invite help from the VAB community and, conversely, how do you feel you can best support your VAB peers?
My purpose is having a lasting impact on society through future-ready leadership. By collaborating with NEDs and CXOs in Fortune 1000 companies, I gain broader global reach. With the launch of my book Emergence this year, I would like to deepen my connections to speaker bookers, i.e., conference organisers, event planners, corporate L&D, corporate communications people. Therefore, I welcome referrals and introductions to anyone planning a leadership, innovation or change management conference, retreat or company meeting for which they seek external speakers.
Where would you like your next career or professional opportunity to take you? In what type of organisation or role do you feel you could make the most impact?
In the wake of rapid technological, societal and geopolitical change, a new paradigm is emerging. Industrial Age approaches are obsolete. Leaders must shift mindset, move with purpose, openly explore paths forward, act based on inner clarity, collaborate and empower others. As I continue to present my book during this year, I look forward to inspiring and empowering leaders across all industries and geographies, particularly working with those at board or executive level in mid-size companies (300 employees, millions in revenue) or larger businesses (up to an including enterprises with billions in revenue) to embrace change and thrive as they achieve their purpose and potential. Through my work, they will be inspired, empowered and equipped to embrace the future as it emerges.
What resources have helped you most in managing the ups and downs of the psychological journey related to professional transition? Is there a book, a podcast, a coaching service or some other tool that has guided you on your way forward?
As a future-ready leader, I learn from experience. My P.E.A.C.E. approach for thriving during Emergence processes was built through my work with Adobe, Barloworld, Cisco, Microsoft, Novartis, Schneider Electric and others. My greatest tools are curiosity, collaboration, inner clarity and commitment to successful achievement of purpose.
Where do you find you do your best strategic thinking? Be creative and surprise us.
I (like most people) have the best ideas, solutions, visions for ways to approach problems, people to reach, and future strategy away from the office. This happens in nature generally... and/or in the shower!
