We recently connected with Jennifer Lynn Robinson and have shared our conversation below.
Jennifer Lynn, appreciate you joining us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.
This May I will be celebrating 15 years of surviving a near-death accident. I try to set new goals to do out-of-the-box things each year since that time. Last year, at age 49, I entered my first pageant called Classic Universe. It highlights women over 40 years old. I competed against experienced pageant women and ended up winning the world title in Las Vegas. It sounded like a great idea, but after I arrived at the world finals I felt like I was in over my head and had underestimated the preparation. But I didn’t quit. I am now a 50 year, plus size pageant queen and am able to have a much larger platform to shine a light on invisible injuries after struggling myself with a TBI, PTSD, anger, depression and more.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I started my career as a trial lawyer for slightly over a decade. My accident took me out of practicing law at that time. I was unable to memorize my files, think on my feet, and find my words. I decided to start a business out of necessity. I never had plans or aspirations to become an entrepreneur. At the time, my days were very hard and filled with surgeries and rehab. I knew I could not return to a “traditional” work atmosphere. I started a consulting business with plans to grow it into a speaking business as my condition improved. I believe what sets me apart is that I have had to walk the walk, so what I teach my clients is from direct experience. When I started, my network was limited to the legal community and I had to hustle to brand myself, market the business, and grow a network. I know what it takes. Additionally, it was recommended that I reconsider a career in public speaking during my recovery. So I faced a long road of building back my speaking skills and my confidence in order to become a motivational keynote speaker and and do guest media segments now. It is really rewarding to help motivate others now.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
I had to learn that you do not have to be a perfect speaker to be impactful. I am still improving everyday after doing this for years. I haven’t let it stop me. I feel compelled to help others and my story is not unique, but it is relatable. I had to get comfortable with imperfection.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
I set a goal of doing a TEDx talk. It took me 5 years of rejections, but I never quit. I was scheduled to give the talk the week the country shut down in March 2020. I ended up taping it during lockdown in an empty studio. It was not the big stage experience with an audience that I had visualized and hoped for, but it doesn’t take away from the fact that I am a TEDx speaker now.
Contact Info:
- Website: purposefulnetworking.com
- Instagram: @areyounetworked, @beingfancyinphilly
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.l.robinson.54/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferprobinson/
- Twitter: @areyounetworked
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFdlE92YY9ayITSlxey9zzA
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/purposeful-networking-bala-cynwyd
- Other: @jenniferlynnspeaks on TikTok
Image Credits
Image credits Joe Pier, Ann Marie Casey, Lafayette Hill Studios