We were lucky to catch up with Jennifer McNeil recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jennifer, appreciate you joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

“Growth Zone” is a practical guide to help you not only accelerate growth, but to grow intentionally. My journey towards writing “Growth Zone” has been shaped by a series of transformative experiences. Born in New Jersey, my path took a significant turn at nine when my family relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina where I attend grade school, laying the foundation for my educational and personal growth. At seventeen, a life changing opportunity arose through a Kellogg’s initiative, granting me the opportunity to live and study abroad for an entire summer in Mexico as an exchange student. This immersive experience broadened my perspective and ignited a passion for exploring diverse cultures and ways of living. Upon returning to the States, I pursued higher education at North Carolina A&T State University, as a Political Science major and English minor, is where I honed my skills and gained invaluable insights as young leader. Seeking to expand my knowledge, I ventured into a Masters program at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, founded by Ivy League students, is where I gained profound biblical understanding. From 2015 to 2020, I grappled with a sense of stagnation, unsure of my professional trajectory. Despite excelling in mortgage lending, I felt constrained by limited growth opportunities. Despite my qualifications, I often found myself overlooked for promotions. I started to feel like I had reached my cap within the industry, work started to feel mundane. There was a dissatisfaction within that could only be satisfied by radical change. I knew that I wanted my life to look and feel very different from what I was living and experiencing day in and day out and I knew that change was required. It’s funny how life has a way of moving us toward our destiny and aligning us just where we are meant to be. Before I could quit my job, the Covid 19 pandemic led to my layoff. This, along with my daughter receiving her college acceptance letters from several universities, prompted a period of reflection and reevaluation as to what I would do next with my life.
I found myself at a place in my life where I could literally do whatever I wanted to do and go wherever I wanted to go. There was no longer a job, a relationship, a role or any obligations holding me back. For the first time in my life, I was able to put my own needs, goals and desires at the forefront and I did just that. During the last semester of my daughters senior year of high school, I decided that I would travel the world, explore, discover, experience and grow. I stumbled upon what I call today my very own “Growth Zone” which are the elements, environment, relationships, mindset, core values and experiences that helped the seed within me to thrive. There is a growth zone within each of us waiting to be discovered and developed. For me, it was faith, finances and fitness that activated my potential and has contributed to the success that I get to experience today. I went from a professionally unfilled, divorced, empty nester, to a world traveled, inspirational speaker, bestselling author, highly sought after strategy and performance coach who has created seven figures in liquid assets through practical financial strategies, unrelenting faith, self love and physical fitness.
If I had never bet on myself, packed up my things and dared to seek out more in life, perhaps I’d still be sitting at my cubicle hoping and wishing for a life I wasn’t courageous enough to go after. I wrote this book not only to guide you towards growth but to help you recognize the seed within and to be intentional about your growth. Growth Zone is your intentional guide to recognize your seed, expand your vision so that you can be all that you’ve feasted your eyes upon. Just as seasons change in nature, our lives go through phases of planting, tending, waiting, and harvesting. Recognizing these seasons is key, and “Growth Zone,” is your companion through these cycles of growth. As you turn each page, you will uncover practical insights and strategies to know when to plant your goals, how to nurture them, and when to reap the rewards of your efforts. This book isn’t just about growth; it’s about deliberate effort, intentional decisions, and bold actions to live a life of health, wellness, faith and abundance.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am Jennifer E. McNeil, MTS, also known as Jei (pronounced jay). I was born and raised in Lawrenceville, NJ, and spent the second half of my childhood in Charlotte, NC. Since then, I have lived in Silicon Valley, CA, Coral Gables (Miami), FL, and now Orlando, FL. I have spent 19 years in the mortgage industry as a Senior Mortgage Broker and Senior Underwriting Manager. For the past three years, I have been working in FinTech as a Senior Technical Writer/Business Execution Consultant. These experiences have empowered me to connect with my clients on a personal level and develop winning strategies in speaking, coaching, and overall leadership development.

What makes me unique is my approach to integrating faith, finances, and fitness to accelerate growth potential. I convey this message within corporations, ministries, educational institutions, and other settings. My superpower has been described as my willingness to be uncomfortable for a season to achieve the end goal. As a result, my leadership style is that of a servant-leader. I literally join those I lead in the trenches to influence them to embrace a spirit of excellence in all their assignments.

In my free time, I enjoy all things performing arts, as I am also a vocalist. Traveling to new destinations is a top priority when I need to recharge. I begin each day with cycling, reading a devotional, prayer and meditation, multi-vitamins, and a plant-based protein shake.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I made a decision to relocate to CA in the middle of the pandemic to answer the call to say Yes, to myself. That required leaving everything that I once knew and loved, and yet I did it anyway. Right in the face of disbelief, chatter and discouragement.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I decided to leave everyone I know and love to explore my life’s work. I left Charlotte, NC to relocated to the Silicon Valley to submerge myself in culture of startup businesses. Then after a year relocated to Miami as it is on course to be the Silicon Valley of the east coast. Both of those experiences afforded me the ability to know that I had the courage to reset my life by saying yes to myself. As a result of those relocations I’ve developed an acceleration guide called Growth Zone that is a bestselling book on Amazon and Barnes and Noble, as well as leadership company called Maven Leadership Solutions. In my time of isolation, I grew leaps and bounds by becoming laser focused on my calling.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.mavenleadershipsolutions.com
• Instagram: Jei_speaks
• Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/jennifer-e-mcneil

Image Credits
Joyanne Panton