Jen Kem’s Leadership and Book Journey
In this episode of Authors Who Lead, I sit down with brand strategist and author Jen Kem to discuss the release of her book, “The Unicorn Team.” Our conversation explored building teams with unique energy and navigating the traditional publishing world, revealing lessons applicable to anyone’s creative journey. Let’s delve into the key insights shared and their profound impact on the essence of leadership and authorship.
Discovering the Unicorn Within Your Team
At the heart of Jen Kem’s “The Unicorn Team” is the idea that success stems not just from operational roles but from the energy and connection among team members. By likening her process to a rejuvenating spa experience, Jen emphasizes the importance of letting go of preconceived notions about team dynamics and embracing the magic within each individual. She shares the touching story of Sarah, who, despite an unconventional background, became an integral part of Jen’s strategy firm by showcasing unparalleled organizational skills and the ability to see ideas through to completion.
Jen’s unique approach outlines four master models that guide the branding strategy: team, identity, messaging, and experiences. The interconnectedness of these elements underpins her concept of “unicorn energy,” which she describes as essential for bringing ideas to life. According to Jen, achieving this energy requires identifying individuals whose skills and values align with your mission, fostering creativity, collaboration, and innovation.
Navigating the World of Publishing: Challenge and Persistence
Jen’s journey to publishing “The Unicorn Team” was anything but smooth. She faced numerous rejections, even from hybrid publishers, who deemed her book concept unconventional. Despite her substantial email list and an impressive marketing plan, traditional publishers struggled to grasp the innovative spirit of her book. Jen remained steadfast in her belief in the book’s vision, resisting pressure to write an alternative subject matter that agents suggested might be more marketable.
Her persistence paid off when she encountered an editor whose fresh perspective aligned with her vision, ultimately leading to a successful publishing contract. This encounter exemplified the crucial role of having the right people who comprehend your idea and drive. Jen’s experience reminds aspiring authors that the road to publication often requires standing firm on what truly matters to your message and being open to collaboration and guidance.
The Integral Role of Energy and Leadership
Throughout the episode, Jen emphasizes the importance of energy in work and creativity. She argues that energy, more than time management or productivity habits, determines the success of any endeavor. For authors, their energy influences every part of developing a book’s narrative, understanding their audience, and building meaningful connections with readers. Jen asserts that finding and fostering this “unicorn energy” within your team creates a powerful force, enabling individuals to thrive together, envision innovative solutions, and bring ideas to fruition.
The concept of energy also extends to leadership. Jen’s exploration of nine leadership types highlights the complex and multifaceted nature of guiding creative projects. She challenges traditional hierarchical models by urging individuals to consider how their personal leadership style can empower others and foster collaborative growth. Her book further addresses the alignment of personal values with organizational goals, drawing a direct line between authentic leadership and successful, impactful work.
A Call to Innovate and Connect
Jen Kem’s insightful discussion on “Authors Who Lead” leaves listeners with a resounding call to rethink team dynamics, harness unicorn energy, and persevere through the publishing process. By sharing her journey, Jen invites us to reconsider our definitions of success and embrace the serendipitous connections that enrich our creative endeavors. Her book, “The Unicorn Team,” stands as a testament to the power of innovative thinking and leadership in transforming dreams into reality.
Aspiring authors and entrepreneurs can take Jen’s journey as both inspiration and guidance for navigating the complex landscape of innovation and authorship. As we learn from her experience, we, too, can build our unicorn teams, foster meaningful partnerships, and embark on a path of creative fulfillment.
Join us again next week for more captivating insights from influential authors and publishing experts. Remember to subscribe to Authors Who Lead and visit our website for more show notes and past interviews.
That’s all for this week. If you have a message inside of you that needs to be written, today is the day to start. Don’t delay—take action.
Episode Resources
Connect with Jen here:
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Get a copy of Jen’s book here:
Unicorn Team: The Nine Leadership Types You Need to Launch Your Big Ideas with Speed and Success
