We The Community Talks Working Across the Aisle and Defining Progress with Lifelong Change Agent Jen Guzman

Keywords:

 

change work, community engagement, authenticity, leadership, listening, political conversations, core values, humanity, social justice, personal identity

 

Takeaways

• Change work requires authenticity and vulnerability.
• Listening is crucial for effective change making.
• Building relationships is key to working across party lines.
• Core values should never be compromised for progress.
• Personal stories can bridge gaps in understanding.
• Navigating tension requires empathy and patience.
• The future of leadership lies in shared humanity.
• Progress can be incremental and still meaningful.
• Community engagement is essential for lasting change.
• Leadership is about serving others, not seeking power.

Summary:

 

In this conversation, Amanda Zahorak and Jen Guzman explore the intricacies of change work, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, listening, and building relationships across political divides. They discuss personal identity, core values, and the role of humanity in leadership, while also sharing insights on navigating tension in conversations and the significance of community engagement. The dialogue culminates in a message of hope for the future, highlighting the power of collective action and understanding in creating meaningful change.

 

Links:

 

Bestola Collective

PODER 

RISE Chicago

 

Titles:

• Bridging Divides: The Art of Change Making
• Authenticity in Leadership: A Personal Journey

Sound Bites

• "Your power is in your humanity."
• "Don't be your own villain."
• "Change work is an act of love."

Chapters

 

00:00 Introduction to Jen Guzman and Her Background

08:56 Embracing Intersectionality: The Mexiju Experience

13:25 The Power of Authenticity in Leadership

17:22 The Essence of Change Making

21:13 Listening and Understanding in Leadership

24:32 Working Across Party Lines and Building Bridges

29:31 The Challenge of Change

31:27 Building Relationships for Progress

33:42 Listening to Your Body

37:29 Core Values and Boundaries

40:33 Defining Progress

44:00 The Importance of Bipartisanship

47:17 Leadership Standards and Accountability

49:48 Dealing with Opposition and Self-Care

56:17 Navigating Life's Messy Paths

57:33 Understanding Different Perspectives

01:00:02 Bouncing Back from Power Loss

01:02:42 The Importance of Resilience

01:05:08 Building Relationships Across Sectors

01:07:40 Embracing Diverse Opinions

01:08:44 Inquiry as a Tool for Change

01:09:25 Lessons from Leadership

01:11:14 Using Voice for Good

01:12:09 Legacy of Humanity and Love

01:13:31 Finding Hope in Humanity

01:14:31 Engaging with Community Initiatives

01:15:52 Introduction to We The Community Podcast