Founder Spotlight: Jennifer Sconyers on Building Bold Leadership from Day One

Featured on the Business of Belonging Podcast

When NAWBO member Jennifer Sconyers talks about "burning the boats," she's not speaking metaphorically. The founder of Abundance Leadership Consulting literally had no plan B when she filed her business paperwork on April 1st, 2016, and that all-in commitment has been the foundation of her success ever since.

The Power of Community from Week One

"I might have been one week old as a company when I went to my first NAWBO event," Jennifer recalls. That early connection proved transformative, giving her access to veteran women entrepreneurs who shared real insights about funding, growth strategies, and the daily realities of business ownership.

For Jennifer, NAWBO wasn't just networking; it was essential market research. "Being at a large-scale event and sitting at a table of 10 other women, that's market research right there. It's a way to get your pitch down, listen to your target audience, and hear their pain points in their own language."

From Employee to "Master Enroller"

The transition from employee to entrepreneur required Jennifer to develop what she calls "master enrollment skills, "the ability to understand client challenges, listen actively, and offer genuine solutions. This wasn't a quick process.

"It took me 18 months of steady work to nail what it means to enroll," she explains. "I had to learn how to engage with people, understand their pain points and what they value, then offer services they would actually want to purchase."

When Organizations Need Systems Change

Through Abundance Leadership Consulting, Jennifer has identified the telltale signs that organizations need help:

• Internal teams are complaining about processes and communication

• Funding sources are expressing concerns about performance or impact

• Clients or customers are providing negative feedback

• Leadership keeps trying the same solutions without success

"We typically get the phone call when all three levels of the system are complaining," Jennifer notes. "That's when they know they need outside help."

The Values Revolution

One of Jennifer's most powerful interventions involves moving organizations beyond wall-plaque values to truly operational ones. Her approach uses storytelling frameworks to capture real experiences of living company values, creating clear definitions and decision-making frameworks.

"Once they get aligned to their values, decision-making becomes easier because they're grounded," she explains. "It's not just based on people's biases, which is the default under stress."

Leadership Advice: Dare to Be Bold

Jennifer's key message for women entrepreneurs? Stop apologizing for your expertise.

"If you have a service-based business, it's based on the skills you bring to the table, which means you're the expert. Don't shy away from conversations about the cost of services. Be prepared to have that values-driven conversation about the value you're offering."

This boldness extends beyond pricing to owning your space in rooms where you might be the only woman or person of color, something Jennifer experienced throughout her corporate career.

Staying Connected in Challenging Times

The pandemic highlighted the isolation many entrepreneurs face, prompting Jennifer to refine her connection strategies:

• Choose events intentionally based on value, not volume

• Maintain virtual relationships with practitioners nationwide

• Seek collaborative workspaces that foster genuine connection

• Participate actively in values-aligned organizations like NAWBO

"Columbus is quite accessible," Jennifer observes. "People are willing to sit down with you over coffee in ways I haven't seen in other places. For the Columbus community: take advantage, because what we have here is quite special."

What's Next for ALC

Jennifer is expanding her impact through the ALC Changemakers Network, which includes:

• A podcast featuring leadership journeys

• Weekly blog content on navigating change

• Accessible e-learning starting at $40 per seat

• A membership community launching in Q4

Her focus remains on helping people find steadiness in constant change while maintaining the agility to pivot when necessary.

The NAWBO Difference

"NAWBO has been a community of other women who are like-minded and values-driven, but really keen to support other women entrepreneurs," Jennifer reflects. "Whether you're a newbie or veteran, you have access to senior women who try to make time, even if it's just a 10-minute coffee conversation."

Jennifer's Daily Success Ritual

How does she stay focused while managing constant change? Jennifer's approach includes:

• Strategic napping ("I'm a follower of the nap ministry")

• Physical movement like rowing or walking

• Creative learning (currently mastering Turkish through rom-coms)

• Music and meditation to center her busy mind

Connect with Jennifer:

• Website: jennifersconyers.com

• ALC Changemakers Newsletter (new content every other Thursday at 6AM) 

• ALC ChangeMakers Blog (weekly blog posts every Tuesday at 6 AM)

• Services: Strategic planning, executive coaching, team interventions, and training

Listen to the Full Interview: Catch Jennifer's complete conversation on the Business of Belonging podcast for deeper insights on organizational development and women's leadership.