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Jennifer Brown: From Opera Stage to Global Inclusion Leader
Connect with Carmen Sederino
Website: illuminatedstory.com
LinkedIn: Carmen Sederino
YouTube: Illuminated Story
Instagram: @illuminatedstory
Free Masterclass: Beyond the Keynote Masterclass
Connect with Jennifer Brown
Website: jenniferbrownspeaks.com
LinkedIn: Jennifer Brown
Instagram: @jenniferbrownspeaks
Podcast: The Will to Change
Episode Description
Carmen Sederino sits down with Jennifer Brown, bestselling author, internationally recognised keynote speaker, and one of the most trusted voices in diversity, equity and inclusion. Jennifer trained as an opera singer before vocal surgery forced her to reimagine everything. What followed was a master's in organisational leadership, years delivering corporate training, and the founding of her own consulting firm. They go deep on building a keynote that lands, how performing skills translate to speaking, and where the future of keynote speaking is headed.
Key Moments
- Singing a Bernstein solo at eight years old with a full orchestra and feeling completely at home on stage
- Pursuing an opera career in New York, then needing two vocal surgeries that ended her singing career
- A mentor pushing her to deliver a TEDx, which became the turning point for her speaking career
- Moderating industry panels as a strategy to build relationships and land clients
- Using Mentimeter live polling to create psychological safety and vulnerability in keynotes
- Playing a clip of herself singing as she walks on stage, then opening with the story of losing her voice
Quotes to Remember
"I was meant to use my voice, just not as a singer. I was meant to uplift the voices of the voiceless."
"Good design and a great facilitator can take a group anywhere."
Jennifer's Journey
Grew up in a family of musicians. Earned a master's in opera and moved to New York. After two vocal surgeries, she pivoted into organisational leadership and adult learning, completing a second master's. She founded Jennifer Brown Consulting and shifted her focus into DEI. She has delivered hundreds of keynotes for Google, NASA, Toyota, LinkedIn and more. Jennifer is the author of Inclusion, How to Be an Inclusive Leader, Beyond Diversity, and The Shape of Change.
Speaking Career Highlights
Has delivered 200 to 300 keynotes for Fortune 500 companies and global organisations. Uses live polling to create vulnerable moments with large audiences. Built her early reputation moderating panels at industry events. Bundles her assessment tool and books with engagements to create a full ecosystem of value.
Advice for Speakers
Your keynote needs more than your story. You need a point of view, data to back it up, and a framework people can take away. Moderate panels to get on stage and build relationships. Follow up with everyone you meet. Write thought papers, share insights, and give people a reason to stay in your ecosystem.
Free Resource Beyond the Keynote Masterclass
About the HostCarmen Sederino is the founder of Illuminated Story, transforming high-stakes presentations into unforgettable performances. With a background in theatre and corporate leadership, she helps leaders create impactful, memorable speaking experiences.
DisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the guests and host, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Illuminated Story.
View all episodes
By Carmen SederinoConnect with Carmen Sederino
Website: illuminatedstory.com
LinkedIn: Carmen Sederino
YouTube: Illuminated Story
Instagram: @illuminatedstory
Free Masterclass: Beyond the Keynote Masterclass
Connect with Jennifer Brown
Website: jenniferbrownspeaks.com
LinkedIn: Jennifer Brown
Instagram: @jenniferbrownspeaks
Podcast: The Will to Change
Episode Description
Carmen Sederino sits down with Jennifer Brown, bestselling author, internationally recognised keynote speaker, and one of the most trusted voices in diversity, equity and inclusion. Jennifer trained as an opera singer before vocal surgery forced her to reimagine everything. What followed was a master's in organisational leadership, years delivering corporate training, and the founding of her own consulting firm. They go deep on building a keynote that lands, how performing skills translate to speaking, and where the future of keynote speaking is headed.
Key Moments
- Singing a Bernstein solo at eight years old with a full orchestra and feeling completely at home on stage
- Pursuing an opera career in New York, then needing two vocal surgeries that ended her singing career
- A mentor pushing her to deliver a TEDx, which became the turning point for her speaking career
- Moderating industry panels as a strategy to build relationships and land clients
- Using Mentimeter live polling to create psychological safety and vulnerability in keynotes
- Playing a clip of herself singing as she walks on stage, then opening with the story of losing her voice
Quotes to Remember
"I was meant to use my voice, just not as a singer. I was meant to uplift the voices of the voiceless."
"Good design and a great facilitator can take a group anywhere."
Jennifer's Journey
Grew up in a family of musicians. Earned a master's in opera and moved to New York. After two vocal surgeries, she pivoted into organisational leadership and adult learning, completing a second master's. She founded Jennifer Brown Consulting and shifted her focus into DEI. She has delivered hundreds of keynotes for Google, NASA, Toyota, LinkedIn and more. Jennifer is the author of Inclusion, How to Be an Inclusive Leader, Beyond Diversity, and The Shape of Change.
Speaking Career Highlights
Has delivered 200 to 300 keynotes for Fortune 500 companies and global organisations. Uses live polling to create vulnerable moments with large audiences. Built her early reputation moderating panels at industry events. Bundles her assessment tool and books with engagements to create a full ecosystem of value.
Advice for Speakers
Your keynote needs more than your story. You need a point of view, data to back it up, and a framework people can take away. Moderate panels to get on stage and build relationships. Follow up with everyone you meet. Write thought papers, share insights, and give people a reason to stay in your ecosystem.
Free Resource Beyond the Keynote Masterclass
About the HostCarmen Sederino is the founder of Illuminated Story, transforming high-stakes presentations into unforgettable performances. With a background in theatre and corporate leadership, she helps leaders create impactful, memorable speaking experiences.
DisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the guests and host, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Illuminated Story.