Elevated Leadership with Jena Young

If you're managing teenagers the same way you were managed at 17, there’s a good chance everyone is frustrated.

Today’s teen employees often need a different style of leadership... not lower expectations, but more context, clearer communication, more coaching, and faster feedback.

In this episode, Jena shares four shifts that can make managing young employees dramatically more effective:

• explain the “why” when you can
• coach instead of immediately rescuing
• make expectations ridiculously clear
• give feedback quickly and specifically

Jena also explores why questions from a teen employee aren’t always disrespect, why “common sense” is often just something another person had the opportunity to learn earlier, and how managers can accidentally steal valuable practice reps by stepping in too quickly.

The workplace can be one of the best training grounds a teenager has, but only if the adults around them are willing to teach, coach, and adapt.

Teen employees have work to do, and so do the people managing them.

Join The Cohort Waitlist (or learn more)

What do teenagers actually wish the adults in their lives understood?

In this episode, Jena sits down with two high school seniors, Kiera and Elle, for an honest conversation about growing up, working, relationships, communication, and the adults who have made the biggest difference in their lives.

Together, they talk about:

• what makes an adult stand out to a teen
• what teens wish adults would worry about less (and more)
• the role parents and other adults can play without overstepping
• the social skills teens need more practice with
• what customer service jobs have taught them about confidence and communication
• the advice they would give their younger selves

Kiera and Elle don’t speak for every teenager, but they do offer something adults don’t always get enough of: a direct view from the teen side.

Their answers are a reminder that teens notice our energy, our flexibility, our warmth, and whether we are genuinely listening.

Join The Cohort Waitlist (or learn more)

What if standing out starts with quitting a few things?

In this episode, Jena shares four habits parents can stop (and four habits teens can stop) to create more confidence, independence, connection, and self-awareness.

For parents, that means quitting the urge to rescue every uncomfortable moment, solving problems teens can handle themselves, shaping them into a version that feels right to you, and praising achievement more than character.

For teens, it means quitting one-word answers, changing yourself to fit in, bringing your phone into every interaction, and shrinking your own voice.

These aren’t huge personality overhauls, but they are

This is a great episode for parents and teens to listen to together and ask: Where do I see myself in this? What could I stop doing today that would help me show up differently tomorrow?

Join The Cohort Waitlist (or learn more)

A teenager’s first job can teach them far more than how to earn a paycheck.

It can build confidence, credibility, judgment, communication skills, resilience, self-respect, and the ability to handle responsibility when other people are counting on them.

But parents play an important role in whether that experience actually helps their teen grow.

In this episode, Jena draws from years of hiring, managing, and training teenagers to share what employers wish parents understood about helping teens get, keep, and eventually leave a job well.

You’ll hear how to:

• help your teen prepare for interviews without doing the work for them
• coach them through scheduling issues, conflict, mistakes, and uncomfortable conversations
• know when to step in—and when to stay on the sidelines
• help them communicate professionally with managers
• encourage them to leave a job with integrity
• use work experiences to help your teen better understand their own values and strengths

The goal is not to make every job easy.

It’s to let work become a safe place for teens to practice being responsible, capable, communicative adults.

In many ways, the paycheck is the smallest thing they earn.

Join The Cohort Waitlist (or learn more)

What actually makes a teenager stand out?

It’s usually not being the smartest, most talented, most outgoing, or most impressive person in the room.

In this episode, Jena speaks directly to teens and shares five simple rules that can change how they show up in school, work, relationships, interviews, and everyday life.

You’ll learn why:

• successful people are willing to look awkward before they look impressive
• curiosity is more powerful than trying to be interesting
• knowing yourself makes you harder to knock off course
• being someone others enjoy working with can matter more than being the smartest person in the room
• owning your mistakes quickly is one of the fastest ways to build trust

These aren’t tricks for looking impressive. They’re behaviors worth practicing until they become part of who you are.

Confidence comes from reps, and the young people who consistently stand out are often the ones willing to practice the things everyone else avoids.

Join The Cohort Waitlist (or learn more)

What if the goal of parenting a teenager isn’t to manage them more effectively but to help them manage and lead themselves?

In this episode, Jena breaks down five practical shifts parents can make now to help teens build the confidence, communication skills, resilience, judgment, and self-awareness they’ll need in adulthood.

You’ll hear why the parenting job description changes during the teen years, why discomfort can actually be a sign of growth, and why stepping back doesn’t mean checking out.

Jena shares how parents can:

• shift from protection to practice
• ask more questions and give fewer answers
• create real-world opportunities for teens to interact with adults
• coach from the sidelines instead of stepping in too quickly
• help teens treat experiences—good and bad—as useful data about who they are

The goal isn’t to remove every uncomfortable experience.

It’s to create the conditions where confidence, independence, and self-trust can grow.

Raising a capable adult often means resisting the urge to do for them what they are ready to learn to do for themselves.

Join The Cohort Waitlist (or learn more)

Teenagers today aren’t less capable, but they are getting less practice.

In this first episode of Season 3, Jena introduces a new direction for Elevated Leadership: helping parents prepare teens for the human side of adulthood.

Technology has made life easier in countless ways, but it has also quietly removed many of the everyday interactions that used to teach young people how to communicate, advocate for themselves, handle uncomfortable conversations, connect with adults, and make a strong impression.

The problem is that our expectations haven’t changed.

We still expect young adults to walk into an interview confidently, communicate clearly, build relationships, solve problems, and navigate the real world, even when they’ve had fewer opportunities to practice those skills.

In this episode, Jena shares why she believes teens have enormous potential, why “human skills” may become even more valuable in an AI-driven world, and what parents can do to intentionally create the practice their teens need to stand out.

The goal is never to tell teens exactly who to become, it's to give them practice and confidence to become their own leader.

Join The Cohort Waitlist (or learn more)

Jena closes out Season Two with a powerful conversation on one of the greatest tests leaders face: uncertainty. From global crises like COVID to everyday business disruptions, she explores how leaders can steady the ship when fear and confusion run high. Jena shares a clear communication framework for leading when answers are limited, highlights common traps to avoid, and offers practical strategies for staying grounded, present, and purpose-driven. This final episode celebrates the season’s theme of taking ownership of your side of the street and equips leaders with the tools to navigate chaos with clarity and calm.

To book Jena of Elevated Leadership for one-on-one or group coaching, reach out to [email protected] We look forward to hearing from you!

Instagram: @elevatedleadership and @jenayoung2.0

www.elevatedleadershipgrowth.com

In this episode, Jena shares her hard-earned lessons on what it really takes to build and retain a strong team. Drawing from her own experience as a business owner, she invites leaders to reflect on four key questions: Are your values clear and alive in your workplace? Are you honest about the type of roles you’re offering: starter, stepping stone, or career? Do you know what your employees truly value? And are you facing the external realities of your business head-on?

With candor and humor, Jena reveals what she wishes she had known earlier, why values-based hiring matters, and how embracing the facts (instead of fighting them) helps leaders stop spinning their wheels. Whether you’re struggling with turnover, frustrated with hiring, or simply want to strengthen your leadership, this episode will help you see your team-building challenges in a whole new light.

To book Jena of Elevated Leadership for one-on-one or group coaching, reach out to [email protected] We look forward to hearing from you!

Instagram: @elevatedleadership and @jenayoung2.0

www.elevatedleadershipgrowth.com

In this episode Jena dives into the four essential messages every leader should communicate to their team. She explores why clear, heartfelt communication is the foundation of a thriving workplace.

Discover how to build trust, empower your employees, and create a positive culture by ensuring your team hears what truly matters—from honest feedback to genuine encouragement. Whether you’re a seasoned manager or just starting your leadership journey, this episode will give you practical insights and real-world examples to help you lead with clarity, confidence, and heart.

Tune in to learn how these four simple messages can transform your team’s engagement, performance, and overall happiness at work!

To book Jena of Elevated Leadership for one-on-one or group coaching, reach out to [email protected] We look forward to hearing from you!

Instagram: @elevatedleadership and @jenayoung2.0

www.elevatedleadershipgrowth.com

In this week’s episode, Jena shares three powerful themes that keep showing up in her own life and in the lives of the leaders she works with. These lessons are simple, but they hit hard:

• Rejection is Protection – why setbacks can actually steer you toward better opportunities.
• A Calm Mind Requires a Calm Body – how regulating your body is the key to clear, effective leadership.
• No One Will Care as Much About Your Business as You Do (and That's Okay!) – how to release resentment and step into true ownership.

These reminders are ones leaders often need to circle back to again and again. Tune in for a short but impactful conversation that just might shift the way you’re approaching your leadership this week.

To book Jena of Elevated Leadership for one-on-one or group coaching, reach out to [email protected] We look forward to hearing from you!

Instagram: @elevatedleadership and @jenayoung2.0

www.elevatedleadershipgrowth.com

In this episode of Elevated Leadership with Jena Young, Jena sits down with her Director of Operations, Bo Jennings, for a candid and insightful conversation. Together they tackle three big topics every leader faces: how to let go of employees while staying grounded, how to show up for your team even when you don’t feel your best, and how they, along with Jena's business partner/husband Jeff, make decisions while honoring how different their approaches are. .

Bo brings decades of experience in hospitality and a deep commitment to never stop growing. He shares hard-earned leadership lessons, honest reflections, and the mindset that keeps him evolving. This episode offers both practical tools and a rare behind-the-scenes look at how Jena and her team run their businesses.

To book Jena of Elevated Leadership for one-on-one or group coaching, reach out to [email protected] We look forward to hearing from you!

Instagram: @elevatedleadership and @jenayoung2.0

www.elevatedleadershipgrowth.com

Being a middle manager means living “in the middle of it all,” balancing the needs of your staff with the expectations of ownership, while keeping service and culture strong.

In this punchy, insight-packed conversation, Jena sits down with Jasmine Burne, Hospitality Director for Side Street Hospitality. Over the last 10 years, Jasmine has grown with Side Street Café and its sister businesses, moving from the floor to a leadership role where she now supports teams across the organization. And yes, she can still shake up a mean cocktail!

We cover real-world lessons every middle manager can relate to, including:

• Why organization is the foundation of strong leadership
• The responsibility of setting staff up for success every shift
• How to execute plans even when they’re not your own idea
• The importance of growing with your organization as it evolves
• The importance of letting go of staff when they no longer fit the culture.

This episode is short but loaded with gems that will empower you to see the value of your role and lead with clarity and confidence.

To book Jena of Elevated Leadership for one-on-one or group coaching, reach out to [email protected] We look forward to hearing from you!

Instagram: @elevatedleadership and @jenayoung2.0

www.elevatedleadershipgrowth.com

In this episode, Jena shares her favorite “rules of thumb” for effective leadership.

She rattles off practical leadership principles, from actionable advice on handling lingering issues, restructuring hard-to-fill roles, and navigating the tricky territory of toxic top performers. She also revisits the classic “hire slow, fire fast” mantra, emphasizing the value of thoughtful hiring and decisive action.

Whether you’re a seasoned manager or just starting your leadership journey, this episode is packed with relatable stories, actionable insights, and encouragement to lead with clarity, confidence, and heart. Don’t forget to share this episode with someone who could use a leadership boost!

To book Jena of Elevated Leadership for one-on-one or group coaching, reach out to [email protected] We look forward to hearing from you!

Instagram: @elevatedleadership and @jenayoung2.0

www.elevatedleadershipgrowth.com

In this episode, Jena explores the Netflix docuseries America’s Sweethearts, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders’ intense audition and training process. Drawing on her background as a dancer and leadership expert, Jena examines how Director Kelli Finglass and Head Choreographer Judy Trammell navigate tough decisions, hold high standards, and lead with both empathy and accountability.

Alongside reflections on her recent visit to The Lost Kitchen and the leadership insights gained from Erin French, Jena breaks down key moments from the show that highlight resilience, culture, and the realities of leading a high-pressure team.

Whether you’re familiar with the show or new to it, this episode delivers practical leadership takeaways through an engaging, real-world case study.

To book Jena of Elevated Leadership for one-on-one or group coaching, reach out to [email protected] We look forward to hearing from you!

Instagram: @elevatedleadership and @jenayoung2.0

www.elevatedleadershipgrowth.com

In this inspiring and down-to-earth conversation, Jena sits down with Piper Rama, a Division I volleyball player for the ASU Sun Devils, to hear her perspective as a Gen Z athlete navigating high performance, pressure, and team dynamics. Piper shares powerful insights on staying connected to your why, the value of aligning around a common goal, and what it means to show up fully in the present moment whether you're winning or working through setbacks.

While the conversation is unpolished in the best, most authentic way, it’s packed with wisdom for athletes, coaches, leaders, and anyone working with or mentoring Gen Z. Jena also asks Piper what older generations should know when leading or managing Gen Z and her answer is refreshingly simple and spot-on.

Whether you’re a leader, a parent, or just someone curious about how the next generation is showing up in the world, this episode offers a fresh and grounded glimpse into what matters most from the perspective of someone living it right now.

You can follow along with Piper's team on instagram @sundevilvolleyball

To book Jena of Elevated Leadership for one-on-one or group coaching, reach out to [email protected] We look forward to hearing from you!

Instagram: @elevatedleadership and @jenayoung2.0

www.elevatedleadershipgrowth.com

As a leader, it can feel like everyone needs something right now: a decision, a conversation, a complaint, a meeting. In this episode, Jena Young unpacks the emotional toll of being perpetually “on call” and offers a grounded, empowering guide for how to protect your time and energy without becoming cold or unavailable.

Pulling from her own introverted leadership style and real-world lessons as a business owner, Jena introduces practical tactics, including John Maxwell’s 80-20-80 Principle, to help leaders prioritize what (and who) truly deserves their time. She also shares 11 ready-to-use boundary-setting scripts for common workplace interruptions from The One-Stop Shopper to The Opinionator.

This episode is a must-listen for leaders who want to stay connected and compassionate while avoiding burnout. It's time to lead with intention, protect your energy, and finally let go of the guilt around saying “not right now.”

To book Jena of Elevated Leadership for one-on-one or group coaching, reach out to [email protected] We look forward to hearing from you!

Instagram: @elevatedleadership and @jenayoung2.0

www.elevatedleadershipgrowth.com

If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or spinning your wheels about the same issue again and again, Jena will introduce you to a simple but powerful tool called The 5 Choices, a framework that helps leaders (and humans!) move from frustration and victim mode into clarity and intentional action.

Whether you’re navigating a difficult conversation, a draining job, or a lingering personal struggle, you always have these 5 choices:
Leave it. Change it. Accept it. Change your perspective. Or stay and suffer.

Jena breaks down each option with real-life examples (including one from her own leadership team), shows you how to use this framework to center yourself, and explains why this tool calms the nervous system and restores your personal power.

This episode is for you if:

• You're complaining about the same thing but don’t know what to do about it.
• You’re in a funk and need a mental reset.
• You want a clear, empowering way to lead yourself (or your team) through sticky situations.

No fluff, just real leadership tools for real life.

To book Jena of Elevated Leadership for one-on-one or group coaching, reach out to [email protected] We look forward to hearing from you!

Instagram: @elevatedleadership and @jenayoung2.0

www.elevatedleadershipgrowth.com

In this episode, Jena dives into a raw and rarely discussed topic: growing pains. Whether you’re evolving personally or leading a growing business, the discomfort of stretching beyond who you used to be is real and normal.

Jena breaks down why growth feels so disorienting and lonely at times, the energetic shifts happening under the surface, and how to recognize the signs that you're in a growth phase (even if it doesn’t look or feel like progress). You’ll hear:

• The difference between personal and business growth pains
• 4 clear signs you're outgrowing your old identity
• Why your success might feel fragile or unsustainable
• How to move through the messy middle without giving up

This is your reminder that you're not stuck, you’re stretching. Tune in to feel seen, supported, and inspired to keep moving forward, even when it’s hard.

To book Jena of Elevated Leadership for one-on-one or group coaching, reach out to [email protected] We look forward to hearing from you!

Instagram: @elevatedleadership and @jenayoung2.0

www.elevatedleadershipgrowth.com

In this raw and insightful episode, Jena breaks down the deeper, often overlooked reasons why leadership can feel so challenging—even for seasoned professionals. Drawing from years of consulting and coaching experience, Jena identifies common themes that quietly derail leaders and shares the foundational mindset shifts that help turn things around.

This episode isn’t about pointing fingers—it’s about holding up a mirror. With empathy and honesty, Jena explores why so many leaders struggle with managing their own energy and reacting to feedback with defensiveness.

Listeners will walk away with:

• A powerful reframe on what it really means to "manage your energy"
• Practical tools to receive feedback without spiraling into shame
• A reminder that leadership is a skill set—not a status
• Tangible signs of when you're getting in your own way (and how to stop)
• A grounding mantra: "I don’t need the world to be calm. I am the calm."

Whether you’re just stepping into leadership or feeling off-course in your current role, this episode offers a grounding reset and a strong starting point for personal growth.

To book Jena of Elevated Leadership for one-on-one or group coaching, reach out to [email protected] We look forward to hearing from you!

Instagram: @elevatedleadership and @jenayoung2.0

www.elevatedleadershipgrowth.com

Your mindset is either your greatest limit—or your greatest leverage. In this episode of Elevated Leadership, Jena shares five of the most powerful mindset shifts that not only shape stronger, more grounded leadership, but also transform how you live. These are not fluffy affirmations or one-size-fits-all mantras, they’re real, hard-earned shifts that bring clarity, courage, and relief. You’ll hear practical strategies, personal stories, brain science, and even a truth-bomb or two from a therapist and college professor. If leadership ever feels personal, heavy, or confusing, this episode is your reset.

To book Jena of Elevated Leadership for one-on-one or group coaching, reach out to [email protected] We look forward to hearing from you!

Instagram: @elevatedleadership and @jenayoung2.0

www.elevatedleadershipgrowth.com

In this episode, Jena dives into two common leadership traps that trip up even the best leaders — The Emotion Loop and The Me Myth. These inner challenges can turn tough situations into overwhelming dramas, keeping you stuck in frustration, self-doubt, or ego-driven reactions. She will share what these traps look like, why they happen, and simple, practical steps to break free and lead with clarity and calm. Perfect for anyone ready to get out of their own way and lead with more confidence and ease.

To book Jena of Elevated Leadership for one-on-one or group coaching, reach out to [email protected] We look forward to hearing from you!

Instagram: @elevatedleadership and @jenayoung2.0

www.elevatedleadershipgrowth.com

Do you ever feel like a camp counselor or referee, constantly caught in the middle of gossip and petty drama at work? You’re not alone. In this episode, Jena dives into why drama thrives in small teams and how leaders often get pulled in—even when they don’t want to be. She shares her own early leadership struggles with gossip and the costly hidden payoffs that keep us stuck. Most importantly, she offers clear, actionable strategies to stop gossip in its tracks, set healthy boundaries, and create a culture where real connection and respect thrive.

If you’re ready to trade exhausting drama for powerful leadership that uplifts your team and your business, this episode is for you. Plus, stay tuned for a listener question about turning slow seasons into strategic opportunities!

To book Jena of Elevated Leadership for one-on-one or group coaching, reach out to [email protected] We look forward to hearing from you!

Instagram: @elevatedleadership and @jenayoung2.0

www.elevatedleadershipgrowth.com

(#15) In this episode, Jena explores the hidden struggles behind why leaders resist delegation—even when they know it’s necessary. Drawing from her own leadership journey and insights from a recent workshop, Jena dives deep into the identity challenges, fears, and mindset shifts that keep leaders stuck doing tasks they’ve outgrown. She unpacks common barriers like perfectionism, fear of failure, and guilt, and shares a practical “delegation recipe” for letting go with trust and clarity. Whether you’re leading a large team or a team of one, this episode offers empowering tools to help leaders shift from doers to coaches, build stronger teams, and reclaim their highest-level work. Perfect for anyone ready to loosen their grip and multiply their impact.

To book Jena of Elevated Leadership for one-on-one or group coaching, reach out to [email protected] We look forward to hearing from you!

Instagram: @elevatedleadership and @jenayoung2.0

www.elevatedleadershipgrowth.com

(#14) Welcome back to Elevated Leadership! In this episode, Jena explores the subtle but damaging effects of passive-aggressive leadership. She breaks down how indirect communication creates confusion, erodes trust, and saps team energy. Jena explains why passive-aggressiveness often stems from fear, insecurity, or habit, and offers practical steps to recognize and shift this behavior—whether it shows up in yourself or others. Leaders will learn how clarity, courage, and compassion can break the cycle and create healthier, more honest team dynamics.

To book Jena of Elevated Leadership for one-on-one or group coaching, reach out to [email protected] We look forward to hearing from you!

Instagram: @elevatedleadership and @jenayoung2.0

www.elevatedleadershipgrowth.com

We are thrilled to bring Enneagram Expert, Lisa Hancock, to Elevated Leadership. Her knowledge in all things Enneagram, coupled with conflict mediation, make her an expert in managing the inevitable tough times that come in leadership.

In this episode she shares the 3 Social Stances that every one of us fit into: Assertive, Withdrawn and Responsive. Understanding your social stance allows you to create self awareness around your OWN approach to conflict and to be less reactive to how others approach it as well.

Note: You do not need to know your Enneagram number to enjoy this episode. In fact, if you don't know... learning your social stance can be an excellent first step!

You can reach Lisa at [email protected]. She would love to connect with you and offers Enneagram training, leadership workshops, conflict mediation and more!

To book Jena of Elevated Leadership for one-on-one or group coaching, reach out to [email protected] We look forward to hearing from you!

Instagram: @elevatedleadership and @jenayoung2.0

www.elevatedleadershipgrowth.com

Join us as we explore the very common issue of Imposter Syndrome. This sneaky block affects nearly 70% of people, but no one wants to talk about it for fear that they will…look like an imposter.

In today’s episode, Jena shares her personal experiences with imposter syndrome while also sharing:

*How to tell imposter thoughts from reality thoughts

*Different types of Imposter Syndrome

*Who is impacted most by this issue

*What you can do about it when you are feeling it

As a bonus, Jena taps into the 3 ways of navigating the world: Thinking, Feeling and Doing and shares a personal story of why knowing yourself and others can make all of the difference in your leadership style.

To book Jena of Elevated Leadership for one-on-one or group coaching, reach out to [email protected] We look forward to hearing from you!

Instagram: @elevatedleadership and @jenayoung2.0

www.elevatedleadershipgrowth.com

Today’s episode is diverse and offers something for everyone. Whether you are a new or experienced leader, the same themes and challenges exist for all of us. Jena answers the most common questions and concerns that she hears. The questions include:

*How to not take “things” personally

*How to react with less emotion

*How to prioritize what you outsource and delegate

*What to do when you need to call your boss out

*And several more questions!

This is information that Jena hasn’t shared in the past and is excited to share now!

Resources: Kobe Bryant Interview

Communication Tips: @jefferson_fisher on Instagram


Let’s Connect!

Instagram: @elevatedleadership and @jenayoung2.0

www.elevatedleadershipgrowth.com