Elevated Leadership with Jena Young

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 teenwhat teens wish adults would worry about less (and more)the role parents and other adults can play without oversteppingthe social skills teens need more practice withwhat customer service jobs have taught them about confidence and communicationthe advice they would give their younger selvesKiera 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 themcoach them through scheduling issues, conflict, mistakes, and uncomfortable conversationsknow when to step in—and when to stay on the sidelineshelp them communicate professionally with managersencourage them to leave a job with integrityuse work experiences to help your teen better understand their own values and strengthsThe 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 impressivecuriosity is more powerful than trying to be interestingknowing yourself makes you harder to knock off coursebeing someone others enjoy working with can matter more than being the smartest person in the roomowning your mistakes quickly is one of the fastest ways to build trustThese 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 practiceask more questions and give fewer answerscreate real-world opportunities for teens to interact with adultscoach from the sidelines instead of stepping in too quicklyhelp teens treat experiences—good and bad—as useful data about who they areThe 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)

What makes a teen stand out? It has far less to do with GPA than many people think, and much more to do with how they show up and connect in person.In this trailer, Jena Young introduces Standout Teen, a special season of the Elevated Leadership podcast created for parents raising teenagers. She explores why interpersonal skills like making a strong first impression, advocating for yourself, carrying yourself with confidence, understanding your values, and connecting with adults have become increasingly rare and valuable.As an entrepreneur, leadership coach, and mother of a teenage daughter, Jena brings a unique perspective on what employers are looking for and how parents can help teens prepare for the real world. Throughout the season, she’ll offer practical ideas parents can use to give teens more of what they deserve: grace, credit, and opportunities to practice the human skills that will help them stand out.

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 @jenayoung2.0www.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 @jenayoung2.0www.elevatedleadershipgrowth.com