The Tension of Emergence: Befriending the discomfort of slowing down to lead and thrive in uncertain times

Join host, Jennifer England as she continues to slow down and embrace the tensions that come with leading social change. What does it mean to live and lead wisely? How can we strengthen our resilience when we'd rather have certainty and control? How can we develop the courage to be more authentically ourselves- when there's such pressure to conform and arrive?Through the power of film, embodiment, living systems, ancestral healing, leadership and more Jennifer explores how to lead with more wisdom, curiosity and courage so we can skillfully work with this cultural moment. With vulnerability, Jennifer weaves together the poetic, the personal and practical to help us embrace and thrive in uncertain times. Two episodes will drop each week, a deep dive with special guests followed by a bonus show offering you a practice you can take into the field of your own life.  Gratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House, composed by the talented Yukon musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker. Artwork by the imaginative writer, filmmaker and artist Jon Marro.

Welcome to the season two finale of The Tension of Emergence.In this season, we composted outdated ideas of leadership. And in this episode, Jennifer shares her favorite moments of each season two interview.She also offers three core principles that she’s carrying forward from these conversations — Embracing the Messy Middle, Embracing Wisdom Over Information, and Embracing the Fluidity of Identity.Thank you for listening to season two of the show. If you enjoyed it, make sure to subscribe to Jennifer's newsletter.  We’ll be back for season three in Spring 2024.Links & resources—For more practices, invitations and writing from Jennifer, subscribe to Jennifer’s newsletterFollow Jennifer on Instagram or LinkedInGratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House, composed by the talented musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker. Gratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House, composed by the talented Yukon musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker. Artwork by the imaginative writer, filmmaker and artist Jon Marro.

Jennifer offers a practice, inspired by her conversation with conductor and musician, Ben Zander. Comparing ourselves to others is totally human and it limits possibility.  Jennifer encourages you to interrupt patterns of comparison that keep you trapped in the “calculating self”. Instead of getting rid of “comparison”, she invites curiosity and acceptance when “less than” or “better than” emotions and thoughts arise. If you play with the practice and discover a new way of seeing or experiencing your ‘self’ we’d love to hear from you! Email Jennifer with any questions or observations- jennifer@sparkcoaching.caLinks & resources—For more practices, invitations and writing from Jennifer, subscribe to Jennifer’s newsletterFollow Jennifer on Instagram or LinkedInGratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House, composed by the talented musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker.  Gratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House, composed by the talented Yukon musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker. Artwork by the imaginative writer, filmmaker and artist Jon Marro.

It’s easy to get caught in the pursuit of wealth, fame and power- especially if we’re attached to certain arrival points through the constant evaluation of ourselves. Jennifer is joined by Ben Zander, Conductor of the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra and co-author of The Art of Possibility to talk about how we shift from our smaller 'self' to the alchemy of 'we'.  In this episode they discuss- The necessary tension of mastery and creative expressionLeading from every seat- how to inspire confidence in each other Moving from comparison to contribution Join Jennifer and Ben for a heart-felt exploration of how to shed old ways of being so love and generosity can lead.  Links & resources—Ben Zander’s Legacy project The Benjamin Zander Center, resources for educators, musicians, corporations & music appreciators.Read Ben Zander and Rosamund Stone Zander’s book, The Art of PossibilityLearn more about host Jennifer and her offerings? Subscribe to her newsletter or follow her on Instagram.Gratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House, composed by the talented musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker.  Gratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House, composed by the talented Yukon musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker. Artwork by the imaginative writer, filmmaker and artist Jon Marro.

Jennifer offers a practice, inspired by her conversation with friend, dancer and choreographer Michelle Olson.What do you tend to hide about yourself from others? What is it on behalf of? Jennifer encourages you to identify places and patterns of hiding. She encourages you to shake loose from the cultural confines of who you think you are to become more of who you are. A practice of honest vulnerability opens up a deeper connection with ourselves and others, ultimately weaving a stronger community web.  If you play with the practice and discover a new way of seeing or experiencing your ‘self’ we’d love to hear from you! Email Jennifer with any questions or observations- jennifer@sparkcoaching.caLinks & resources—For more practices, invitations and writing from Jennifer, subscribe to Jennifer’s newsletterFollow Jennifer on Instagram or LinkedInGratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House, composed by the talented musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker.  Gratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House, composed by the talented Yukon musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker. Artwork by the imaginative writer, filmmaker and artist Jon Marro.

Most of us hide ourselves- especially our pain, grief and hardest truths. How and when do you let yourself be seen? And by whom? In this episode I speak with artistic director, dancer and choreographer Michelle Olson about the transformation that can happen when we're truly seen. Together we talk about the process of witnessing and being witnessed as an essential part of becoming ourselves and community belonging. Tune in to hear more about: How to discover and own your perspectiveThe surprising power of body memory Why the questions you’re living are central to being seen Be sure to listen carefully for a more-than-human guest who joins us mid-way through our conversation (and no, it wasn’t my dog!). Links & resources—Raven Spirit Dance CompanyFollow Raven Spirit Dance on Facebook Adäka Cultural Festival in Whitehorse, YukonPoems by Hari AlluriFollow Jennifer on Instagram or LinkedIn and get her newsletter by subscribing here  Gratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House, composed by the talented Yukon musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker. Artwork by the imaginative writer, filmmaker and artist Jon Marro.

Jennifer offers a practice, inspired by her conversation with author and philosopher Báyò Akomóláfé. Ever assume that “something’s wrong” if you’re lost, confused or bewildered. Notice the impulse to run back towards certainty and solid ground? In a world that privileges straight lines and arrival points- no wonder we pathologize the experience of “feeling lost”. In this micro-episode, Jennifer guides you to discover the upside of your “lost” or “bewildered” experiences. She encourages you to befriend the discomfort of disorientation long enough to alchemize its teaching. Jennifer reminds us that this is a foundational capacity for emergence, spontaneity and connection.  If you play with the practice and discover a new way of seeing or experiencing your ‘self’ we’d love to hear from you! Email Jennifer with any questions or observations- jennifer@sparkcoaching.caLinks & resources—For more practices, invitations and writing from Jennifer, subscribe to Jennifer’s newsletterFollow Jennifer on Instagram or LinkedInGratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House, composed by the talented musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker.  Gratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House, composed by the talented Yukon musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker. Artwork by the imaginative writer, filmmaker and artist Jon Marro.

In this episode Jennifer speaks with author, teacher and trans-public intellectual Báyò Akómoláfé about what’s revealed when we become lost and bewildered. Through story, myth and examples of ecological errancy, Báyò encourages us to stay with the trouble. With laughter and curiosity they explore—How to cultivate “lostness” in a world that privileges certainty The limits of inclusivity politics Why hiding is a courageous act of refusalHow we’re transformed by spontaneous acts of creativityTune in for an intimate and rich conversation about how we navigate separation and belonging in an entangled universe where bewilderment becomes a living portal of possibilityLinks & resources—Báyò Akómoláfé’s websiteFollow and join the conversation with Báyò on Facebook Follow Jennifer on Instagram or LinkedIn and get her newsletter by subscribing here  Gratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House, composed by the talented Yukon musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker. Artwork by the imaginative writer, filmmaker and artist Jon Marro.

Jennifer offers a practice, inspired by her conversation with author and teacher Toko-pa Turner. When you lose touch with what matters- it’s easy to look to external advice, guides and mentors. But finding your way home- to yourself and each other- happens most authentically from the inside out. Learning to trust the intuitive hits you receive can help you reorient to your dreams, longings, and wisdom. In this practice, Jennifer offers a different way to work with fragments of images, messages, metaphors that come to us in our dreams. Taking Toko-pa’s cues, Jennifer encourages us to put down our rational mind and embrace the living world of the imagination.If you play with the practice and discover a new way of seeing or experiencing your ‘self’ we’d love to hear from you! Links & resources—For more practices, offerings and writing from Jennifer, subscribe to Jennifer’s newsletterFollow Jennifer on Instagram or LinkedInEmail Jennifer with any questions or observations- jennifer@sparkcoaching.caGratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House, composed by the talented musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker.  Gratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House, composed by the talented Yukon musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker. Artwork by the imaginative writer, filmmaker and artist Jon Marro.

Fascinated by your dreams but struggle to make sense of them? Our dreams invite us to enter a deeper relationship with ourselves- yet we often don’t know where to start. In this episode Jennifer speaks with Canadian author, teacher, dreamworker and founder of the Dream School, Toko-pa Turner about the power of our dreams and how they help remember ourselves home. They explore—Why classic Jungian analysis limits the power and potential of our dreams The link between dreaming and belonging- and what they have to do with our originalityHow dreams can support us through periods of exile and exclusion Tune in to learn more about your psyche as an intelligent living system. Toko-pa also helps Jennifer work through a recurring fearful dream, supporting her to discover what wants to be “natured” through her. Links & resources—Learn more about Toko-pa TurnerSign up for her 30-Day Email course Dream Drops Order Toko-pa Turner's award-winning book Belonging: Remembering Ourselves HomeFollow Jennifer on Instagram or LinkedIn and get her newsletter by subscribing here Gratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House, composed by the talented musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker. Gratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House, composed by the talented Yukon musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker. Artwork by the imaginative writer, filmmaker and artist Jon Marro.

Jennifer offers a brief practice, inspired by her conversation with Economics of Happiness visionary and economist Mark Anielski. She guides you to identify where your energy feels depleted and where your energy feels abundant. Sensing into these energy patterns you'll identify the conditions that are either blocking or supporting resourced and flow states. Jennifer invites you to practice with some new moves to shift you from energy debt into energy abundance where it matters most. If you play with the practice and discover a new way of seeing or experiencing your ‘self’ we’d love to hear from you! Email Jennifer with any questions or observations- jennifer@sparkcoaching.caLinks & resources—For more practices, invitations and writing from Jennifer, subscribe to Jennifer’s newsletterFollow Jennifer on Instagram or LinkedInGratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House, composed by the talented musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker.  Gratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House, composed by the talented Yukon musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker. Artwork by the imaginative writer, filmmaker and artist Jon Marro.

A “scarcity mindset” is often a culprit when we’re competing with each other. This tendency to compare and compete has origins in the link between rising debt money and GDP growth. Considering an alternative money system, based in reciprocity, Jennifer speaks to Economics of Happiness visionary Mark Anielski about our money matrix and its impact on our well-being. Together they explore—The debt system and why it negatively impacts your happinessWhy there’s so much anxiety around money and how to recenter our well-being The potential of the world’s first Well-Being BankCrazy dreams of doing things differently- and why to never give up on yoursJoin Jennifer and Mark for a fascinating discussion on how to center reciprocity and well-being in our economic system to build a civilization based on love, not dominion. Links & resources—Learn more about Mark Anielski and his work hereThe Economics of Happiness PodcastFollow Jennifer on Instagram or LinkedIn and get her newsletter by subscribing here Gratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House, composed by the talented musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker.  Gratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House, composed by the talented Yukon musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker. Artwork by the imaginative writer, filmmaker and artist Jon Marro.

Jennifer offers a brief practice, inspired by her conversation with friend, facilitator and author, Gabe Wilson. You are made up of multiple identities that change over time. Being able to access the wisdom from different parts of you can help you solve problems- especially those that are caused by the hardening of perspectives and identities. Jennifer encourages you to discover what identities make-up “you” and how to move towards a “bigger you”. If you play with the practice and discover a new way of seeing or experiencing your ‘self’ we’d love to hear from you! Email Jennifer with any questions or observations- jennifer@sparkcoaching.caLinks & resources—For more practices, invitations and writing from Jennifer, subscribe to Jennifer’s newsletterFollow Jennifer on Instagram or LinkedInGratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House, composed by the talented musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker.  Gratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House, composed by the talented Yukon musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker. Artwork by the imaginative writer, filmmaker and artist Jon Marro.

Our identities are beautiful, resilient and dynamic. But sometimes, our attachment to them can contribute to unhealthy polarization. In this episode Jennifer talks with facilitator, advisor, and author Gabe Wilson about how to relate more fluidly to our multiple identities with this question: what do you stand for?As an African American/Brazilian Gabe shares pivotal life experiences that clarified his own answer. He reveals how he created more freedom and fairness inside himself and his transformational conflict work. He shares- Two key principles to overcoming tension and conflictWhy trust is an important outcome (but unnecessary requirement) of risky conversationsHow to uncover bigger identities that can help solve our hardest problemsJoin Jennifer and Gabe for a heart-opening conversation on how to relate to our identities to create more fairness and freedom. Links & resources—Learn more about Gabe Wilson and his work Discover Compassionate Conversations- the book and trainingsFollow Jennifer on Instagram or LinkedIn and get her newsletter by subscribing here Gratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House, composed by the talented musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker.  Gratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House, composed by the talented Yukon musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker. Artwork by the imaginative writer, filmmaker and artist Jon Marro.

Jennifer offers a practice, inspired by her conversation with Gwich'in activist and wilderness guide, Bobbi Rose Koe. How do you experience yourself as “more than” your accomplishments, job titles and identities? How can you feel more content with who you are now? One way “in” is to pause, recognize your gifts and honor where and who they come from. Then, with intention, give these gifts to where they’re needed most this week. This practice reminds us that we’re a living lineage of love.In this episode, Jennifer offers a “new doing” that you can play with daily- with a couple of suggestions of ‘how’ to orient and be in the practice. If you play with the practice and discover a new way of seeing or experiencing your ‘self’ we’d love to hear from you! Links & resources—For more practices, offerings and writing from Jennifer, subscribe to Jennifer’s newsletterFollow Jennifer on Instagram or LinkedInEmail Jennifer with any questions or observations- jennifer@sparkcoaching.caGratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House, composed by the talented musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker.  Gratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House, composed by the talented Yukon musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker. Artwork by the imaginative writer, filmmaker and artist Jon Marro.

People often see a gift or strength in us first before we do. What happens when we’re seen? When we truly see others? When the very act of ‘seeing’ each other, weaves an ecological web of trust that helps us find our way. In this episode Jennifer talks with Gwich’in activist, river guide and entrepreneur Bobbi Rose Koe on how the land has influenced her leadership by sensitively attuning to a web of relationality.  They talk about—Bobbi Rose’s coming of age in deep reciprocity with rivers and mountains Falling in love with what scares youHow to lead teams in a time of uncertainty and despairCelebrating the magic of being yourself Tune in for an honest conversation on the potential of our interbeing, the capacity to transmute fear, and leading with love at the center of everything. Links & resources—Learn more about Bobbi Rose Koe or follow her on Instagram Discover the Western Arctic Youth CollectiveFor residential school support call the 24-hour Residential School Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419.Subscribe to Jennifer’s newsletterFollow Jennifer on Instagram or LinkedInGratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House, composed by the talented musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker.  Gratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House, composed by the talented Yukon musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker. Artwork by the imaginative writer, filmmaker and artist Jon Marro.

Jennifer offers a brief practice, inspired by her conversation with Executive Leadership coach Carolyn Coughlin. How do you sort through the overwhelming details when there’s so much coming at you? How do you stay grounded in the unknown? What should you pay attention to? Developed by Jennifer Garvey Berger and Carolyn Coughlin, the Complexity Check In is used at Cultivating Leadership and with their clients to strengthen the habit of seeing and welcoming multiple perspectives.If you play with the practice and discover a new way of seeing or experiencing your ‘self’ we’d love to hear from you! Email Jennifer with any questions or observations- jennifer@sparkcoaching.caLinks & resources—Learn more about Cultivating Leadership and Jennifer Garvey Berger and Carolyn Coughlin’s book Unleash Your Complexity GeniusFor more practices, invitations and writing from Jennifer, subscribe to Jennifer’s newsletterFollow Jennifer on Instagram or LinkedInGratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House, composed by the talented musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker.  Gratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House, composed by the talented Yukon musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker. Artwork by the imaginative writer, filmmaker and artist Jon Marro.

Ever feel totally overwhelmed with how complex the world feels? Feel the urgency to  control the mess, so you can say ‘I’ve got this’? Jennifer talks with executive coach and leadership development specialist, Carolyn Coughlin to unpack how we typically talk about complexity and where it gets us into trouble. They explore how to work with our nervous system to unleash our complexity genius.  They share—Personal stories of slowing down to relax their nervous systems Where our desire to control is fool’s gold and what to do instead.The power presence, play and pattern-makingHow to calm the body when life and leading feel overwhelming Tune in for a relieving conversation that will remind you how resourced you are to ride leadership's wild ups and downs.  Links & resources—To learn more about Carolyn’s work and coaching check out Cultivating LeadershipOrder Unleash Your Complexity Genius by Jennifer Garvey Berger and Carolyn CoughlinSubscribe to Jennifer’s newsletterFollow Jennifer on Instagram or LinkedInGratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House, composed by the talented musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker.  Gratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House, composed by the talented Yukon musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker. Artwork by the imaginative writer, filmmaker and artist Jon Marro.

Jennifer offers a practice, inspired by her conversation with writer Sophie Strand. How do you begin to know yourself as “more than” your own body, heart and mind? How can you experience yourself in the “in-betweenness” of things? One way is to listen differently. To attune carefully and sensitively to the more-than-human world. In this practice, Jennifer offers a “new doing” that you can play with daily- with a couple of suggestions of ‘how’ to orient and be in the practice. If you play with the practice and discover a new way of seeing or experiencing your ‘self’ we’d love to hear from you! Links & resources—For more practices, offerings and writing from Jennifer, subscribe to Jennifer’s newsletterFollow Jennifer on Instagram or LinkedInEmail Jennifer with any questions or observations- jennifer@sparkcoaching.caGratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House, composed by the talented musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker.  Gratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House, composed by the talented Yukon musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker. Artwork by the imaginative writer, filmmaker and artist Jon Marro.

How much do you relate to your life as linear? A progressive series of arrival points? Something you can control? In this episode Jennifer talks with poet, writer and teacher, Sophie Strand to crack open assumptions about our individuality, capacity to control and limited tropes of masculinity. Together they follow the principle of composting, a process of addition, as a more generative approach to social change, identity and leadership. Sophie shares—The origins and limits of the Hero’s Journey and its link to linear timeHow and why we’re a multitude through the power of fusion and the interstitialAlternatives to solutionism, by welcoming the energy of the TricksterTune in for a wild conversation. We hope it stimulates questions about how to welcome a biodiversity of myths, story and metaphor to enrich your life and leadership. Links & resources—Subscribe to Sophie’s newsletter on SubstackFollow her work on Instagram @cosmogyny and at www.sophiestrand.comPre-order Sophie’s book The Madonna SecretSubscribe to Jennifer’s newsletterFollow Jennifer on Instagram or LinkedInGratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House, composed by the talented musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker.  Gratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House, composed by the talented Yukon musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker. Artwork by the imaginative writer, filmmaker and artist Jon Marro.