We The Community Talks Working Across the Aisle and Defining Progress with Lifelong Change Agent Jen Guzman

Keywords: change work, community engagement, authenticity, leadership, listening, political conversations, core values, humanity, social justice, personal identity Takeaways

• Change work requires authenticity and vulnerability.
• Listening is crucial for effective change making.
• Building relationships is key to working across party lines.
• Core values should never be compromised for progress.
• Personal stories can bridge gaps in understanding.
• Navigating tension requires empathy and patience.
• The future of leadership lies in shared humanity.
• Progress can be incremental and still meaningful.
• Community engagement is essential for lasting change.
• Leadership is about serving others, not seeking power.

Summary: In this conversation, Amanda Zahorak and Jen Guzman explore the intricacies of change work, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, listening, and building relationships across political divides. They discuss personal identity, core values, and the role of humanity in leadership, while also sharing insights on navigating tension in conversations and the significance of community engagement. The dialogue culminates in a message of hope for the future, highlighting the power of collective action and understanding in creating meaningful change. Titles:

• Bridging Divides: The Art of Change Making
• Authenticity in Leadership: A Personal Journey

Sound Bites

• "Your power is in your humanity."
• "Don't be your own villain."
• "Change work is an act of love."

Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Jen Guzman and Her Background 08:56 Embracing Intersectionality: The Mexiju Experience 13:25 The Power of Authenticity in Leadership 17:22 The Essence of Change Making 21:13 Listening and Understanding in Leadership 24:32 Working Across Party Lines and Building Bridges 29:31 The Challenge of Change 31:27 Building Relationships for Progress 33:42 Listening to Your Body 37:29 Core Values and Boundaries 40:33 Defining Progress 44:00 The Importance of Bipartisanship 47:17 Leadership Standards and Accountability 49:48 Dealing with Opposition and Self-Care 56:17 Navigating Life's Messy Paths 57:33 Understanding Different Perspectives 01:00:02 Bouncing Back from Power Loss 01:02:42 The Importance of Resilience 01:05:08 Building Relationships Across Sectors 01:07:40 Embracing Diverse Opinions 01:08:44 Inquiry as a Tool for Change 01:09:25 Lessons from Leadership 01:11:14 Using Voice for Good 01:12:09 Legacy of Humanity and Love 01:13:31 Finding Hope in Humanity 01:14:31 Engaging with Community Initiatives 01:15:52 Introduction to We The Community Podcast