Why Everyone Hates Their Boss with Jennifer Jensen

In a candid conversation on *Get Your Fill*, leadership coach and author Jennifer Jensen declares that we’re living through a genuine leadership crisis—one most organizations still refuse to acknowledge. She points out the alarming statistic that, even after decades in the workforce, most people can name only one or two truly great leaders they’ve ever had. The post-COVID loss of experienced mentors has only worsened the problem, leaving emerging managers are being promoted without guidance, and mediocre (or outright toxic) leadership is now the norm. The result? Sky-high turnover that costs companies hundreds of thousands—or even millions—per departed senior employee, disengaged teams, and profitability that quietly bleeds away while executives wonder why nothing seems to work.

Jennifer argues that great leadership isn’t mysterious or rare; it boils down to three foundational traits: deep self-awareness, genuine empowerment of others, and the ability to build real trust. Yet most leaders fail the simplest tests—she suggests asking yourself, “Am I delegating or micromanaging?” and “How do I actually behave when I’m under pressure?” Micromanagement, she explains, almost always stems from fear (fear of losing control, fear of being outshone), and it forces leaders to work 40% harder than necessary while driving away talent. The fix isn’t expensive: a modest investment in coaching or psychometric assessments (like 360-degree feedback or behavioral profiles) costs a fraction of what turnover does, and it quickly reveals blind spots. Perhaps the most sobering moment is when she says many dysfunctional teams keep the “wrong” people because they’re comfortable with the existing chaos, while the best employees vote with their feet and leave.

The episode ends on a hopeful, practical note aimed especially at entrepreneurs and solopreneurs who are about to scale. Jennifer urges listeners to decide what legacy they want to leave and then reverse-engineer everything—hiring, culture, processes, and even the courage to fire toxic clients or employees—around that vision. She stresses using tools to hire for cultural fit and complementary strengths from day one, setting crystal-clear expectations, and keeping communication brutally open. Her closing line is gold: “If your organization won’t invest in developing you as a leader, invest in yourself—because no one succeeds alone.” Whether you’re running a company of one or one hundred, the message is clear: authentic, self-aware leadership isn’t optional; in today’s world, it’s the only competitive advantage that actually lasts.Connect with Jennifer: Here is a link to Jennifer's book: https://www.amazon.com/Developing-Authentic-Leaders-Practical-Guide/dp/1779415672 Website: https://authenticleader.ca/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authenticleader.ca/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/authentic-leader-ca