Elevate: A Women's Leadership Institute Podcast
For a decade, we've been at the intersection of leadership, gender and the workplace. With our cornerstone product, The ElevateHER Challenge, we have worked to bring the vision and value to companies of creating more gender equitable workplaces.
To celebrate 10 years in this space, we share with you political and business leaders varying perspectives on the topic as well as the women who are creating change everyday in their workplaces and communities.
One conversation at a time, we work to change hearts and minds.
Pat Jones, WLI Founder
Nicole Carpenter, WLI Director
Patti Cook, WLI Director of Communication
Kris Jenkins, Tech Founder and Male Ally
#additivevalueofwomen
Elevate: A Women's Leadership Institute Podcast
You're More Qualified Than You Think: A Journey into Local Leadership
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What does it take for women to see themselves as qualified political leaders? For Brynn Heather Johnson, it required a PowerPoint presentation from her husband during what was supposed to be a relaxing hotel getaway. Despite years of community service, PTA leadership, and passionate advocacy for her city, Brynn never imagined herself on Draper City Council until someone else recognized her potential.
This eye-opening conversation explores how women's everyday leadership experiences—managing PTA budgets, coordinating volunteers, advocating for school safety—translate perfectly into public service, though women rarely make this connection themselves. Brynn's candid account of her reluctant entry into politics reveals both the challenges (fundraising discomfort, negative campaign comments, knowledge gaps) and the unexpected joys of serving her community at this level.
As a Welsh-named woman who once dreaded the first day of school because teachers would mispronounce her name, Brynn brings a unique perspective to preserving Draper's farming heritage while guiding its future development. Her passion for creating community gathering spaces, maintaining historical sites, and ensuring every resident feels heard exemplifies the difference women's leadership makes in local governance.
Most revealing is the statistical evidence that when women run for office, they win at higher rates than men—the challenge isn't electability but convincing qualified women to put their names forward. Brynn's message to women hesitating at the edge of public service resonates deeply: "You absolutely do deserve to be there, your voice matters, and you are absolutely qualified."
Whether you're considering public office or simply want to understand the inner workings of city government, this conversation offers both practical insights and inspirational encouragement. The path to more representative leadership doesn't require extraordinary qualifications—just the courage to recognize that your everyday experiences have prepared you more than you realize.
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