Send us a text🎧 Episode Summary:In this powerful and deeply human episode of the Bold and Brilliant Podcast, host Tracie Root sits down with Jen Vertanen, Chief of Staff at a health-tech startup and founder of We The Unruly. Jen shares the bold, vulnerable decision that reshaped her life, her marriage, and her relationship with herself.Through an honest conversation about identity, healing, leadership, and community, Jen reveals how doing the inner work—not just the strategic work—created the clarity, confidence, and impact she lives and leads with today. This episode is a masterclass in courage, self-trust, and choosing alignment over performance.If you’ve ever questioned your path, your choices, or who you’re becoming… this episode will remind you that bold decisions don’t always look flashy—but they do change everything.✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why admitting you’re wrong can be one of the most courageous leadership moves you’ll ever makeHow identity work fuels clarity, confidence, and sustainable successThe role community plays in healing, growth, and bold reinventionWhy “finding your way” matters more than following someone else’s formulaHow vulnerability strengthens relationships—in life and in business🛠️ Actionable Tips from Jen Vertanen:Create intentional “mirrors” in your life—people who can reflect truth back to you when self-doubt shows upStop outsourcing your answers and start building trust in your own inner wisdomGive yourself permission to evolve without a deadline—identity work is ongoingChoose environments (work, community, relationships) that support who you’re becomingLead with depth, not performance—real impact comes from authenticity🎤 Memorable Quote:"Find your mirrors and use them—so you can remember who the hell you are."🔥 Bold Moment of the Episode:Jen shares the moment she realized she was about to make a life-altering mistake—and chose radical honesty and vulnerability instead. Admitting she was wrong became the turning point that led to healing, deeper connection, and a decade of intentional identity work.📱 Connect with Jen Vertanen:We The Unruly Community & Movement: (links in show notes)Instagram: @jenv_wetheunrulyWebsite: wetheunruly.com🚀 Join the Bold and Brilliant Podcast Community:If this episode sparked something in you, come join us inside The Gather Community—a space for women leaders and entrepreneurs who are ready to take bold action, build meaningful connections, and grow into their next chapter together.👉 Learn more at thegather.community🌟 Rate & Review:Loved this episode? Your review helps more bold, brilliant women find the podcast!⭐ Rate, review, and subscribe on your favorite listening platform—and don’t forget to share this episode with a friend who needs the reminder that their bold moment might be closer than they think.Thank you for supporting The Bold and Brilliant Podcast! Find out what's up with Tracie by connecting on your favorite social media channel, and with The Gather Community by joining us at an upcoming online event or receiving our mailing list. Go to:https://www.tracieroot.com/linksto find upcoming events, workshops, courses and more!We're just getting started, so I hope you subscribed, and please leave a review so we can start building some podcast-momentum!xoxoYour host,Tracie Root