Selina Gray:
0:02 I just want to encourage everyone to dive into this season full throttle, listen to all the stories and play full out in your relationship to what Jen has to offer. And I just adore you beyond words and I'm so excited to see where this all takes you.
Jen Kinal:
0:20 Welcome to the Bold Entrepreneur Podcast. I'm your host, jen Kinnell, and this is a space where bold moves meet inspired action. Join us as we dive into stories, strategies and mindset of those who are building their dreams, creating impactful communities and redefining success on their terms. Whether you're looking for practical business tips, a boost of inspiration or a community that gets your vision, you are in the right place. Get ready to elevate your journey and embrace what it means to be a bold founder. Let's dive in.
Selina Gray:
0:56 Hello everyone, it is takeover time. I'm elated to be here with Jen and I wanted to do this as a opener to this incredible podcast relaunch. And, Jen, I love you. You are an incredible being. You're a dear friend. I've been a client of yours for years, You've been a client of mine for years and I thought this would be an incredible way to let everyone know who you are, what you're about and how you take bold, brave moves. What do you think?
Jen Kinal:
1:27 I'm really excited about this podcast. I'm excited for you to be like interviewing me and taking over, because there's so much good stuff to come.
Selina Gray:
1:35 Yeah, and I feel like we have had so many incredible conversations about what it means to be bold and taking that big bold action, and I thought what better place to hear, behind the scenes of all of the goodness that you bring, who you are and what you stand for? And so are you open to having a candid dialogue? I'm going to hit you up with some beautiful questions. What do you think? Yep, let's do this, okay. So where did you come up with the concept of being bold? Because it is something that, as soon as you said it, I was like yes, I can feel it in my soul. I feel like bold is something everyone can get behind. So talk us through how that word came to be part of the fiber of your being.
Jen Kinal:
2:22 I think that if you have, if you're an entrepreneur, you have to be bold in all aspects of your business. However, there is like points in our time where we are trying to grow our business, which means reaching, like getting out of our comfort zones, and it's scary and it's very easy for you to talk yourself out of it. And so when I created, like the bold founders community, I was really thinking about bold women in business and continuing that message in terms of like let's be bold this year and go after our dreams. So every time I was like no, I'm a little bit scared to do this, Like this is a big, scary thing. I was like, nope, we're going to be bold this year, let's just keep going after it. So, instead of making it, I feel like the word bold just gives you so much strength and power and takes away some of that fear, because it empowers you to go forward.
Selina Gray:
3:08 You're so right, and even as you're saying that, I can feel it in my chest Like I can do bold things. You know, I can hear that Just something that we can all get behind, and so that word ended up birthing a beautiful community. You know the Bold Founders Collective. Tell us how it came to fruition how this dream came to reality.
Jen Kinal:
3:36 I think a lot of that came from you in terms of like. I was always like that lone wolf. I was planning events. I would go to networking events for event planners, but I never really like had that sisterhood, and so by being in your community I started to really see the women around me and understanding their businesses and having that that cheerleading and support was really it was hugely impactful in my business and in growth, in my success, and so I wanted to create more of a community for women in business to start learning from other women and hear the successes, their hard times, how they did certain things, and also just bring in that support. So I knew if I created a community and an environment and a space for women to come in and meet each other, that they would come and like, feel just welcomed, like they were part of something, versus being that lone wolf and doing it on your own all the time.
Selina Gray:
4:27 I had no idea that I was a part of the influence.
Selina Gray:
4:30 You really shocked me with that. I am so honored because you influence me all of the time with your exceptional thought process, you think differently and you have so many incredible superpowers, so it really means so much to me. I had honestly, no idea that I was part of that influence and I'm so glad because, like you said, entrepreneurship is hard and we often feel like we're a lone wolf competing against other people. And then when there's those extraordinary spaces, like you said, where we feel welcome, it's a game changer for flourishing opportunities. And so, just so well said. You know, for those of us who are listening and want to know a little bit more about who you are and how you decided to step into entrepreneurship, like as your friend, I know a lot of those details, but I'd love for you to reiterate kind of how entrepreneurship hit your radar, what your influences were in your career and how that came to be, because I feel like you've made bold moves this entire time and now you just get to really claim that along with your community.
Jen Kinal:
5:35 Entrepreneurship came into my life because of my parents. My parents have been huge role models for me. They own their own construction company. I could see from the ground up like them building it from the ground all the way up to where they they finished, like owning the construction company, um, and it was just so magical to see, like the things that they were able to create, the pride like I was. So I'm so proud of my parents. It's it's amazing what they've created and I think that was such a gift that they didn't even realize they were giving me when it comes to my drive and my like what is possible. And so, yeah, they were my definitely my foundation and I could just see like we were able to travel more. It gave us more freedom, it gave us more family time. I still am so thankful for that like for that in my life, because that opened the door for me to see entrepreneurship and whether or not I quite understood right away.
Jen Kinal:
6:33 I feel like I've always been a little bit of an entrepreneur, always had like. I had jewelry that I was making for a while, like I'm a creative soul. So I've done everything. I've done jewelry, I've done clothing design, I've done graphics, like so many things, and so it was just like right in my heart and so just finding the right like entrepreneurship for me was kind of what I needed to find. But yeah, it's been something that I grew up with and kind of always knew I was going to be an entrepreneur. Now, if you were to ask me like, I am for sure an entrepreneur through and through, definitely not ever going to work for someone else.
Selina Gray:
7:10 Totally understand. So when you were talking on stage at your event you hosted an incredible event this year and you absolutely captivated the audience from stage. It was one of my favorite things. You got a standing O and you just powerfully spoke about your. It was one of my favorite things. You got a standing O and you just powerfully spoke about your parents' influence and I just want you to give a little sense of what you witnessed. You know there was a part from stage you talked about. You know they had an oil field construction company and you gave an example of you know wanting to take over their company and then shift. Would you mind to share a little bit about that, because I feel like it's so powerful in your story yeah, so, um, I worked for my parents in construction.
Jen Kinal:
7:54 Um, I've worked in the field. That's how I paid for school, for university and in college. Um, so that's how I paid for that. And then I started working for their like, doing the books for them and doing, like, the office work for them. And then that eventually morphed into like my parents were looking at retirement. Potentially my sister and I could take over the company, so that was something we were progressing and working towards.
Jen Kinal:
8:17 Um, they did work in the refinery and things changed. Like my parents always were in the refinery for years and years and years, and just like, given the contract over and over and then one year they were told they needed to bid on it and so, um, and it wasn't just like bid on it, it was like bid on it and we're going to have other companies bid on it, then we may split the contract and then you guys can share it. And there really wasn't any guarantees. And my parents have had incredible employees for years and years. Like they were like family, like I've worked with them, my sisters worked with them years. Like they were like family, like I've worked with them, my sisters worked with them.
Jen Kinal:
8:57 Um, and so to not be able to guarantee hours to them like they used to, um, to have to pass on this like business to my sister and I and have it not be as secure as it used to be. It was just kind of like something where they were like this isn't really worth it anymore and I don't think that. I think there's more for you guys. And so they just just said we're gonna shut it down, which was incredibly, like probably very, very hard for my parents. It was definitely hard on like myself, because I'm so wrapped up in like what I'm doing in in business and at that time it was very much part of my identity and but yeah, it turned into something way more amazing and so it's just, it's an incredible story of like how everything changes and you have to be ready to pivot and adjust.
Selina Gray:
9:45 And that's precisely what I think about when you talk about bold moves. Like in entrepreneurship, we love to plan everything and really expect things are going to work out a certain way, and there's always a detour ahead, and I think that watching them navigate that detour really equipped you to make bold moves, and watching them build a community where they had employees and their relationships were so tightly wound with just being the fiber of genuine connection. I think watching you as an entrepreneur you are so talented at that and that's why I wanted you to share the story, because one you know you got into entrepreneurship in a way that you didn't expect, but you've been able to cultivate magic ever since, and so can you give us a sense of what you learned from. You know the parents in the community and how you've brought that forward. You know that's helped foster some of your personal and professional growth, what community actually means to you.
Jen Kinal:
10:43 I think community. To me community is like walking into a room and feeling like you are completely welcome and immediately like accepted. I've been in plenty of rooms where you walk in and it feels cold and you feel like you're being talked about and you don't need it and they kind of the inner circles, and they don't.
Jen Kinal:
11:00 They won't really let you into the group and I never, ever wanted that. I really wanted a space where you came in and you were like, you were immediately special and welcomed and in like, welcome, come on into the group. Oh, here's this, meet this person, meet person. And I just I think that that makes it so much easier, because entrepreneurship already is hard enough and then you're putting yourself into rooms with women you don't know or have only seen online. But, like I'm a shy person, so for me to walk into a room and create a conversation with people sometimes can be intimidating. So I wanted to make sure that there was always a space for women to come in and feel welcome immediately but then also have some fun elements to kind of like put your, put yourself at ease a little bit more and enjoy it.
Selina Gray:
11:46 So well said, like that whole idea of being able to walk into a room and feel welcome which is exactly what you embody, is everything and all personalities into a room and feel welcome which is exactly what you embody, is everything and all personalities can come in and feel welcome, like you said, whether you're shy or you have a big personality or you're dreading walking in.
Selina Gray:
12:02 I think everyone listening can think of events that we've attended or you know certain community calls where it's really meant to be welcoming but it doesn't feel like it. And all of a sudden you grab your phone and you're scrolling and you're like please, no one talk to me. And I witnessed firsthand you leading the Bold Founders Collective, and the community element is second to none. You've been able to take your superpowers of events and just knowing all of the intimate details that'll make people's souls and hearts sing and couple that with helping people feel seen, heard and witnessed, and then make incredible conversations around topics that entrepreneurs really need to dive into. So I would love to hear how you've decided to foster community inside the Bold Founders Collective and how that feels to you, and how you plan to take that to new heights in 2025?.
Jen Kinal:
13:02 I think that our community is like it's pretty incredible. If you look at the women in the community, they are all such different businesses, like completely different businesses, and I think the fact that they were able to walk into a space and we we I do really make sure that everybody knows everybody we welcome each other, we, we cheer each other on, we get to hear about the ins and outs of each other's businesses. It's not just hearing about the ins and outs of the businesses we actually have conversations and talk about. Okay, well, this is your struggle, then this is what we should work on.
Jen Kinal:
13:31 We actually added in office hours this year to the Bold Founders community and we just had our first one and everybody loved it, because when we get together in person, we just like chat nonstop, like we have, we just start talking business, start talking life, and it just happens that when we get on Zoom calls, we have a speaker and the speaker talks and we talk about the, whatever that topic is, but there isn't a lot of time for conversation outside of that. So, yeah, we added in office hours and everybody really likes it, because we you grow from our speakers, but you really grow from each other and that support that you're getting and I've witnessed firsthand the community really supports each other like.
Selina Gray:
14:11 I can see it being shared on social. I can see the genuineness at the events. Everyone is there, supporting, asking questions, and it's because you've fostered a safe space and an incredible place to make bold moves. And so I know firsthand that you walk your talk and I witnessed that in a lot of ways, Like even as your client. You've helped me put on phenomenal events, but you do it like any, like no one else I've ever known.
Selina Gray:
14:36 You have this incredible and the ability to just take a topic and make it come to life, Like recently at your your bold one day event that we attended. You had just special things incorporated into it that I've never seen before, and I've attended hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of events and you just allowed everyone to bring that to life. You know there's various ways you did that. You created amazing conversation, you added beautiful cocktails and mocktails, you had the best gifts and I think anyone who knows you knows that you just exceed in that. But watching you bring this collective to life and see how much it's really been a game changer for women has been so fun for me to witness, just as you know someone who really appreciates what you do on the planet, and so you know. I would love for you to articulate to entrepreneurs. You know, what could people expect from your offerings this year, whether it's your core offerings, the Bold Founder Collective or some of the masterminds. Will you tell us a little bit about what we can expect to see from you coming forward?
Jen Kinal:
15:44 All right. So obviously it's going to all map around being bold in our business and being entrepreneurs. And so we definitely have the Bold Found, the bold founders collective, which is our community of women entrepreneurs, where we have guest speakers. We are on zoom every single month with either a guest speaker or an office hours, and then we have in-person events, which are just like so magical, because I love the in-person aspect. It brings such a different, like a different touch point and experience to the guests. They get to one experience like our, our guest speakers in their spaces. They get to see each other, get dressed up, kind of have fun, go out and just experience like the love that comes from being in person with people. So I think that's incredible.
Jen Kinal:
16:29 And then I'm also teaching um, a mastermind on how you can create your own events, and I think that this is so needed for business owners right now, because I've done a lot of things in life and I think that the biggest impact that I've had with my community and with my like my audience is to have them in person.
Jen Kinal:
16:51 Like there's nothing that is the same or can replace being in the same room with women in business and they also when you come into that space. It's so much faster for your community to start to know you, like you trust you, but honestly get to see who you are, who your brand is, where your heart is. It helps them fall in love with who you are so much faster and get to know you so much faster than they could ever learn from anything you post online or from even doing online events, because online events are great but they still there's still like a little bit of a barrier and you can't infuse as much personal touches as you can in a in-person experience. So definitely, like, my mastermind will be coming and launching this year, which will be amazing because I cannot wait to I don't know teach people my magic sauce. I feel like I've got a little bit of a magic sauce when it comes to events.
Selina Gray:
17:43 You definitely do. I know this firsthand. You know when I think about the very first event you helped me with. If I'm okay to share a little bit of my experience with you, you know, in 2019, you helped me bring a three-day event to life and, of course, I would have been able to do it. You know I've been doing events for years, but you just ask better questions. You think about it from a 3D perspective. You think about it from the lens of me as putting it on executing behind the scenes, and you also think about it differently in the client experience, and I've spoken at events all around North America and I've never met anyone who has a skill set like you and I 1000% mean it.
Selina Gray:
18:23 I will never not do an event without Jen's thoughts and perspective and expertise weighing in, because she just sees and believes and breathes different air than the rest of us when it comes to that, and it just takes things to the next level. Like, I've always created safe space and I always have loved gifting and you took some of those superpowers that I have and just elevated them. Have loved gifting and you took some of those superpowers that I have and just elevated them, and what I'm really excited to witness is you stepping forward and claiming that this year because we've done like a handful of events together. Each one gets better and better. But I just know there are so many women who want to put on events, you know, who want to reach more, more deeper connections with their community members, and it's hard to do online, like you said, but in-person events we've all attended, ones that just fall flat, and what I witnessed from Jen firsthand both her helping me and going to her events is just she brings things to life that you can't even imagine. I'm still blown away by this woman, like the last event I attended. I have high expectations of you and you still blow it away every time, and I am not you know someone to give you know compliments at this caliber.
Selina Gray:
19:38 You really are someone who walks the talk. Like you told me recently. You know within the last couple of years that you've wanted to take your business and your community to the next level and would take bold action, and then you go ahead and embody it and do it, and I think that's exactly what people need in their leadership is someone walking the trail systems right alongside people. It's like not just preaching, it's like, no, we're doing this together. We're in the trenches, doing the hard work, and what I've witnessed from the bold community that you lead is just women who are committed to excellence and committed to community, and you have different skill sets than most people, and watching them learn that and bring that to life, Everyone is enjoying it, and so I'm personally thrilled for you to bring forward this mastermind.
Selina Gray:
20:28 I think anyone listening to this you should really consider joining her community as well as her mastermind, because I have firsthand knowledge that she just makes everything better, and this woman in a crisis, like I've had so many crises is that a word happen at my events and she is calm and collected and she has like almost two decades of event experience. So I just think there's a trifecta here of your entrepreneurship, your personality and then your unique superpowers of knowing business and events like no one else. And I'm personally thrilled that you're launching it because I've been a longtime client and friend of yours and I just yeah, it's a long time coming for me. I think I mentioned to you doing this, you know, years ago, and I'm so happy to see you step into this because it is.
Selina Gray:
21:16 It is truly your next bold move, and so if you're listening to this, I highly encourage you to do it, and Jen didn't know I was going to plug that, but it's important to me that I say that. You know I'm also really thrilled you're bringing back the podcast and launching this new podcast in this way. You've podcasted before. I've listened to many of your episodes Incredible but now you're just taking it to new heights. So what do you hope that listeners are going to gain from the relaunch?
Jen Kinal:
21:47 Oh, we're taking a totally different like shifts on it. We've changed a little bit of our topics. It's going to be good the conversation. So this time we're really focusing on like.
Jen Kinal:
21:58 I have the biggest love ever for women in business and hearing their stories how they started where they like struggled, where they've succeeded, how they brought in collaboration. It's so interesting to me how they started where they like struggled, where they've succeeded, how they brought in collaboration. It's so interesting to me how they brought in like community and how that has really supported their brand. And so I really wanted to share the stories behind some of these women, because I've there's so many local women in Edmonton that I did like record a podcast interview with and they're coming up.
Jen Kinal:
22:25 But they are powerhouses and I have seen them from the very beginning and I think that it's just so amazing to share their story, because we do see on social media here's where I am and it looks so glamorous, but we don't see the hard times and the struggles. We don't see how they really focus in on that community aspect. A lot of them, a lot of them, actually focus in on the events aspect because that does bring their community in and they've created really incredible loyal followers, and so it's just. I love the fact that we're going to start telling this story because I'm so tired of hearing you need to do this, you need to do this, you need to do this. But yeah, there's things we need to do, but I think that we learn so much more from other people's stories and how they've done it, and then we can take that and infuse that in our own business.
Selina Gray:
23:16 Completely agree. So well said. And you know, as I'm just sitting here thinking about you, know who you are, what you embody. For anyone listening, you know some key takeaways I would really sit into is the Bold Founders Collective is a place where you can feel welcome. You can feel energized and get unique perspectives on topics we hear all the time. But Jen really curates unique, different takes on things and that collective is so solid. They support like no one else and I'm just so proud of you for bringing that to fruition because you know you have that online component so people can keep their accountability together.
Selina Gray:
23:58 But then those in person that you excel at. And now you've added office hours, which is the cherry on top. So I'm so excited to see where that community grows to. And then, secondly, we both agree community is absolutely everything. It fosters safety, growth, opportunity, inspiration and it just that influence of other people and having the ability to hear stories of phenomenal people really takes our soul to the next level and I completely agree, I'm so excited to listen to this podcast and hear those incredible voices.
Selina Gray:
24:30 And then, lastly, you know your offerings are incredible. I've watched you excel through horrendous times. You know the event in industry. You know, covid decimated it. I watched you rise from the ashes and build something phenomenal, and you're continuing to elevate that and just I know that this collective and the mastermind. There's nothing else like it. You know everyone has offerings that are built on their superpowers, but for you, you know, there's no one like you who can put on an event and make people feel seen and heard in ways like you, and I think having a chance to walk with you in some of your offers is a absolute heck.
Selina Gray:
25:13 Yes, you know, if you are on the fence about it, do it, and it also allows you to think about, as a listener, as an entrepreneur, what are your superpowers and how are they embedded in your offers and your key takeaways.
Selina Gray:
25:26 Because I know Jen has really done a beautiful job in making sure her key bold moves are everywhere, so that everyone knows if you're in the community you're into making bold moves, and then she has your back along the way, and so I just want to thank you for allowing me to do this takeover in this way. I feel like you and I always have incredible conversations that no one gets to listen to, and so I just wanted to ask you some questions around, like what makes your heart tick, why bold, tell us about. You know the influence from your parents and what community means, and you just answered them so well. So I just want to encourage everyone to dive into this season full throttle, listen to all the stories and play full out in your relationship to what Jen has to offer. And I just adore you beyond words and I'm so excited to see where this all takes you.
Jen Kinal:
26:19 Well, thank you very much. This is so awesome.
Jen Kinal:
26:22 I really appreciate you interviewing me, throwing me some curveballs that I was not expecting um, but I really appreciate you and I'm really excited for where this podcast is going to go, because I think it's going to bring so much like life and energy to wherever you're listening to this, like if it's in your car that's where I listen, if it's in the morning when you're getting ready, or wherever it is. I just want you to walk away from this podcast and feel empowered and be like if they can do it, then I can do it too. Or if they did it this way, then how can I do that also in my business but adjust it to reflect my business? Like there's so much power, knowledge and movement that can come from this and I'm really excited for what it's going to bring.
Selina Gray:
27:08 I completely agree. My personal favorite is I've seemed to be on planes a lot, so I download a bunch of episodes and listen to them on the airplane and take notes. And I think you know, having the ability to hear stories of powerful women is jet fuel in your business. And so, jen, I'm thrilled and also I'm so excited to spend this year with you planning my next event. You know, every single time I put on an event, jen's by my side. I can't wait for us to spend another year together in various ways, creating magic, and I just so appreciate you and thank you so much for having me take over this incredible relaunch of your podcast.
Jen Kinal:
27:48 I appreciate you so much and I could not be where I am today without you and your support and your love and your beautiful genius. So I really do appreciate you and I thank you so much for doing this takeover. This is so much fun. Awesome bold founders and entrepreneurs in your circle and when you're ready to elevate your business, check out the Bold Founders Collective. From community support to strategic resources and personalized coaching, we are here to help you thrive. Remember, the bold moves you make today will shape the future you're dreaming of. So stay tuned for our next episode, where we'll dive into deeper stories of strategies and mindset shifts that all make the difference. Until next time, stay bold, keep dreaming and keep moving towards what lights you up.
