Jennifer Montgomery
Principle Consultant | Director of Learning & Development
LinkedIn / Twitter / Blue Door Group Instagram / 40CupsofCoffee Instagram
An award-winning educator, strategist, and leadership mentor, Jennifer is dedicated to increasing economic opportunities in Atlantic Canada through transforming businesses into dynamic, innovative Learning Organizations.
Jennifer’s unique combination of business development, entrepreneurial, and teaching and learning experiences help her clients implement meaningful, lasting growth strategies that impact all levels of business.
Jennifer is passionate about local, an advocate for youth, and an active member of the Halifax Chamber of Commerce. She believes in teaching business leaders how to make their business work for them, instead of working for their business.
An energetic and engaging speaker, Jennifer will inspire you to start embracing growth through learning from failure. Get ready to fall in love with your business all over again.
A graduate of St. Mary’s, Acadia, and St. FX Universities, Jennifer resides in Fall River, Nova Scotia with her husband, three daughters, and beloved rescue pup Axel.
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What are you most proud of professionally? And who or why?
I think the thing that brings me the most joy professionally is being a connector. Whether connecting people or helping clients connect to their business, the pride, for me, comes from helping others achieve their goals.
What’s your vision for Atlantic Canada in 10 years? What’s our biggest opportunity now?
My vision for Atlantic Canada in the next 10 years would be that we would embrace the changing nature of work and develop a community of partners focused on nurturing an eco-system of organizations focused on life-long learning as our greatest potential for growth and success. I think we have a really great start in Atlantic Canada with so many opportunities and organizations dedicated to supporting business growth, attraction, and retention in our region.
What was your greatest stage of growth? What made it a shift for you?
My greatest stage of growth was my 40 Cups of Coffee Journey. I learned so many things by recognizing the potential of leaning into my network and not being afraid to make the ask for a coffee, a connection, or an introduction. Being able to present 40CupsofCoffee at The Halifax Chamber Wonder Women Conference in 2019 was the culmination of this shift and it continues to propel me forward by helping others along their journey as well.
What’s your favourite or most read book or podcast? Now or at each of your greatest stages of growth?
I am NOT an auditory learner, so I really struggle to listen to podcasts...I named my daughter after the main characters in Pride and Prejudice, I have re-read the Alchemist by Paul Cohelo many many times, the 7 Habits of Successful People is something I refer to a lot, and I enjoyed The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F#@k. I love a good TED Talk like "A Guerilla Gardener in South Central", or "Your Elusive Creative Genius," or "How a Boy Became an Artist."
What’s your deepest learning from this past year? How did/will you apply it?
Try new things...ESPECIALLY when you aren't ready. I say "yes" a lot more, but I also now know it's ok to say "no" as well and I'm good with that.
Who’s inspired you, directly or indirectly? How have they inspired you?
I am inspired by people who have the courage to take risks to make life better for themselves and others. Whether it be the local small business owner, or the small choir of 7, or the courageous people who share their personal struggles to help others in their community know that they are not alone. I am inspired constantly by the amazing women in our business community here in Atlantic Canada and how they are contributing to the growth of our region.
What would you have done differently?
I strongly believe that your journey is intentional, even when you might not realize it. So although there are times when I say to myself, "oh I wish I would have..." I always come back to that and say to myself: "Jennifer, what did you learn"...and if I learned something from it then there is nothing left to regret or change, or do differently. I wouldn't be where I am without those lessons along my journey.
What are the principles you live by?
Be Kind. Help Others.
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Business Growth Strategist, Connector, Solution Seeker, Educator, Coach