The Power of Community

For much of my adult life, my sense of community revolved around two key pillars: my job and my family—those members who happened to live nearby at the time. It worked well enough, but when I moved to New York City, everything changed. I was starting over from scratch, and I had to find a new way to create connections.

Dance became my refuge, and I built a community through new friendships that soon felt like family. It reminded me how grounding it is to have “your people.”

But when the pandemic hit, that sense of community became harder to maintain. The in-person connections I relied on weren’t as accessible anymore. That’s when I discovered the transformative power of virtual communities.

I went back to school during this time—enrolling in several programs (I’m still wrapping up the last of my classes). Each one was designed around a cohort model, where the same group of students moved through the program together. Whether it was a writing workshop or a coaching certification, this structure allowed us to form meaningful bonds, even though many of us have never met in person.

I now see how this same model fosters connection in the 12-week leadership class I teach at the University of Denver. While the leadership content and 1:1 coaching are valuable, the greatest impact often comes from the relationships built within the cohort. The shared experience of learning and growing together creates a kind of magic that can’t be replicated alone.

In challenging times, we need community more than ever. If you’re searching for yours, consider joining a group of like-minded individuals pursuing a shared passion or interest.

Reflecting on my own career journey, I can see how different communities have helped me grow. For the first decade of my career, my circle consisted entirely of EY accountants. When I transitioned to the SEC, I was suddenly working alongside academics, economists, and long-time government employees. Their diverse ways of thinking stretched my perspective—sometimes to the point where my brain literally hurt!

Later, my writing and coaching cohorts introduced me to artists and thinkers who challenged me to move beyond linear, structured thinking into more fluid and creative approaches. Each community has expanded my view of the world and left a lasting mark on who I am today.

Every cohort I’ve been part of has taught me the value of embracing different perspectives, learning from others’ experiences, and appreciating diverse ways of being. I’ve carried these lessons with me, and they’ve enriched both my personal and professional life.

So, let me ask you:

• What areas of your life do you want to grow and expand?
• How might joining a cohort or community support you in these efforts?

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Let’s continue this conversation—because the world needs who we were made to be.

#soulfulleadershipwithjenn #powerofcommunity