RISING ICON #96: Jenny Booth Potter
photo credit: Christina Gandolfo
What name do you prefer to be called?
Jenny
What are your pronouns?
she/her/hers
Where did you grow up?
Suburbs of Chicago
What city are you currently based in?
St. Paul, MN!
How do you typically introduce yourself to new people?
Lately… as a transplant since I moved from Chicagoland August 2023 to St. Paul. Normally as a mom and author.
What’s one thing you wish more people knew about you?
That I am really proud of my book, which turns 2 this month!
Who do you help?
My first instinct is to say other helpers. People who care about the world and want their message to make it to more people.
What are you building now?
The next phase of my life. Since our move, the organization I was working for closed. One of my best friends says I am in my “dressing room era”, where I’m just trying a bunch of stuff on. That has led me to getting really involved with the Harris Walz campaign as founder of MSP for Harris. I'm also taking a grad class for counseling and next week I’m going to start part-time candle making with a local candlemaker!
What were you building ten years ago today?
I was building my experience as a video and live event producer. And my family as my first kid was born exactly 10 years ago!
What do you predict of yourself 10 years from now?
Even more trusting of myself and my instincts and abilities. And feeling even more free to try new things.
What’s a fact or statistic you wish everyone knew about your industry?
the average age of an employed author is 42 years old - so it’s not too late!!
Why do you believe the work you do matters?
I think the work I am involved in has a through line of making the world better for all people, especially those who have been historically excluded. Making things more fair and more equitable matters. And that I get to do that through empowering people to use their voice and to be creative through storytelling is a beautiful thing.
Who is your mentor and what is the best advice they’ve given you?
The closest thing I have to a mentor these days is my therapist and one session she posed the question, “what if it all works out?” That question reshaped something for me, it made me less afraid to take risks, and to seek out times when things actually do work out. Try it and thank me later.
What piece of content about you or your company are you most proud of?
My book, “Doing Nothing is No Longer an Option” was published in 2022 and I am so proud of the fact that I wrote a book I believe in and still stand by, and that my kids have read parts of and think I’m still cool.
What publication do you hope to appear in next?
MSP Mag
Who would you love to be interviewed by?
Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand
If you had to give a TEDTalk tomorrow, what would the title be?
One of my very favorite quotes is from Toni Cade Bambara - “the role of the artist is to make revolution irresistible.” That would be my title as well.
What award would mean the most to win?
Any would give me imposter syndrome.
What makes zero sense to you?
Gun violence in America
What’s a word in your industry you hope gets re-evaluated?
authentic
What game are you changing?
That you have to hustle to get everything you want
What’s the next thing you’re a part of that you want to invite more people to participate in?
Right now, MSP for Harris!
Where can we follow you online?
https://www.instagram.com/jennybpotter/
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We’re grateful to each RISING ICON for their transformative work. Thank you, Jenny, for sharing your story!
LAUREL is a media relations partner for bold leadership. For nearly a decade, we’ve helped leaders build effective strategies for scale and growth specializing in key opinion leadership and go-to-market strategy for emerging brands. To follow along with the RISING ICONS series, nominate a leader or subscribe to our weekly email newsletter. To accelerate your own rise, get our free guide to elevating your leadership profile, FIT(lite). RISING ICONS is made possible by grant funding from Knight Foundation.
“‘What if it all works out?’ That question reshaped something for me, it made me less afraid to take risks, and to seek out times when things actually do work out.”
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