Podcast Summary: Confidence Classic: Bust Through Limiting Beliefs & Harness Your Highest Potential with Jenn Drummond

Host: Angie Lee
Guest: Jenn Drummond, Motivational Keynote Speaker, World Record Holder, Author
Release Date: March 25, 2025

Introduction to Jenn Drummond

In this inspiring episode of Creating Confidence with Heather Monahan, host Angie Lee welcomes Jenn Drummond, a multifaceted individual known for her extraordinary achievements as a world record mountaineer, motivational speaker, author, and entrepreneur. Jenn's journey from corporate success and motherhood to overcoming life-threatening adversity exemplifies resilience and the pursuit of purpose.

Jenn's Personal Journey

Career and Motherhood

Jenn recounts her early career in the financial services sector, a path chosen in the pursuit of external validation. "I was very selective on what I would get involved in because it was my brand, it was who I was. Like, I had to be number one because that's the only place I felt safe" (00:00). Her transition to entrepreneurship was fueled by the desire to escape the unsustainable pressures of her corporate role. However, motherhood introduced new challenges. Despite raising seven children and fulfilling societal expectations of being a stay-at-home mom, Jenn found herself feeling unfulfilled and confined to a "meh" existence.

The Life-Changing Accident

A pivotal moment in Jenn's life occurred on December 18, 2018, when she survived a severe car crash that should have been fatal. This harrowing experience shattered her previous outlook on life. Jenn reflects, "That accident made me realize I don't get to choose when I die, but I sure get to choose how I live" (07:07). This realization propelled her into a period of profound self-discovery and prompted her to embark on a journey to climb Mount Everest for her 40th birthday, eventually leading to her pursuit of a world record.

Embracing Surrender

Central to Jenn's transformation is the concept of "surrender," a philosophy she adopted shortly before her accident after reading The Surrender Experiment by Michael Singer. Initially perceiving surrender as a weakness, Jenn's perspective shifted dramatically: "I understand how this is actually a superpower, not a weakness" (07:07). During her accident, this newfound understanding became a lifeline. Jenn describes negotiating with death by surrendering to the uncontrollable forces, which ultimately contributed to her survival. This experience underscored the importance of letting go and embracing the flow of life's challenges.

Pursuit of Mountaineering and Everest

Jenn's foray into mountaineering was initially a personal bucket list goal but evolved into a significant achievement. Her determination led her to climb Mount Everest, where she encountered both physical and emotional hurdles. Jenn shares a poignant moment from her Everest climb: attempting to use a hairdryer at base camp, she faced embarrassment but ultimately inspired other women to embrace their needs without apology. “If we have the courage to step into that, just like you talk about, if we have the confidence to do whatever, look what it does for everybody, not just ourselves” (24:28).

Her Everest expedition not only solidified her status as "Mountain Barbie" but also highlighted the impact of authenticity and vulnerability in empowering others.

Impact and Empowerment through Actions

Jenn emphasizes the ripple effect of personal courage and authenticity. Angie Lee reflects on how Jenn's actions inspired her own confidence in embracing femininity within professional settings. Jenn responds, "We impact each other either by not doing something, which then keeps everybody hush, hush, or if we have the courage to do something, it lets other people tap into their courage and more becomes possible" (26:45). This mutual empowerment fosters a community where individuals support and uplift one another toward collective success.

Writing "break proof": Seven Strategies

Building on her experiences, Jenn authored break proof: 7 Strategies to Build Resilience and Achieve Your Life Goals. The book serves as a guide for individuals navigating transitions, setbacks, or the pursuit of ambitious goals. Key strategies discussed in the episode include:

1. Big Mountains Take Big Teams
   Recognizing the necessity of a supportive team to achieve monumental goals. Jenn advises, "Do I have enough help? Because I think nine times out of 10, we don't have enough help" (32:56).

2. Acclimatizing: Learning from Failure
   Using the analogy of acclimatizing when climbing Everest, Jenn explains the importance of returning to the ground to gather strength and insights before attempting to ascend again.

3. Knowing When to Pivot
   Distinguishing between perseverance and recognizing when a goal no longer aligns with one's values or circumstances, as illustrated by her experience pursuing a pilot's license.

Jenn's book is tailored for those at crossroads in their lives, offering practical strategies to build resilience and achieve personal goals. She states, "If you are at a spot where you're not sure what you want to do next with your life... this book's going to be for you" (40:24).

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode concludes, Angie Lee commends Jenn for her relentless pursuit of purpose and her ability to inspire others through her authentic journey. Jenn reiterates the significance of self-awareness and the collective impact of individual actions: "We're always on a stage with our friends, with our children, with our peers. Like, we got to lean into us" (32:29). This powerful reminder encapsulates the essence of Jenn's message—embracing one's true self not only enriches personal life but also empowers those around us.

Notable Quotes

• Jenn Drummond at 00:00:
  "I would rather have the experience failing trying to climb a Mount Everest than never even trying to climb it."

• Jenn Drummond at 07:07:
  "I promise I'll do something significant with my life if you just let me live."

• Jenn Drummond at 24:28:
  "If we have the courage to step into that, just like you talk about, if we have the confidence to do whatever, look what it does for everybody, not just ourselves."

• Jenn Drummond at 32:56:
  "Big mountains take big teams."

Where to Find More

Book: break proof: 7 Strategies to Build Resilience and Achieve Your Life Goals
Website: jenndrummond.com
Social Media: Follow Jenn on her various social media platforms listed on her website for more insights and updates.

Jenn Drummond's story is a testament to the power of resilience, authenticity, and the human spirit's capacity to overcome unimaginable challenges. Her insights offer valuable lessons for anyone seeking to break through limiting beliefs and harness their highest potential.