Ep. 73 : Lenny Stern, Co-Founder of SS+K, On The Transformative Power of Self-Awareness and Hiring Diverse Leaders

In this episode of The Honest Field Guide Podcast, host JinJa Birkenbeuel engages in a deep conversation with Lenny Stern, a prominent figure in marketing and communications. They explore Lenny's journey from his upbringing in Queens, New York, to his impactful career in politics and business. The discussion touches on themes of diversity, resilience, and the importance of self-awareness in entrepreneurship. Lenny shares insights from his family history, his experiences in high school and college, and his passion for making a difference in the world through responsible leadership. In this engaging conversation, Lenny Stern shares his journey from grassroots political organizing to becoming a successful entrepreneur. He discusses the importance of understanding every aspect of a campaign, the characteristics that define successful entrepreneurs, and the innovative approach his company took in political consulting. Lenny reflects on his experience working with Barack Obama and emphasizes the significance of diversity and self-awareness in leadership roles. Key Takeaways - Lenny emphasizes the importance of self-awareness in entrepreneurship. - He believes in finding what you love and making a difference. - Diversity and different perspectives are crucial for growth. - Trauma can lead to resilience and understanding. - Political engagement can lead to meaningful change. - The lessons from politics are applicable in business. - Exploration and experimentation are key to personal growth. - Women play a vital role in supporting and uplifting others. - Listening to different viewpoints enriches understanding. - Success in life often comes from connections and relationships. - Understanding every step of the way is crucial for success. - Fearlessness and passion are key traits of entrepreneurs. - Political campaigns are like startups, requiring creativity and adaptability. - Finding the right partners can enhance entrepreneurial success. - Diversity in leadership brings different perspectives and strengths. - Self-awareness is essential for effective leadership. - Hiring for the future requires recognizing different lived experiences. - It's important to embrace change and not fear failure. - Building relationships with leaders who inspire is vital. - Engaging with diverse communities enriches business strategies. The Honest Field Guide podcast, created by Birk Creative and hosted by our Chief Executive Officer JinJa Birkenbeuel, is for entrepreneurs and business owners to help you navigate the complexities of starting, running, sustaining, growing and then scaling a business. Conversations about business include some of the world’s most successful behind-the-scenes entrepreneurs. Follow our show on or at The podcast is recorded and produced by benefit corporation Birk Creative: A benefit corporation designing strategies and visual identities to help brands adapt with intelligence to the market. Visit

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Ep. 73 : Lenny Stern, Co-Founder of SS+K, On The Transformative Power of Self-Awareness and Hiring Diverse Leaders is an episode from The Honest Field Guide® by JinJa Birkenbeuel, Host, The Honest Field Guide.

This episode is 00:58:03 long.

This episode was published on Nov 2, 2024.

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