In this episode, we peel back the layers to reveal ‘The Person Behind the Profile’ with Jess White (CEO Kinesso, Mediabrands).
Jess opens up about her life in a way that’s raw and relatable, sharing the story behind the professional success.
Growing up, Jess carried responsibilities that no child should have to. She looked after a sister with a disability while also dealing with the grief of losing another. These experiences shaped her independence—but at the cost of hiding her insecurities behind a polished exterior.
Jess’s story reminds us that the people we admire in the workplace often have untold struggles behind the scenes. As she shares her journey, you’ll hear about the toll that pretending to be “fine” took on her well-being, and how a breakdown in her late twenties forced her to confront her past and start rebuilding her life.
What stands out in Jess’s story is how she used tools like therapy, meditation, and creativity to reconnect with herself. Her growth is inspiring not because it’s polished, but because it’s real. She’s candid about the ups and downs, showing us that healing doesn’t happen overnight—but it does happen with intention and effort.
Now, Jess applies what she’s learned to her career, offering a perspective on leadership that values listening, vulnerability, and self-awareness. In a world that often rewards being the loudest in the room, Jess is proof that quiet strength and authenticity can be just as powerful.
“Being reserved, maybe more of an introverted leader, is not just okay, it’s actually a bit of a superpower,” she says in the episode.
If you’ve ever felt like you were carrying too much or hiding your true self to get by, this episode is for you. Jess’s story will inspire you to take a closer look at your own journey and even in the toughest times, growth is possible. Grab your headphones and tune in—you’ll walk away feeling seen, understood, and hopeful.
[Listen to the new episode here]
New episodes of Uncomfortable Growth® Uncut drop weekly and are available to stream across all major audio networks.
Coming next on Uncomfortable Growth® Uncut
Next week’s episode:
Episode 10: Embracing Imposter Syndrome: Joanne Painter’s Journey to Success
In this episode, Rowena interviews Joanne Painter (Group Managing Director and Co-Founder of Icon Agency), on her Uncomfortable Growth story.
Joanne shares her experiences with impostor syndrome, the importance of mentorship, and the evolving landscape of female leadership. Tune in to hear her insights on balancing work and life, embracing emotional intelligence, and navigating the challenges of digital transformation.
Learn more about Uncomfortable Growth here.
The world doesn’t need more stories of success; it needs real conversations about resilience, vulnerability, and the human spirit’s incredible capacity to turn trials into triumphs.
That’s why the Uncomfortable Growth Uncut podcast was born. It’s a reminder that struggle and success are intrinsically linked, that growth is rarely easy, and that the moments we feel most uncomfortable are often where our greatest breakthroughs lie.