Jennifer Merrell is a higher education advocate, keynote speaker, and inspirational leader dedicated to leading a life full of passion and continuous learning from making the right mistakes. Jennifer candidly addresses the common fear of the unknown and encourages an approach that has miraculously worked in her favor—to keep getting up again regardless of the circumstances. Jennifer describes her journey navigating a series of directional changes as “The Uncharted Trail,” where curiosity sparks self-discovery and the beginning of all great adventures. Offering a wealth of experience in multiple industries and positions, Jennifer’s story radiates perseverance, courage, and bravery. Her ability to captivate audiences ranging from young to tenured drives her message home—leaving behind nuggets of wisdom and a proposal for launching into action.
ABOUT JENNIFER
My life and career are intertwined in a series of directional changes that I best describe as ”The Uncharted Trail”—a trail in which I’ve used a machete to hack through, metaphorically, of course. Over the span of my 25+ year career, I have served in multiple leadership positions including operations, marketing, and sales, which gives me the ability to connect the dots between different stakeholders in an organization and recognize how each decision could affect the others. After decades of climbing ladders and falling off cliffs, I discovered that I’m insatiably curious, always wondering “why?” or having more questions than answers. I don’t know why my brain is wired this way, but I recognize it as an asset to solving problems while elevating the people and organizations around me. Through the ups and downs of life, I have learned to embrace my curiosity. It sparks the beginning of all great adventures.
Along my Uncharted Trail, I found my experiences, knowledge, and abilities were a perfect match to help create new pathways between higher education and industry. With an industry approach to higher education, I was afforded opportunities to exercise this across over a dozen institutions and nearly 75 industry partners as I listened, learned, and implemented intentional connections between the dots in my most recent role as Vice President of TechPoint. Today, I speak about the Uncharted Trail to university and women’s groups, as well as advise on strategic partnerships and advisory boards as I connect the dots for higher education.
A Hoosier at heart, I currently reside in Indianapolis, Indiana with my husband, Brett. Together, we have five (almost grown) children that I am incredibly proud of. In 2018, I faced a series of mysterious illnesses that prepared me to say “goodbye” to my family and life. This was not the first time I fell off the mountain of success but it resulted in the biggest comeback I ever had to make. I am extremely fortunate to recover and accept a second chance at life—taking full advantage of every opportunity I’ve found on The Uncharted Trail.
3 Fun Facts About Me…
I have driven supercars over 150 mph at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
I am a Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher and have been teaching for nearly 20 years!
I have trekked to the top of a mountain in 12 inches of snow. In 2024, I hope to hit the trails at Zion National Park.
“I am a professional public speaker and inspirational leader who leverages my own stories to launch an audience into action. Typically, I discuss themes of resiliency, failure, and leadership, with special care for students and women. Whether you’re eager to explore that “next step,” feeling lost in your purpose, or questioning your life decisions, I can help you navigate what I refer to as “The Uncharted Trail,” so you can fearlessly jump toward your next defining step. I believe that inspiration sparks curiosity, which leads to self-discovery—the greatest adventure of all. Learn how I navigated getting unlost despite the hardships, and how you can too.”
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
KEYNOTES
THE UNCHARTED TRAIL
The Uncharted Trail is a story of resilience that will inspire those who have ever felt lost, who worry they might get lost, or those who find themselves lost somewhere along the trail of career and life. I challenge the audience to adopt a new perspective of loss—whether that is professional loss, relationship loss, or health loss (I’ve done it all) — and how to uncover the trail markers that help guide their way back. The Uncharted Trail provides inspiration to get up and climb your mountain—whatever that may be, as many times as it takes. Check out a clip here.
Custom keynotes upon request.
EMCEE
IMPACTFUL EVENTS
Elevate your event with an experienced and charismatic host who can ensure your audience is entertained and engaged. I’ve grown up on the stage. I feel my best in front of an audience. I, also, understand the job is to keep the spotlight on its stars and to help keep things moving smoothly and timely, even when something unexpected happens. I can manage the energy of the audience having both revived groups and calmed them down with experience ranging from a few hundred to several thousand. Check out a clip here.
WORKSHOPS
We’ve all seen presentations go badly. The audience becomes disengaged or the conversation gets too far off track. Ensuring the topic is interesting, the audience has the chance to interact, and everyone leaves with a nugget of wisdom are keys to a memorable and impactful presentation.
UNDERSTANDING SPHERES OF INFLUENCE
Discover the hidden power that shapes your success. This dynamic workshop, designed for emerging leaders, unpacks the concept of Spheres of Influence. Learn how to recognize your own sphere, expand it strategically, and harness its power to advance your career, business, and personal goals. History, practical tips, and interactive exercises will reveal the invisible dynamics guiding your professional and personal world.
ESSENTIAL NETWORKING STRATEGIES
Harness the power of strategic networking! This workshop will transform the way you build connections and unlock career opportunities. Learn how to develop a compelling elevator pitch, target the right events, and nurture meaningful professional relationships. Discover the secrets to turning connections into powerful collaborations, valuable industry insights, and accelerated advancement. Whether you’re an outgoing extrovert or a thoughtful introvert, this workshop will give you the tools to succeed. If you’re ready to take your career to the next level, don’t miss this!
professional dot connector
What exactly is a professional dot connector? In essence, I can recognize patterns, build connections, and sense potential shifts within organizations. With over 25 years of leadership and a certificate in Leadership Coaching from Harvard University, I thrive in guiding both organizations and individuals through unique challenges.
Organizations
Spending over 25 years in three industries, I have sat at the leadership table in operations, marketing, and sales. My mind lends itself to free-form brainstorming to solve organizational challenges. I can quickly unravel how different people and ideas need to be connected throughout an organization or ecosystem for projects to move faster and more cohesively. I notice patterns, makes connections and senses shifts that no one else may see on the horizon. My passion lies in connecting with others to help solve problems—also known as “connecting the dots.”
Higher Education
I speak from an industry standpoint, drawing primarily from 13 years of experience in economic development-related fields where talent cost and availability are key drivers of corporate location decisions. My expertise resides in the gap between industry and academia with a specialty in the realm of tech talent. I am a proven leader in connecting the dots to help ensure the preparedness of our future workforce, having worked with leading universities large and small in creating programs, solving challenges, and bringing people and ideas together.
Individuals
I approach individuals as the neutral friend I wish I had as an emerging leader. I use my professional and personal experiences to ask the hard questions that can help guide individuals through new challenges, career paths, and learning to balance all that comes with added responsibilities and pressure.
Testimonials
Bring your event and your organization to new heights.
Reach out to Jennifer via the submission form below, and connect with her on LinkedIn!