In this episode of Transformational Leadership, host Jeff Haar Noyes is joined by Jennifer Kozel, Founder and CEO of The Guevarra Group, for a powerful conversation on leadership, blind spots, and human-centered transformation.

Jennifer shares her unconventional yet deeply impactful approach to executive development — including the use of equine-assisted learning to surface leadership blind spots in ways traditional workshops never could. Through vivid real-world stories, she explains how awareness, presence, and relationship-building can unlock transformation at both the individual and organizational level.

The episode also dives into Jennifer’s experience addressing complex employee relations challenges, where shifting perspective — not policy — created lasting change. From navigating conflict with empathy to leading large-scale HR transformation inside a 100-year-old, high-growth organization, Jennifer offers a grounded and deeply human perspective on what it truly means to lead.

This conversation is essential for leaders navigating change, culture, and growth — especially those willing to look inward first.

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Welcome to Transformational Leadership

00:28 – Introducing Jennifer Kozel

01:32 – Why experiential learning matters in leadership

02:04 – Using horses in executive development

03:05 – A real-world equine leadership story

04:12 – Leadership blind spots revealed

05:11 – Frustration, control, and awareness

06:24 – The “blind spot” moment

07:13 – Applying insights back at work

08:20 – Transforming how leaders assign work

09:13 – Experiential learning vs classroom learning

09:46 – Managing difficult employees

10:50 – When conflict escalates

12:06 – Leadership stress and physical toll

13:15 – A transformative personal experience

14:24 – Shifting perspective and energy

15:00 – Rebuilding trust through curiosity

16:11 – Seeing employees as people

17:37 – Leadership transformation starts within

18:29 – Ripple effects across teams

19:34 – Psychometrics and human behavior

20:55 – “When the student is ready…”

22:08 – Expanding leadership capacity

23:36 – Unlocking hidden potential

24:26 – Transforming HR in a 100-year-old company

26:13 – Building HR foundations from scratch

27:19 – Culture, recognition, and growth

28:12 – Leader development as retention strategy

29:41 – Overcoming resistance to HR

32:37 – Trust, credibility, and relationships

35:23 – Vision, alignment, and execution

38:03 – Coaching as a catalyst

39:51 – Best advice Jennifer ignored

41:10 – Self-care and leadership sustainability

42:27 – From Navy service to HR leadership

44:18 – Advice for the next generation

46:03 – Talking to yourself kindly

47:00 – How to connect with Jennifer

48:13 – Final thoughts & closing

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