We had the good fortune of connecting with Jennifer León and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jennifer, putting aside the decision to work for yourself, what other decisions were critical to your success?
Practicing Buddhism is the single most important decision that I made that’s contributed to my success. I realize now that I have a precious human life and that the ultimate success is having a peaceful and compassionate mind – one that can become a refuge of peace and happiness for others.

That’s what I love about my business.

My main job is to tune into my inner peace. Each client give me the opportunity to take this deeper. They teach me how to be an amazing listener. They teach me how to put cherishing love is in action. They’re full of wisdom.

It doesn’t matter if I make mistakes. It doesn’t matter if bad things happen. It doesn’t matter if my business has tons of business or no business at all. These conditions are perfect because they are all ripe for success.

In the end, my view is that success is about transforming daily life into the spiritual path.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I run a coaching business that supports spiritually curious business women looking for more ease, openness, and beauty in their work and personal lives. Because of my consistent and heartfelt practice of Buddhism, I’m proud to offer women profoundly different perspectives based in compassion, wisdom, patience, and cherishing love.

I’ve traveled and worked around the world with my last pre-coaching role as a CFO in Kolkata, India. Due to the variety of work roles and cultural experiences I’ve had, I can relate at a deeper level with the everyday experiences of my clients.

What I’ve learned is that listening is one of the best gifts you can offer someone. And, my clients are generous in giving me the opportunity to practice the values that are dear to me.

While I’m in training to be a Dharma teacher now, I’ve got practical experience with meditation that naturally seeps into my work with others. My view is to guide others you’ve got to be a living example of what you are offering. .

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Right now, I live in a Buddhist Meditation Center near the Catskills in upper New York State. I’d suggest my friend stay onsite in the same house I’m living in. She could meet the Sangha community here including Gen Samten, the Resident Teacher. He’s been a monk for almost 40 years (ordained at 18) and directly studied under our Founder, Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.

I’d suggest she come when there is a special workshop or even a Finding Peace weekend retreat. On Tuesday, we can listen to a beautiful teaching and engage in meditation with Kadam Kyle and on Wednesday with Gen Samten. Then, Sunday is Prayers for World Peace with Sara. In between, I can even have her check out one of the pujas.

We can walk the many trails in the forest here. There are places where the path is like a spongy moss and the whole environment feels magical. More than anything, these trails are blessed by all the good-hearted people that have lived here and come to visit.

The dining hall here is amazing with vegetarian and vegan/gluten-free food. We can definitely eat here. It’s gentle and made with love. There are all kinds of things from beet burgers, palak paneer, to tofu satay. The chef (also a monk) is super talented and an amazing person to talk about your practice with.

We can go to the World Peace Cafe inside the Temple and have a signature latte . I’d introduce here to the vegan breakfast cookie that is a nourishing in-between meal snack. We can enjoy the beautiful view of the grounds from here.

The best part is when she leaves she can access these teachings online (for now). So, the experience can continue to grow in her heart.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My coach in India, Laura Miller, for expanding my view of the world and focusing my mind on beauty

My friend, Julien Hontang for letting me use his copy of The Art of Happiness at Work

The New Kadampa Tradition for my deeply meaningful Buddhist practice

Alliance Bakery in Wicker Park (Chicago) for having the flyer that led me to the New Kadampa Tradition

Website: jenniferleon.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferleon_b/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-leon-3073023/

Other: Email – jennifer@jenniferleon.com

Image Credits
My photo – Natalie Ginele

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