Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.
-John C. Maxwell
Hi, I'm Kris Jennings.
I use design thinking and behavior science to make organizational change faster and easier.
Early career: Change from the inside of organizations
For 17 years as an employee at Norwest/Wells Fargo and Cargill, I supported leaders in driving organizational change. I applied my journalism degree to help them tell stories that inspired employees and customers.
In 2006, while working at Cargill, the organization started a global business transformation effort. I seized the opportunity to work alongside world-class practitioners to build the organization's change practices and skills.
I facilitated the global change network, designed self-paced learning modules, and contributed communications thought leadership to the proprietary change methodology.
When I was laidoff in 2012, I had no idea that my work and life would change so dramatically.
Expanding into behavior design in my consulting practice
Just two weeks after being laidoff, I landed my first consulting client. While I wasn't expecting to start my own business, it quickly led to more and bigger change challenges, while offering me more freedom in life for the past 13 years.
I continued supporting large enterprises during complex and strategic technology projects (Best Buy, ECMC Group, The Toro Company, and Apogee Enterprises).
But an interesting application presented itself: using behavior design during innovative digital health national product launches with UnitedHealth Group and Optum.
I studied behavior design with BJ Fogg, founder of the Stanford Design Lab, and got curious about how emotions influence actions (i.e. why people find it hard to try another weight loss program).
These programs required me to design behavior change for ease, delivered repeatedly at scale nationally.
Combined, the experiences I designed helped more than a million people change.
Now: Designing to help more humans change
In 2024, I wrote down what I've learned in my first book, Inspired by Fear: Becoming a Courageous Change Leader.
Now, I focus on creating solutions that have a ripple effect in supporting change: Where one "answer" can help many.
My advisory services guide change leaders on using core concepts and proven tools during the most important phase of change--the strategy.
Workday organizational change consulting provides clients with capability development inside project support.
Speaking and workshops spark momentum at key moments for organizations and teams.
In a new era exploding with ways to leverage technology, I remain focused on helping humans adapt.
Organizations hire me. Humans grow.
Life passions
I pursue my passions for health and creativity by exploring new places several times a year. My recent trips include swimming the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia with my oldest son, making encaustic art in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, with friends, and yoga in the jungle of Costa Rica with my husband. Wherever we go, we eat well! (Food is art + love.)
Writing has--and always will be--a part of my daily life through morning pages. You can read and learn about making change easier in my book, subscribe to receive articles, or connect on social media.
Join me in making change in our world more positive for humans. 🧡
