jennifer gardner - director of client services

With 25+ years of experience leading human resources in a variety of industries, Jennifer brings both people expertise and C-suite experience to her clients.  Jennifer is focused on strategic partnerships with leaders to help them and their teams achieve outstanding results. Using Connect the Dots methodology and resources, while leveraging her thorough understanding of the organization’s needs, Jennifer helps develop effective leaders who inspire the best from their teams. 

Jennifer has focused on cultivating deep relationships and strong partnerships with her clients.  Whether engaging in executive coaching, team building, team coaching, or leadership development, her clients get results that last.   

“My goal is to help leaders and teams be their best.  I value the trust clients place in me.  I focus first on understanding their goals, aligning on an action plan, and delivering exceptional services that deliver results—both to the bottom line and to meaningful behavior change.” 

Jennifer’s Education and Certifications: 

  • ICF Marshall Goldsmith Stakeholder-Centered coaching
  • The Ohio State University, Master’s Labor and Human Resources Management
  • Miami University, BA Communications and Public Relations
  • Assessments:
    • EQi
    • Myers-Briggs Type Indicator
    • StrengthsFinder
    • Multiple 360-survey instruments
    • DiSC
    • Five Dysfunctions of a Team

 

Jennifer’s Areas of Expertise:

  • Coaching leaders in:
    • Financial Services 
    • Manufacturing
    • Healthcare (human and veterinary)
    • Technology
    • Fast Growth  (e.g., PE-backed and startups)
  • Team Dynamics, building, and effectiveness
  • Change Leadership
  • Leadership Brand
  • Leadership Development
  • Executive Transition and Onboarding 
  • Effective Communication and Presentation Skills
  • Influencing/Political Savvy
  • Strategic Leadership to Get Results
  • Relationship Management 
  • Driving Culture Change

 

What Jennifer’s clients say about their work with her: 

“Thank you!  I wouldn’t have achieved this level of success without the role you played in preparing me for this transition.  You helped me see that I needed to do things differently at this level and helped me establish early wins as a foundation for continued success.” 

“I appreciate the level of trust I have in you.  I relied on your complete confidentiality to talk about things that I couldn’t discuss with anyone else.  You gave sound advice and practical suggestions while serving as a sounding board.  You really helped build my confidence as a leader.  I value our relationship and how you understood me—you brought such value to me and helped me grow as a leader.” 

“The past year working with Jen has been a game changer.  She listened, asked questions, and helped me see things in a different light.  She provided practical strategies and tools to build on my strengths, round off some edges and get results.  I loved it when my colleagues noticed a difference in how I showed up—that wouldn’t have happened if I didn’t have this opportunity.  She also helped me make a lasting impact to helping me create a high-performing team.” 

How she spends her free time: 

  • Traveling 
  • Cheering for her favorite sports teams 
  • Attending concerts and theatre events 
  • With family and friends 


Email Jen: jgardner@connectthedotsconsulting.com

Our team-connect Survey Process

 

We start with thoughtfully diagnosing the team’s current culture by using available data, assessments and interviews.

This provides the team leader with a clear view of what is getting in the way of the team’s success.

We design a series of structured team sessions that:

  • Share the team culture analysis
  • Give team members the opportunity to talk through both processes and behaviors that need to be addressed
  • Productively provide feedback to one another
  • Develop both team and individual commitments that will lead to the team’s desired state

 

Measure progress by leveraging CTD’s team-connect Survey to:

  • Drive accountability and measure progress by collecting team feedback specific to one another’s engagement and behavioral change
  • Provide the team’s leader with a clear understanding of what he/she and the team need from each other to enable and support the team’s success
  • Share team and individual survey result reports