This week on the Power of Owning Your Career Podcast, host Simone Morris sits down with Kai-Nneka Townsend—a leadership, resilience, and burnout consultant whose global career journey has shaped her mission to help high-pressure industries achieve sustainable success without sacrificing wellbeing. As the founder of Rise by KCL, Kai-Nneka Townsend draws on lived experience in international development, public health, and corporate leadership across Jamaica, the UK, and beyond.

In this insightful episode, Kai-Nneka Townsend reveals how her childhood dream of becoming a diplomat sparked her love for travel, adaptation, and cross-cultural learning. From studying tourism in the Bahamas to moving into customer service and corporate roles in the UK, she shares how intentional pivots and strategic decisions put her in the "driver's seat" of her own career. Her journey is a powerful illustration of the value of risk-taking, adaptability, and remaining authentically yourself—no matter where your ambition leads you.

Listeners will discover Kai-Nneka Townsend's holistic approach to career ownership, built around her core ingredients: clarity on personal success, setting boundaries to protect energy, and raising strategic visibility. She covers vital lessons in navigating the nuances of assimilation versus authentic leadership, amplifying your voice while building inclusion, and keeping room for others as you advance. Her candid advice is practical and empowering, whether you're considering a career change, seeking more visibility, or stepping into leadership in a new culture.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

• StrengthsFinder (Gallup): Focus on strengths and natural aptitudes to guide your next career pivot.
• VIA Character Strengths: Discover and leverage what makes you unique.
• Johnson O'Connor Research Foundation: Natural aptitude testing to align strengths with career direction.

Episode TimeStamp:

00:00 From Diplomat to Tourism Journey

04:10 Career Journey and Role Shifts

07:51 "Adaptability Without Losing Yourself"

10:05 Raising My Visibility

15:07 Defining Success and Setting Boundaries

16:59 "Intentional Visibility for Success"

20:26 "Source of Wisdom and Confidence"

25:38 "From Corporate to Resilience Leader"

26:37 "Focus on Core Strengths"

30:21 "Leading and Rising Again"

33:46 "Architect Your Career Journey"

Connect & Learn More:

• Host Simone E. Morris: LinkedIn | Become a Guest on the Show | 52 Tips for Owning Your Career
• Guest Kai-Nneka Townsend: LinkedIn | Rise by KCL

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Whether you're just launching your career, making a bold pivot, or seeking resilience in high-stress environments, this episode will equip you with the tools and mindset to lead boldly—without losing yourself. Don't miss this energizing conversation packed with strategies, personal stories, and fresh perspectives to help you take the wheel and drive your career forward.