From Loss to Launch: Jennifer Zick Shares Her Entrepreneurship Journey at Purpose Fueled
“Most of the good stuff came about through the ugly, painful, and hard stuff.”
That was one of many powerful takeaways shared by Jennifer Zick, Founder & CEO of Authentic®, during her November conversation at the Purpose Fueled Community gathering in Eagan, Minnesota.
In a setting that couldn’t have been more fitting, surrounded by the grit and glory of the Minnesota Vikings Museum, Jennifer opened up about the career pivots and personal moments that shaped her as a leader and fueled the founding of Authentic®. Her story, grounded in faith and resilience, reminded attendees that the path to purpose is rarely straight, and often forged through adversity.
From unexpected job loss to the bold leap into entrepreneurship, Jennifer reflected on how life’s hardest seasons became the soil for Authentic’s growth. “What felt like it was happening to me, I later realized was happening for me,” she shared.
The event, hosted by Mick White and attended by a vibrant community of values-first leaders, was more than a storytelling moment; it was an invitation to reframe setbacks as stepping stones. To listen deeply. To lead authentically. And to lean into the work of becoming, even when it’s uncomfortable.
Special thanks to Purpose Fueled for creating the space, and to the incredible humans who showed up ready to connect, reflect, and grow.
