The Work of You

Jen Ostrich
  • 5.0 (22)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT

This is a podcast about the leadership that matters most — the kind that starts from within.   Hosted by certified behavioral coach and Enneagram expert Jen Ostrich, The Work of You is for high-achieving humans ready to stop repeating patterns and start leading themselves differently.   Through insights from coaching, the Enneagram, and her own personal inner overhaul, Jen brings honesty, humor, and sharp emotional clarity to the table. With real talk, self-awareness tools, and a healthy dose of tough love, she helps you uncover what’s driving you, shift what’s no longer serving you, and ultimately do the work of you — one honest episode at a time.   This isn’t about fixing yourself. It’s about finally understanding yourself — so your choices, relationships, and leadership can actually align with who you truly are.

  1. The Real Work of Self Care - with Dr Anna Teerlinck [S2 Ep16]

    6D AGO

    The Real Work of Self Care - with Dr Anna Teerlinck [S2 Ep16]

    Send some fan mail Click Here to Support: **If you're able to support this free independently produced podcast it would mean so much to me * In this episode, Jen sits down with Dr. Anna Teerlinck — doctor of physical therapy, strength coach, and owner of Austin-based FemPower Physio — at 37 weeks pregnant and fully in motion. Anna works at the intersection of rehab and performance for women, and she brings the same unflinching honesty to this conversation that she brings to her clinical work. Together, they explore what it looks like to take care of yourself when life is full — not as a luxury, but as a non-negotiable. From the "glass balls vs. rubber balls" framework for managing competing roles, to ADHD and the 90-second rule, to why your physical body isn't a separate track from your inner work, this episode is warm, real, and quietly clarifying. In this episode, we explore: The "glass balls vs. rubber balls" framework — and why knowing the difference changes everythingWhy discipline is more sustainable than motivation when it comes to caring for your bodyHow ADHD shaped Anna's self-awareness and her ability to hold space for hard conversationsThe Work of You via Dr. Anna Teerlinck Anna's closing invitation was simple: stop seeing mistakes as failures.  Is there an area of your life where you've "fallen off the wagon" and been hard on yourself about it? What would grace look like there?What's one small thing you can return to today — not perfectly, just intentionally?About the Guest: Dr. Anna Teerlinck is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, strength and conditioning coach, and weightlifting coach dedicated to helping women build resilient, high-performing bodies. She is the owner of Austin-based pelvic floor PT practice, Fempower Physio, where she blends clinical expertise with performance-focused training to support clients from rehab through return to sport and motherhood. As a wife and mom of two, Anna brings both professional insight and lived experience to her work, which has coincided with and is heavily influenced by her neurodivergence and past history of sexual trauma.  Resources | Links: FemPower Physio — Dr. Anna Teerlinck's Austin-based pelvic floor PT practice FemPower Physio Resources (Birth Prep Course coming soon) Anna's ADHD/Subtypes Book Rec  Anna's ADHD/Relationship Book Rec S2 Ep[13] | Interview with Heidi The Work of You | Substack Website | The Work of You Instagram | The Work of You Support the show

    34 min
  2. Why Uncertainty Hits You the Way It Does [S2 Ep15]

    APR 22

    Why Uncertainty Hits You the Way It Does [S2 Ep15]

    Send some fan mail Click Here to Support: **If you're able and willing to support this free independently produced podcast it would mean so much to me * Uncertainty is everywhere—from AI upending industries to the constant noise of a volatile world—and it is easy for your system to feel like it’s under attack. In this solo episode, Jen explores why our brains react to instability with the same physiological intensity as physical danger by revisiting the SCARF model: status, certainty, autonomy, relatedness, and fairness. When these domains feel threatened, our cognitive capacity drops and collaboration feels impossible—shifting us from leading with intention to merely trying to survive. The work of you through instability requires understanding your "invisible operating system"—the Enneagram instincts that drive your specific triggers and blind spots. This conversation is an invitation to move from a reactive threat state back to your authentic essence by naming triggers, using grounding mantras, and focusing on the few things you can actually control. In this episode, we explore: The SCARF Model revisited: Why your brain treats a threat to your status, certainty, autonomy, relatedness, or fairness with the same physiological intensity as physical danger.The cost of a threat response: How being triggered narrows your cognitive focus, kills creativity, and makes collaboration feel impossible.Enneagram instincts as a lens: Understanding how your dominant and repressed instincts shape your specific "hot buttons" during times of crisis.The invisible operating system: A look at how your instinct stacking can unintentionally trigger threat states in the people you lead.The power of a mantra: Shifting your focus toward what you can control when the world feels out of your handsThe Work of You - Reflective Prompts:  Which of these five areas on the scarf model do you sense showing up for you a lot lately [Status, Certainty, Autonomy, Relatedness, or Fairness]? What happens when one feels like it's threatened, how are you responding and what does that look like?Where do you notice that your repressed instinct maybe is creating some blindspots for you in yourself or how you lead?Which of the scarf domains is it activating in your dominant instinct the hardest?When the world feels uncertain, what is one small thing you can do to resource yourself before you react? Resources | Links: Podcast |Season 1 Episode 10 Podcast | Season 1 Episode 14  Substack Article | Leading in Uncertainty Without Losing Yourself  GET YOUR ENNEAGRAM TYPE for $60 -- Use this link and Jen will have access to work with you on your behind the scenes data should you choose. The Work of You Masterclass Free Download: Discover Your Hidden Layer of Leadership Instagram | The Work of You Website | The Work of You Support the show

    27 min
  3. The Work of Showing Up — with Brannan Sirratt [S2 Ep14]

    APR 15

    The Work of Showing Up — with Brannan Sirratt [S2 Ep14]

    Send some fan mail Click Here to Support: **If you're able and willing to support this free independently produced podcast it would mean so much to me * In this episode, Jen sits down with Brannan Sirratt — book developer, coach, and owner of DevelopYourBook.com — for a conversation that starts with manuscripts and ends somewhere much deeper. Brannan spent two decades helping authors find the real book underneath the one they thought they were writing, and it turns out that process has a lot to teach the rest of us about self-awareness, creative courage, and what it actually means to show up. Brannan and Jen geek out over Enneagram types, swap notes on ADHD and neurodivergence, and dig into why writing — or any form of honest communication — might be one of the most underrated tools for personal growth. Brannan's closing challenge to listeners is simple and quietly profound: don't write yourself off. Just show up and see what happens. In this episode, we explore: How Brannan's late ADHD and autism-adjacent diagnoses became the missing puzzle piece in her own self-understandingThe Enneagram Type 5 with a social instinct — and what that looks like in a career built on helping others tell their storiesThe two questions that unlock any writing project (and any LinkedIn post)How showing up fully to your creative work opens you up in ways no personal growth framework can replicateThe Work of You via Brannan Sirratt Brannan's closing invitation was to just show up — fully, imperfectly, and without waiting until you feel ready. Here are a few questions to sit with: Where in your life are you waiting to feel ready before you show up?Is there a form of creative expression — writing, speaking, making something — you've written yourself off from? What would it look like to try anyway?What do you want to communicate right now, and who is it really for?About the Guest: Brannan Sirratt is a book developer who makes sure both the author and the book have what they need to reach their most impacted reader. She's spent two decades working with hundreds of authors and collaborators across all levels of content creation. That's long enough to know that not all ideas take the same shape—and she believes that's a good thing. Her book development work begins with the Clarity Spectrum, an intention-first genre framework (that's been called "the Enneagram for Books"), then expands as needed to carry deep thinkers and changemakers through their own unique process—until both the author and their book have emerged. Resources | Links: Develop Your Book — Brannan's new site including the two-question quiz Brannan Sirratt Substack  GET YOUR ENNEAGRAM TYPE for $60 -- Use this link and Jen will have access to work with you on your behind the scenes data should you choose. The Work of You Masterclass Free Download: Discover Your Hidden Layer of Leadership The Work of You on Substack Website | The Work of You Instagram | The Work of You Support the show

    36 min
  4. Consistency Over Complication -- with Heidi Jones [S2 Ep13]

    APR 8

    Consistency Over Complication -- with Heidi Jones [S2 Ep13]

    Send some fan mail Click Here to Support: **If you’re able and willing to support this free independently produced podcast it would mean so much to me * How we take care of our bodies is a direct reflection of how we lead ourselves. In this episode, Jen is joined by strength coach and close friend Heidi Jones to discuss why consistency—not complication—is the key to long-term wellness. They discuss the "outer work" of physical wellness and how it mirrors the leadership of self, while exploring the dangers of tying worth to productivity. From navigating early menopause to surviving childhood trauma, Heidi shares how staying adaptable and simplifying the basics allows us to thrive through every season of life. Heidi offers a refreshingly grounded philosophy: start simple, stay consistent, and let your habits mold around your life — not the other way around. Whether it’s movement, nutrition, sleep, or stress, the goal isn’t perfection. It’s building small, sustainable anchors that keep you steady through life’s inevitable seasons of change.  In this episode, we explore: Shifting from corporate productivity to passion-driven wellnessThe "Big Boulders" of health: Movement, Nutrition, Sleep, and StressNavigating the seasons of life: Grief, motherhood, and hormonal changesThe Enneagram Type 2 journey: Managing people-pleasing and the pride/humility balanceThe importance of simple, repeatable habits for seismic impactThe Work of You Resource – via Heidi Jones Pick one thing from one of the four wellness columns (Movement, Nutrition, Sleep, or Stress) and commit to doing it consistently for one week. Whether it’s hitting a step count, tracking water, or a set bedtime—let it "marinate" before adding more. About the Guest: Heidi is a strength and mobility coach and massage therapist in Austin, Texas. She began her career in advertising, moving to Chicago directly out of college, but a quarter-life crisis led her to leave agency life after a few years and begin exploring movement and healing through personal training and massage therapy. Her path wasn’t linear — she returned to corporate advertising for stability, eventually moved back to Texas, and didn’t fully leave the corporate world until after becoming a mother. Today, Heidi helps others build strength from the inside out, believing that physical health and fitness must be flexible, adaptable, and able to move with you through life’s seasons. Her approach isn’t rigid or flashy; she meets people where they are, offers practical tools, and leads with compassion, grace, and respect for the body’s wisdom. Resources | Links:  Flow Birth & Body | Heidi's Company  Instagram | Heidi Jones GET YOUR ENNEAGRAM TYPE -- includes the Instinct data; most ideal for professional use: leaders and teams ALT OPTION FOR TYPING - also includes the Instincts  The Grow Effect Coaching Model  The Work of You on Substack Instagram | The Work of You Instagram | Grow Collective Website | The Work of You Support the show

    33 min
  5. The Enneagram as a Mirror and a Map [S2 Ep12]

    APR 1

    The Enneagram as a Mirror and a Map [S2 Ep12]

    Send some fan mail Click Here to Support: **If you're able and willing to support this free independently produced podcast it would mean so much to me * In this solo episode of The Work of You, Jen returns to one of her favorite topics — the Enneagram — with a fresh frame: the mirror and the map. She breaks down what your Enneagram type actually is (and isn't), how to make sense of your report, why your type doesn't change over time but you do, and what it looks like to move from self-awareness into real growth. This episode is part explainer, part invitation — and a great entry point for anyone who's recently received their Integrative9 report and isn't quite sure where to start. Because the Enneagram isn't a quiz. It's a strategy for becoming your most evolved, authentic self. In this episode, we explore: Why your Enneagram type doesn't change — but that doesn't mean you don'tThe mirror and the map: two distinct ways the Enneagram serves your growthEgo structure vs. core essence — and the invitation to lead from the latterHow to actually use your report without getting overwhelmed by itThe difference between behaviors and the deeper code running underneath themJen's personal Type 2 story: greeting cards, hidden expectations, and a real growth edgeThe Work of You Reflection: Spend a few moments reflecting on each of these questions. If you find yourself coming back to one or two in particular, block out about 30 minutes to really sit with the question and write about it in a journal: What in my Enneagram report immediately felt true — and what did I want to push back on?Where might my ego structure be quietly running the show in my leadership?What is one place I can see a familiar pattern playing out in my life right now?Am I using my results as a mirror yet? What would it mean to also use them as a map?What would it look like to lead more from my core essence this week?Resources | Links: GET YOUR ENNEAGRAM TYPE for $60 -- Use this link and Jen will have access to work with you on your behind the scenes data should you choose. The Work of You Masterclass Free Download: Discover Your Hidden Layer of Leadership The Grow Effect Coaching Model  The Work of You on Substack Instagram | The Work of You Instagram | Grow Collective Website | The Work of You Support the show

    29 min
  6. The Inner Work of Leadership [S2 Ep11]

    MAR 25

    The Inner Work of Leadership [S2 Ep11]

    Send some fan mail Click Here to Support: **If you’re able and willing to support this free independently produced podcast it would mean so much to me * In this episode of The Work of You, Jen synthesizes core themes from her recent conversations with tech leaders Tony Ross (formerly of Apple) and KG Treser (LinkedIn); two leaders who are actively leading themselves. Jen breaks down four insights that came from two interviews: identity shifts of being a leader, the strategy of emotional regulation, systems and the role of our inner beliefs, and inner work as an ongoing practice vs a singular breakthrough. This episode is a great reminder that even between two leaders in different life stages, what makes them effective isn’t their resumes, it’s their willingness to examine themselves. That’s the real work of you. In this episode, we explore: Navigating the identity shift from expert "doer" to leader of leadersThe strategy of emotional regulation: Gas vs. BrakesHow your inner beliefs create—or limit—the systems you buildThe "Swiss Army Knife" approach to personal developmentThe definition of a Leadership Brand as a "promise of an experience"The Work of You Resource  Spend a few moments reflecting on each of these questions. If you find yourself coming back to one or two in particular, block out about 30 minutes to really sit with the question and write about it in a journal: 1. Where am I still leading from an old identity? 2. What emotional pattern most disrupts my leadership? 3. Where do I need more clarity instead of more speed? 4. How does my energy land on others? 5. What is my current mantra? Resources | Links:  S2 Ep9 | Climbing What's in Front of You-- Interview with Tony Ross S2 Ep 10 | Being Strategic in Leading You – Interview with KG Treser, LinkedIn The Leadership Gap No One Talks About | Substack Center for Creative Leadership GET YOUR ENNEAGRAM TYPE -- includes the Instinct data; most ideal for professional use: leaders and teams ALT OPTION FOR TYPING - also includes the Instincts  The Grow Effect Coaching Model  Instagram | The Work of You Instagram | Grow Collective Website | The Work of You Website | Grow Collective Support the show

    24 min
  7. Being Strategic in Leading You – Interview with KG Treser, LinkedIn [S2 Ep10]

    MAR 18

    Being Strategic in Leading You – Interview with KG Treser, LinkedIn [S2 Ep10]

    Send some fan mail Click Here to Support: **If you’re able and willing to support this free independently produced podcast it would mean so much to me * In this week's episode, Jen has an open conversation with KG Treser, a Chief of Staff at LinkedIn, who is on a mission to democratize executive-level skills for everyone. We dive into the gritty reality of the “gear shift” required to move from being a high-performing doer to a strategic leader who leads with a point of view—even when you feel like you’re just making it up. KG opens up about her own “Swiss Army Knife” of inner work, exploring how everything from tarot cards to spot patterns to using AI for processing helps her navigate the high-pressure world of tech with authenticity and grace. In this episode, we explore: The pivotal "gear shift" from operator to strategistBreaking down strategy: goals, constraints, and the blend of IQ and EQUsing "clean systems" like the Enneagram and Tarot to identify blind spotsThe "Enneagram 2 Shadow" and the power of shifting worldviewsHow to use AI (Claude and Copilot) to navigate complex team dynamicsGrounding yourself in simple mantras to rewire core beliefsThe Work of You Resource- via KG Treser Come up with a simple and concise mantra to help you focus  and reground About the Guest:  KG is a Chief of Staff with over a decade of experience in strategy and operations, including nearly seven years at LinkedIn. She's also the creator of Chief of Staff School, a Substack newsletter and TikTok community with over 17,000 followers, where she breaks down strategy frameworks and workplace skills for professionals without an MBA. When she's not supporting senior leaders, she's helping other Chiefs of Staff and future executives level up through her coaching practice. Resources | Links:  Chief of Staff School | KG's Substack TikTok | Follow KG Instagram | Follow KG  The Work of You | Substack GET YOUR ENNEAGRAM TYPE -- includes the Instinct data; most ideal for professional use: leaders and teams ALT OPTION FOR TYPING - also includes the Instincts  The Grow Effect Coaching Model  Instagram | The Work of You Instagram | Grow Collective Website | The Work of You Website | Grow Collective Support the show

    30 min
  8. Climbing What's in Front of You-- Interview with Tony Ross [S2 Ep9]

    MAR 11

    Climbing What's in Front of You-- Interview with Tony Ross [S2 Ep9]

    Send some fan mail Click Here to Support: **If you’re able and willing to support this free independently produced podcast it would mean so much.** In this Season Two conversation of The Work of You, Jen sits down with (now retired) executive leader Tony Ross to explore the inner growth behind a 20+ year career at Apple. Tony reflects on the pivotal transitions from individual contributor to manager to leader of leaders, sharing candid lessons on delegation, strategy, culture-building, and leading across global teams. From navigating cultural differences in China to hosting “gelato with Tony” sessions to become more approachable, he offers practical insight into the mindset shifts that elevate good leaders into impactful ones. The conversation also highlights the role of self-awareness and continuous development—both personally and organizationally—including how tools like the Enneagram can strengthen team dynamics. Now in retirement, Tony shares how witnessing his parents’ health journeys inspired him to prioritize adventure and meaning, leading him to climb Denali—twice. His closing message is simple and powerful (see below for his The Work of You advice) -- this is a must watch episode.  In this episode, we explore: Why moving from individual contributor to manager requires a complete mindset overhaul, not just a promotionHow Tony reshaped team norms and built connections at scale to humanize executive leadership Using tools like the Enneagram and intentional development plans to fuel both personal growth and stronger team dynamicsWhat summiting Denali taught Tony about mindset, resilience, and taking bold steps before “someday” slips awayThe Work of You Resources -- via Tony Ross Stay Curious -- question things, take on new challenges, push yourself out of your comfort zone and set concrete goals each yearKeep Growing!About the Guest: With over 20 years of operational leadership at Apple, Tony brings deep expertise in global supply chain, planning, and product operations. He currently advises mission-driven startups like Crowdstake and serves on nonprofit boards focused on health and economic growth. His career began as a Navy engineering officer and continued through senior roles in the tech sector, supported by degrees from Cornell and Stanford GSB. Today Tony is dedicated to mentorship, community engagement, and amplifying organizations that create positive impact. Resources | Links:  Simon Sinek Video  [where one of Tony's favoriate quotes lives] Enneagram for Teams  The Work of You on Substack The Grow Effect Coaching Model  Instagram | The Work of You Instagram | Grow Collective Website | The Work of You Website | Grow Collective Support the show

    31 min
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5
out of 5
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About

This is a podcast about the leadership that matters most — the kind that starts from within.   Hosted by certified behavioral coach and Enneagram expert Jen Ostrich, The Work of You is for high-achieving humans ready to stop repeating patterns and start leading themselves differently.   Through insights from coaching, the Enneagram, and her own personal inner overhaul, Jen brings honesty, humor, and sharp emotional clarity to the table. With real talk, self-awareness tools, and a healthy dose of tough love, she helps you uncover what’s driving you, shift what’s no longer serving you, and ultimately do the work of you — one honest episode at a time.   This isn’t about fixing yourself. It’s about finally understanding yourself — so your choices, relationships, and leadership can actually align with who you truly are.

Information

  • Creator
    Jen Ostrich
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    50
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Work of You
  • Show Website
    The Work of You

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