Gems with Gen

Gennifer Allen

This is your discovery hub for fresh ideas and unforgettable stories. Join Gennifer as she spotlights hidden gems - from small businesses to bold creators and everyday innovators whose work is shaping culture and community. This isn't just another advice podcast: through real, unfiltered conversations, Gen explores the highs and lows behind building something meaningful. Each episode helps listeners find clarity and confidence to navigate their own creative and professional journeys. Some stories will inspire and others will shock, but there will always be a gem to take with you.

Episodes

  1. Feb 27

    Permission to Pivot with Leah Chin

    Have you ever met someone new and immediately thought they were special? Not just nice. Not just talented. But grounded, thoughtful, and fully themselves? That’s exactly how I felt when I met today’s guest, Leah Chin. Leah and I met years ago while working at a creative agency where we consistently brainstormed (and executed) big ideas and built content for major brands. I can strongly say if you’re looking for someone with a creative eye and a vibey POV, she’s all that (and then some). Did I mention she’s personally worked with brands like Ami Cole and Ember Niche? Right, the resume is STACKED. What makes Leah’s story powerful is that she didn’t just talk about wanting change: she made it. Originally on a path toward the medical field, Leah pivoted into a full-time career in social media and content creation. That kind of career change is not small. It requires clarity, courage, and a willingness to let go of the version of yourself you once thought you had to become. Our conversation went so deep that at one point, I asked Leah, “Is this a therapy session?” Maybe! In this episode, we get into: what it really takes to pivot careers her transition from the medical industry to a creative field balancing a full-time job with your own creative pursuits building a career in social (she now manages social over at CFG - a global influencer marketing agency) developing sustainable wellness routines staying authentic both online and IRL If you’re navigating a career shift, questioning your path, or trying to build a creative life without burning out, I encourage you to tap in. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Leah's Background 02:02 Leah's Journey from Medical Industry to Digital Storytelling 04:05 The Role of Mentors and Friends in Career Change 05:51 Authenticity and Being True to Yourself as a Creator 07:59 Creating a Wellness Community for Women of Color 09:56 Unlearning Myths About Wellness and Self-Care 11:50 The Ongoing Nature of Wellness and Self-Improvement 13:49 The Challenges of Adulting and Mental Health 15:46 The Impact of Mindset and Self-Talk on Creativity 17:44 Waking Up Early and Building New Habits 19:40 Balancing a Full-Time Job with Creative Projects 21:37 The Therapeutic Power of Puzzles and Art 23:39 Self-Compassion and Giving Yourself Grace 25:29 Overcoming Comparison and Self-Doubt 27:16 Travel and Finding Confidence Outside Your Environment 29:26 The Importance of Giving Yourself Time 31:14 Places That Make Leah Feel Most Relaxed 33:18 Key Lessons in Wellness and Creativity 35:25 Closing Remarks and Gratitude “When it comes to creating, I think that I give myself grace, which allows for there to be balance.” - Leah Chin Keep up with Leah: her IG, her TikTok, her wellness page. She’s a masterclass in building an authentic online presence that actually connects. Follow the podcast on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠TikTok⁠, and follow Gen ⁠@g.ennifer⁠ Stick around. I’ll see you in the next one. 🫶🏾 💎 Gen

    34 min

About

This is your discovery hub for fresh ideas and unforgettable stories. Join Gennifer as she spotlights hidden gems - from small businesses to bold creators and everyday innovators whose work is shaping culture and community. This isn't just another advice podcast: through real, unfiltered conversations, Gen explores the highs and lows behind building something meaningful. Each episode helps listeners find clarity and confidence to navigate their own creative and professional journeys. Some stories will inspire and others will shock, but there will always be a gem to take with you.