Wisdom Unlocked 🔓✨ Career Lessons from Leading Women: A Conversation with Jennifer Dangar

1. Could you start by introducing yourself — your name and what you do?

Jennifer Reichenbach Dangar, COO and Partner, Balentine Wealth Management (Atlanta, GA)

2. How did your career begin, and how did you get to where you are today?

I deferred law school after college and planned to live in NYC for a year. I got a job as an executive assistant in a media company, which turned into a 25-year career across multiple television brands (Discovery, Turner Broadcasting, Weather Channel, C-SPAN). From roles in sales, marketing, strategy, and contract negotiation, I pivoted to running operations at a healthcare staffing company. I now run operations at a wealth management firm.

3. How have you seen the workplace shift since you started your career? What are the most significant changes you’ve observed?

On the positive side, I think women have a much stronger voice and presence in the workplace. I think there is a lot more respect for boundaries and people don’t seem as singularly focused on work. However, the flip side of that is that people seem to lose sight of the importance of making an effort to go above and beyond in order to get rewarded and often feel entitled to rewards just for showing up.

4. Conversely, what aspects of the workplace have remained constant in your experience?

Hard work pays off and gets rewarded. I have always been a problem solver, fixing departments and teams that were underperforming, which has always led to bigger roles. Culture is the most important factor in finding the right fit for a job. A great job in a terrible culture will not make you happy.

5. Storytime! We’d love to hear about a pivotal moment or decision that shaped your career. It can be a success or a challenge — what stands out to you, and how have you changed because of it?

Two months after I took a job and moved to a new city, my boss who had hired me was fired. I was new, had just become a vice president, and was working in a much larger organization than I ever had before. When my old boss’ boss asked me if I wanted to apply for his vacant job, I hesitated and didn’t throw my hat in the ring. I learned later that you should always bet on yourself and your ability to figure things out. Every job since I have taken on new and unknown aspects and thrived as a result. Be confident and take risks!

6. Navigating work-life balance can be challenging and often more difficult for women. How have you managed this throughout your career?

My daughter has always come first. I learned to outsource and ask for help when I needed it. Other moms are often in the same boat and they make great allies. I learned to show up at the school events when I could spend more time with my daughter and she could see me there and know I was supporting her. I prioritized family dinner whenever I was in town (no devices) and I would work after she went to bed if necessary.

7. We encourage everyone, particularly women, to seek mentorship and guidance from leaders in their fields. Who has been your mentor along your journey, and how have they influenced your career?

I have a personal board of directors as opposed to a mentor. I tap different people for different issues. One member of my “board” encouraged me and got me involved in industry organizations where I could expand my skills and influence in different ways. This same woman is a great role model and is the person I turn to when I need sage advice or just need to be encouraged. A conversation with her always fills my bucket.

8. What’s one piece of advice you would give your younger self when you were starting?

Find your authentic work self as quickly as you can. Treat your colleagues like your clients. Feedback is your friend.