Helping Executives Rebuild Capacity & Lead High-Performing Teams Without Burnout | Leadership Coach & Trainer | Expert in Team Dynamics & Strategic Growth
The Lesson of the Script
In the frantic, high-decibel hallways of America’s Funniest Home Videos, Jennifer Recla learned her most vital leadership lesson—not from a mentor, but from a void. For nine months, she navigated a world of daily chaos and mixed messages, where scripts were delivered under the shadow of fear and the mood of the room shifted like sand. She watched as talented people withered under the weight of “doing more with less,” and it was there, amidst the rejection and noise of Hollywood, that a conviction took root: Leading shouldn’t drain you.
Jennifer realized early on that while resilience and adaptability were necessary survival tools, they shouldn’t be the only tools in an executive’s kit. This pivotal realization transformed her from a performer chasing roles into a practitioner of human potential. Today, as a premier Leadership Coach and Trainer, Jennifer has dedicated her career to helping executives move past the daily friction to build systems that sustain high performance without sacrificing the person behind the title.
The Stage and the System
Jennifer’s journey began in Laurel, Maryland, where the foundations of her confidence were built not in a boardroom, but on a stage. Beginning her life as a dancer at age three and an actor by seven, she grew up performing for hundreds. This early exposure was her first masterclass in risk-taking and public speaking. “Performing early on taught me to not fear public speaking, take risks, and be ok with looking foolish at times,” she reflects. “All lessons I use in my leadership and business.”
This penchant for presence was later refined by rigorous academic discipline. Jennifer earned her undergraduate degree from UMBC and an MBA from the University of Baltimore, later specializing in Instructional Systems Design. This unique blend of stage presence and systematic thinking allowed her to see organizational dynamics as both a performance to be polished and a machine to be tuned. She understood that for a leader to succeed, they needed more than just a title; they needed a “flexible structure”—a way to map a path forward while remaining agile enough to pivot when the script changed.
Transforming Cultures from the Inside Out
As Jennifer transitioned into corporate and nonprofit leadership, she became a specialist in “getting the house in order.” During her tenure as the Director of Organizational Learning & Development at Colorado Access, and previously with the Colorado Department of Human Services, she didn’t just implement programs; she shifted cultures. She launched Leadership Academies and Mentorship programs that saw tangible increases in employee engagement and satisfaction.
Her peers recognized her as a game-changer who could navigate complex team dynamics with unparalleled ease. Shelby Kiernan, a former colleague, notes that Jennifer’s impact was transformative: “Her ability to see possibilities where others saw obstacles inspired us to embrace change and innovation… she strikes a perfect balance between clarity, compassion, and enthusiasm.” Whether she was managing million-dollar budgets or building a department from the ground up, Jennifer’s career has been defined by her ability to bridge the gap between strategic goals and human needs.
Rebuilding Capacity and Strengthening Trust
Now at the helm of Recla Coaching & Consulting, Jennifer focuses her impact on small to mid-sized organizations. She operates on the philosophy that leadership is about doing what matters most, rather than simply doing more. Through her 1:1 coaching and team facilitation, she helps executives uncover their strengths and resolve performance issues that have been overcomplicated by years of friction.
Her impact is best summarized by those she has mentored into the executive ranks. Val Cassano, a Director of Strategy, credits Jennifer for a fundamental evolution in leadership style: “I have evolved from an individual contributor to an executive, embracing a leadership style characterized by empathy and a growth mindset.” Jennifer’s work ensures that when a leader steps into a room, they aren’t bringing the chaos she once witnessed in Hollywood; they are bringing a clear vision and a foundation of trust.
The Continuous Work of Growth
Looking ahead, Jennifer is deeply invested in the longevity of leadership. As the President of the ATD Rocky Mountain Chapter, she continues to advocate for the growth of learning professionals. Her advice to the next generation is a reflection of her own life’s balance: strengthen critical thinking, verify the data in a world of AI, and embrace the “intentional boredom” that sparks true creativity.
Her leadership philosophy remains anchored in a quote by Maya Angelou: “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” For Jennifer, there is no final destination in leadership—only a constant, joyful striving for improvement. Whether she is facilitating a high-stakes board retreat or chasing adventure on a mountain trail with her family, she lives the “flexible structure” she teaches, proving that the most impactful leaders are those who have the capacity to both perform at the highest level and enjoy the journey along the way.
Editorial Note
Jennifer Recla’s journey from the chaotic sets of Hollywood to the strategic boardrooms of Colorado serves as a powerful reminder that leadership is a choice of environment over ego. Her story challenges us to ask: Are we leading from a place of depletion, or are we building the systems that allow our teams—and ourselves—to thrive? If you are ready to stop “doing more” and start doing what matters, the path begins with rebuilding your own capacity.
