DURHAM – On her journey to becoming a CEO, entrepreneur, podcaster and storyteller, Jesica Averhart says she’s had to reinvent herself “countless” times.

And now she wants to help you do the same.

After recently stepping down from her role as executive director of Leadership Triangle, she has launched a new venture, Reinvention Roadmap, which aims to guide people through the process of self-discovery and personal reinvention.

“As a fourth generation entrepreneur, I’m obsessed with the process of reinvention,” said Averhart. “Over the years, I’ve emerged victorious many times, while other times, I’ve landed flat on my face. What remains true for both is knowing that to become the next best version of you requires self-reflection, personal grace and incredulous grit.”

Reinvention Roadmap is a multi-pronged business. It includes a monthly e-newsletter, a “coffee shop-style” podcast and an online course, which already has a waitlist.

Prior to Leadership Triangle, Averhart served as the director of corporate partnerships for Capitol Broadcasting. She’s also managed the partnership relationships for Google, Google Fiber, Wells Fargo, Fidelity Labs, Lincoln Financial, Audi, Lenovo, Duke I&E, CFCU, RTP, BCBSNC and others.

WRAL TechWire’s Chantal Allam recently had the chance to get the scoop. Here’s what she had to say:

Jesica Averhart

  • So it’s been a crazy few months for everyone. And in the middle of pandemic, you decide to launch a new venture — Reinvention Roadmap. Tell us what this is all about.

Yep…it seems counterintuitive. Launching a new business when the world is upside down seems reckless or risky at best; but I’m a fourth generation entrepreneur so I’m built to withstand the unknown in the pursuit of what’s possible. In truth, the work we’re doing is made for a moment like this. We serve women of all ages who are examining their place in the world and asking: “What’s next?” or “Is this all there is?” I consider it sweet irony that we can use this season of tension and uncertainly to spark imagination and growth.  We specialize in the bitter/sweet work…the heart work.  As a company built on the principles of self-discovery and transformational leadership, our brands require curiosity and a heart for reinvention!

  • If I understand correctly, you offer a newsletter, blog and course. Can you break it down for me?

Yes, I’m so excited about our podcast. It provides me with an opportunity to teach and share what I’ve learned over the years and interview incredible women who have powerful reinvention stories.

Here’s the run down: Reinvention Road Trip is a coffee-shop style podcast helping thousands of women dream bigger and level up in business and life! Learn from Extraordinary Women from across the country who share their POWERFUL Reinvention stories. Each one, dropping unique gems and takeaways just for you!

The newsletter is my way of connecting with our audience every month. With so much happening in our world right now and this is a place of encouragement, guidance and honesty. Here’s what you’ll find in each edition: Reinvention e-Map features the BADDEST Reinvention Rockstars in the game, along with my best advice on how to level up and reinvent yourself despite your fears and negative self-chatter.

The real work starts here with the Reinvention Roadmap Course. Our course opens in July…so if you’re ready to dig in and hit the road to discover your next chapter, then we’ll ride along to help you think deeply and get the clarity you’re seeking. Our “Art meets Science” course has 6 Stops designed to move you through a powerful journey of self-discovery and personal reinvention. If you’ve been thinking about the next BETTER Version of You…stop playin’ and let’s go do this, together!

We also offer one-on-one coaching for those that want to take the Reinvention Roadmap course that last mile.  We use the Reinvention Roadmap Curriculum as a guide to co-create your personal coaching plan and determine how far you want to lean in.

There’s no doubt about it…we all need coaching at various times in our journey. If you’re feeling the nudge to get more clarity on your reinvention story, let’s talk!

  • Why are you focused on reinvention?

The truth is, whether we realize it or not, reinvention is inevitable and recurring. The question is, are you in the driver’s seat or passive bystander in the next chapter of your story. I’ve been through countless moments that qualify as “reinventions” and each one where I was fully present opened my eyes a little more, grounded me a little more and allowed me to believe in the possibility of more.  The art of reinvention should be exciting and full of wonder and curiosity. The process should be fun, insightful and full of introspection … all leading to the next best version of you.

  • Can you talk us through some of your own personal reinventions over the years?

I’ve built furniture on an Amish farm and worked at America’s most admired company. I’ve produced sporting events in partnership with NBA and NFL franchises and spoken to Google for Startups on the importance of a diverse tech scene. I was a suburban wife for 12 years and am now happily single living in a downtown loft life with my teenage son. Reinvention has been the drumbeat of my life. I’ve made colossal mistakes; and sadly, I’ve hurt people along the way while designing my life with blinders on. Each step along the way, I refined my character, wrestled with my core values and learned the hard lessons. Times of reinvention, test what you’re made of and give you the keys to a life you could only imagine IF you do the work. And the Lord knows, I’ve done a lot of work over the years.

  • Why do people need a course and conversation like this now?

I believe people need to take a personal and spiritual accounting of themselves first. We have to stop spiraling away from one by first examining our own lives and then take those lessons learned or renewed thinking into relationship with others.The Reinvention Roadmap course is just one way to do that. It invites you to explore the lies you’ve likely been telling yourself and requires you to think deeply and in a new way for the first time. We need to know who we are and what we’re made of; it’s the best way to fully participate “in community” with others.

  • How’s the pandemic, race protests been on you and your business?

Personally, it hasn’t been easy.  I recently wrote a blog post about the mental roadblocks I faced in the days after George Floyd’s murder.  I’m still mourning that loss; like many in the Black community, we saw our sons, our friends and our family members on the ground and pleading for relief from that victimization.  Unfortunately, that doesn’t go away in a news cycle.  The trauma gets embedded in the psyche.

The beautiful bright side is that everywhere I turn I’m surrounded by amazing friends and mentors who have unique perspectives that provide a refuge; they encourage me to stay the course (pun intended). The work that I’m doing is made for such a time as this; and my business is reflecting that. We are at capacity right now – our plate is full and we’re loving it!

  • Where do you plan on taking this from here?

We are preparing to announce a Reinvention Road Trip Virtual Conference this winter.  We plan to pull out all the stops and bring our network of women and  resources to the virtual stage for the first time!   We’re building a brand that ultimately allows our followers to start their journey where they are most comfortable (podcast, newsletter, course or coaching)  Our job is to be an honest broker and provide the inspiration to go deeper in order to uncover the best of who they are along the way.