In this episode of Market Movers, Jennifer shares how science, storytelling, and self-awareness all play a role in how she helps leaders grow—across sectors, levels, and life stages.
A Global Perspective: The Foundation of Human-Centered Leadership
Born and raised in the Bay Area, Jennifer’s worldview was shaped by international travel and early exposure to multicultural environments. Summers spent in places like Jakarta, Bali, Singapore, and Myanmar (as well as Italy, Switzerland, France, and Germany) gave her an appreciation for both shared human experiences and the importance of respecting differences.
That perspective, she says, made it natural for her to seek common ground—an essential mindset in leadership. Even as a child, she gravitated toward helping others, tutoring classmates and assisting conflict groups on the playground. That instinct to support people’s growth never left her.
Big Firm Rigor Meets Personal Curiosity
After earning a degree in cognitive science at UCSD, Jennifer worked for over 15 years in the Department of Defense space as a contractor and consultant. She spent time at both major firms like Deloitte and Booz Allen as well as smaller, more flexible companies—giving her a unique view of both structure and autonomy in the workplace.
Despite the career prestige, something was missing. “You never hear a kid say, ‘I want to be a defense contractor when I grow up,’” she joked.
The shift came unexpectedly while listening to the BiggerPockets podcast. Drawn to the entrepreneurial spirit of the show’s guests, she launched her own real estate investing meetup in San Diego. Built from scratch, it grew to nearly 1,000 members and is still active today.
Launching VAST Leadership Development
Today, Jennifer leads VAST Leadership Development, a company built around helping professionals deepen their leadership skills through science-backed practices and authentic connection.
Her offerings fall into two core categories:
Workshops and Team Facilitation
Jennifer also leads in-person sessions for organizations looking to develop soft skills, improve culture, or navigate change. This includes:
- Team-building experiences
- DISC-based behavioral analysis
- Organizational design and process optimization
- Change management backed by data and measurement tools
Her range is vast (pun fully intended): from C-suite executives to frontline workers, Jennifer adapts her approach based on the audience—but always leads with empathy, experience, and energy.
Leadership Backed by Science
Unlike many leadership consultants who rely solely on experience, Jennifer brings cognitive science into her approach. Her insights are grounded in neuroscience, anthropology, and proven case studies—including 12-year longitudinal studies on what makes companies outperform the rest.
Even in tense moments—like being publicly challenged during a change management presentation—Jennifer led with data, compassion, and follow-up, eventually turning a critic into a supporter who later left her a glowing testimonial.
Mentorship, Empathy, and the Power of Presence
Jennifer emphasizes that great mentors don’t just dispense wisdom—they stay open, curious, and empathetic. She encourages mentees to reflect honestly on their readiness for growth, and reminds mentors that everyone is on a personal journey shaped by their environment and experiences.
This perspective—equal parts science and soul—is what drives her work today.
A Vision for the Future
While marketing her work doesn’t come naturally, Jennifer is committed to increasing her visibility so she can impact more people. Her immediate goal is expanding awareness of VAST Leadership Development. Long-term, she hopes to influence thousands through her unique blend of leadership training, group facilitation, and one-on-one connection.
She offers one-on-one intro meet-and-greets to break the ice and help people feel comfortable before diving into custom-designed workshops or coaching experiences.
Final Thoughts
Jennifer’s story reminds us that leadership isn’t about the loudest voice in the room—it’s about presence, empathy, and the ability to inspire growth in others. Whether you’re leading a company, a community, or simply yourself, her work is a powerful invitation to lead with purpose.
Connect with Jennifer:
🔗 LinkedIn: Jennifer Santoso
📧 Email: jennifer@vastleader.com
🌐 Website: https://vastleader.com/
