“My parents always said ‘make good decisions’ as we left the house, empowering us to make the ‘right’ choice independently, founded on an expectation for trust and honesty, that we did not want to disappoint," says Jen. Now, years later, Jen and Jodi use the qualities instilled in them from a young age to lead, manage, and grow the company founded by their mom. While many people assume co-leadership is not possible, the sisters manage to use it to their advantage. Since the beginning, both Jen and Jodi ensured they were aligned in their priorities, roles, and responsibilities within Destira. They each take their personal strengths and bring them to the company to create an environment that is authentic and intentional for both the company and the customer.
Values based Leadership
Jodi strives to create a workplace that is “fulfilling, humane, and inspiring.” She works with everyone within Destira to “communicate clearly about the overall purpose and vision of the company, and to help people to develop their skills and strengths to best communicate that vision.” Jodi leads our sales, customer service, and custom teams, and infuses her spirit and best practices across all communications, seen thru Destira tradeshows and events, thru every phone or email conversation, as she truly touches every customer interaction (through her incredible team!) with her optimism and friendship.
Jen embodies passion and action, and works to breathe energy and life into our mission, vision, and values at Destira. “As a leader, I am here to actively support each team member develop toward their full potential. I am action-oriented and believe that all innovation, ideation, and risk taking as well as flawless operational execution, are equally important.” Jen enjoys leading product merchandising & marketing, and our operations and finances. “We learn together and grow professionally, and personally, through trying, failing, learning, and trying again.”
Women Owned. Women Run.
From the start, Destira has been women- and mom-owned and operated. The sister duo continues to own and operate a growing company while being involved and active mothers to their children. “We both know and believe girls are a force,” says Jen, “I feel proud that my children see the positive contribution I am making for the family, my community, and our Destira Team.” Jen and Jodi lead by example in their daily lives, coaching and listening with patience, while setting clear direction and expectations at home and at work. They are there, together and aligned, for the business, our team, our customers and their families, as inspiring women, with genuine care and integrity.
We are all Leaders
Jodi and Jen are friends, and fit like puzzle pieces; from their approach to problem solving, to their experiences and skill sets, to their passions and personalities, they are able to collaborate to build a stronger strategy and more robust plans, and ultimately able to accomplish more together than they could alone (and seem to have a ton of fun together, while doing it!!). Our very own superheroes, the dynamic duo, our leaders - Jen and Jodi - lead at work and an home, with their shared core values. Leading by example, they ensure alignment, encourage transparent feedback, have set clear expectations and domains, and empower others to learn from each other, and collaborate as teams. There are many 'myths' that co-CEOs can't make it work, or that it's too much for women to hold both CEO and CEH (chief executive of home/kids) roles, but Jodi and Jen are showing leaders of today this is possible, while making a path for and inspiring the leaders of tomorrow (children and adults, both!).
