Summary: BSL Insider Exclusive: Jen Marden from "Jen Marden:New York" joins us on the show today. Most of us have at some point or another have faced some very hard times. If we choose to learn from those experiences, we inevitably come to the realization that "pain is inevitable, suffering is optional." We have the ability to choose to take responsibility for our lives. By giving yourself permission to take responsibility, you can empower yourself with simply a choice. One of these choices is to give. Giving is definitely, not the end-all-be-all answer to everything, but it's one very powerful one. Today's show brings you one remarkable person, Jen Marden. She is a powerhouse of a giver through her charity event consulting business based in New York. Red carpets, MTV, awards, runways, charity events, etc. is what Jen knows like the back of her hand. Listen in to learn about her behind-the-scenes expertise in throwing and hosting countless events for charity. Our BSL Insider: Jen Marden is no stranger to the media, fashion and glamour industries. Marden has brought her spirit to help others with the founding of Jen Marden: NY. With a family background and roots in Hollywood, who better to organize for you press, celebrity and media coverage than a celebrity herself? Before deciding to open her own Manhattan-based business, Jen took to her roots of Hollywood and interned at 20th Century Fox. It was here she worked in their PR and special events department. She planned movie premiers, awards shows for VH1 and MTV, amongst others. It was also around this time that Jen started volunteering as a wish granter for the Make-A- Wish Foundation where she discovered the real meaning of internal happiness and the lasting effect it has on others. At that point, Jen knew that helping others was the path she was supposed to take. On her newly-discovered journey, Jen’s main goal is, “to be the change she wishes to see in the world.” Realizing that she can use her experience to share the true meaning of happiness with today’s society is the reason why she has done hundreds of charity events pro bono. In her own words, “It’s through awareness and dedication that change can be achieved.” Jen’s connection, both personal and professional, to charity and non-profit work is why she has such a good reputation with her clients; it was they who eventually pushed her to branch out. She was able to connect with clients unlike anyone else, and the personal attention that she gives to helping people is a true, vested interest in their causes. She became a proud supporter of many charities based in New York City such as The Make-A-Wish Foundation and the ASPCA, which both have a spot in Jen’s heart. She is also on several committee boards such as the St. Jude’s Children’s hospital, AHRC, Free Arts and Memorial Sloane Kettering. Based in Manhattan, Jen occupies her time by consulting with others who might not know how to go about setting up events. It's with her company, Jen Marden: NY, that Jen hopes to offer her services to the world. Jen is a connector and a resilient woman. She is absolutely devoted to giving, which signifies the strength of her vision and purpose in it. On her site, you'll see one quote: "But in the case of connectors, their ability to span many different worlds is a function of something intrinsic to their personality, some combination of curiosity, self confidence, socialbility & energy. They see possibility, and while most of us are busily choosing whom we would like to know & rejecting the people who don't externally fit the mold...Connectors like them all." In This Episode, You Will Learn: Why having abundance by itself isn't fulfilling The one little thing you can give everyday as many times as you will choose to The "Next Level" of charity events The power of pulling people together and what can happen as a result How the nature of social media conversations needs to shift
