How do you build a career when no one hands you the blueprint?

This week, we sit down with Jennifer McAlpine, whose story takes us from a blue-collar childhood in the Central Valley to leading marketing and education across luxury brands, real estate powerhouses, and national companies. Her rise wasn’t linear or lucky; it was built on curiosity, grit, and the kind of early jobs that people often underestimate.

Jennifer shares how running a store at 18 became her leadership bootcamp, how motherhood sharpened her instincts in ways no MBA ever could, and what it really takes to walk into a C-suite meeting as the only woman in the room and swim with the sharks.

We talk about:
• why your first job (retail, waitressing, operations) is actually your strongest foundation
• how to build a career without mentors or a roadmap
• what swimming with sharks actually looks like in corporate America
• the power of diversifying your life, not just your portfolio
• leadership as a practice, not a title
• the courage it takes to reinvent yourself… again

Jennifer’s story is proof that you can build a meaningful, impactful life, even if you start with nothing but curiosity and a work ethic that won’t quit.

This episode is for anyone choosing themselves, rebuilding from scratch, walking into rooms not built for them, or trying to define their own version of success.

Wait What's Next? Hosts: Laura Alba & Leni Vasquesz

Instagram: @waitwhatsnextpod, @lauraalbaz & @v_leeeni
Email: [email protected]