Jennifer Tierney Of Parker Neurofeedback: Second Chapters; How I Reinvented Myself In The Second Chapter Of My Life
An Interview With Jake Frankel
Don’t be afraid to tell anyone and everyone what you are doing — you never know when someone might be interested in what you offer or who might emerge as a strategic partner.
Many successful people reinvented themselves in a later period in their lives. Jeff Bezos worked on Wall Street before he reinvented himself and started Amazon. Sara Blakely sold office supplies before she started Spanx. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson was a WWE wrestler before he became a successful actor and filmmaker. Arnold Schwarzenegger went from a bodybuilder, to an actor to a Governor. McDonald’s founder Ray Kroc was a milkshake-device salesman before starting the McDonalds franchise in his 50s.
How does one reinvent themselves? What hurdles have to be overcome to take life in a new direction? How do you overcome those challenges? How do you ignore the naysayers? How do you push through the paralyzing fear?
In this series called “Second Chapters; How I Reinvented Myself In The Second Chapter Of My Life “ we are interviewing successful people who reinvented themselves in a second chapter in life, to share their story and help empower others.
As a part of this interview series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Jennifer Tierney.
Jennifer Tierney is a highly accomplished entrepreneur, business executive and mental health advocate who for the past 20+ years, she has held award-winning C-suite positions at various successful companies, while also founding her own businesses in the mental health space. Jennifer is the owner/founder of CŌR Neuro, Parker Neurofeedback and The Rock Neuro which provide large-format neurofeedback treatment to individuals, businesses, nonprofits and sports organizations in order to improve cognitive performance by training their brainwaves. She is also a representative for NeurOptimal Neurofeedback, one of only 40 trainers selected worldwide. As a Board Member and the Executive Committee Treasurer for Denver-based Spark the Change, Jennifer is an advocate for the non-profit community while also donating hundreds of sessions to local nonprofits through her own businesses. Trained by the Human Potential Institute, Jennifer dedicates much of her time to educating the corporate world on the importance of mental health.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we start, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your childhood backstory?
During my formative years, I experienced what many would characterize as a typical upbringing alongside my parents and younger sister. Our household was constantly buzzing with activity, balancing the demands of school, sports, horseback riding, and living the Colorado outdoor lifestyle. Both of my parents maintained busy schedules when I was growing up. My dad immersed himself in various entrepreneurial ventures and taught business and marketing classes. My mom on the other side expressed her creativity through her artistic endeavors and various crafts. While my dad’s involvement in the business world initially influenced my career trajectory toward the corporate realm, it is my mother’s innate creativity that continues to shape and drive the artistic dimension of my entrepreneurial endeavors. I like to think that I function equally well in both spaces — linear and creative thinking with regard to my professional identity.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
“To me, there are three things we should do every day. We should do this every day of our lives. Number one is to laugh. Number two is think. You should spend some time in thought. And number three is, that you should have your emotions moved to tears, which could be happiness or joy. But think about it. If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that’s a full day. That’s a heck of a day. If you do that seven days a week, you’re going to have something special. “
This is a mantra I hold dear, displayed prominently on my wall since a difficult period in 2018 when it resonated deeply with me during my own mental health crisis. Each day, I aim to experience the full spectrum of emotions, finding solace and strength in Valvano’s words.
You have been blessed with much success. In your opinion, what are the top three qualities that you possess that have helped you accomplish so much? If you can, please share a story or example for each.
- Confidence
We all know that confidence is key in all things we do, in order to be successful however, not only in my previous life (as I like to call it) but in my new life, confidence is something I had to learn to exude and pull from deep inside. Imposter syndrome is something so many people are discussing today, but it has always been around, and for me, I constantly reminded myself, that while I may not know every detail possible, I still knew what I was doing. I put in the hard work to achieve my success and I deserved to be in the positions I held, or with the businesses I own.
- Focus
Focus is a necessity as an entrepreneur and in life. For me, it started with learning how to harness my five-second attention span and learn to work within the confines of my personality and skill set. It is very easy to lose focus, especially as an entrepreneur who likes to follow every shiny idea. I feel it’s especially important when things are going well, to remain focused on the current while also the next steps. Momentum is critical in all stages of growth and success and momentum takes constant focus on that goal or finish line.
- Let it Go
You know the saying that it’s not your business what other people think about you? Well, it’s true! And it’s even more true to not take things personally. So much of our interaction as humans is defined by our fear of what others think and when I truly learned to let that fear go, I also learned to let so many other things go that ultimately, were holding me back. This is especially true working in a sales position and even as a business owner. In life or work, being told no, or turned down, can be incredibly difficult to accept. We personalize it, and that gets in the way of growth. So just “let it go”!
Let’s now shift to the main part of our discussion about ‘Second Chapters’. Can you tell our readers about your career experience before your Second Chapter?
Before I made a big life and career change and started my ‘Second Chapter,’ my career path in a very demanding corporate world spanned nearly two decades. I began my career in 2000 working in the mutual fund department at Merrill Lynch focusing on High Net Worth Clients. I then relocated to Jacksonville, FL when operations were closed in Denver and became a supervisor of a 30 person team early in my career. After moving back to Denver, I became the Operations Manager of the Denver branch of a payroll company where I managed sales teams, marketing, and other business management aspects that would become part of my overall career skill set.
While finishing my Masters degree at DU, I joined a boutique architecture firm to help head up a new addition to the firm, Building Information Management, a new trend in the construction field. This was the first step to 3D modeling that firms were embracing and incorporating.
Around this time, I also started my consulting firm, Tierney & Group and began consulting and supporting clients and individuals, and I was offered a position teaching as an Adjunct Professor at Red Rocks Community College.
After fifteen years in the extremely demanding corporate world, in 2018 I faced a significant mental health crisis stemming from the pressures of corporate America, prompting me to prioritize my mental and physical well-being through dedicated therapy and treatment. This pivotal moment marked a turning point in my journey, leading me toward a ‘Second Chapter’ focused on holistic health and well-being.
And how did you “reinvent yourself” in your Second Chapter?
In my “Second Chapter,” I underwent a profound reinvention by prioritizing my mental health above all else. Recognizing the importance of seeking assistance and fostering self-understanding, I came to terms with the realization that the relentless pursuit of corporate success would only deplete rather than fulfill me. With this newfound clarity, I shifted my focus towards establishing a business aimed at supporting individuals in their mental health journeys. This decision allowed me to align my career with my passion for making a positive impact, ensuring that my work not only sustains me financially but also nourishes my soul.
Can you tell us about the specific trigger that made you decide that you were going to “take the plunge” and make your huge transition?
After nearly 15 years of navigating the corporate world, 2018 marked a significant turning point in my life. That year, I received a diagnosis of PTSD, which necessitated a hiatus from work to focus on my mental and physical well-being. Months of debilitating anxiety, panic attacks, and intrusive thoughts had taken their toll until I found solace in therapy with a trauma specialist.
Introduced to NeurOptimal Neurofeedback as part of my treatment plan, I experienced a profound transformation. As my mind gained clarity and stability through neurofeedback sessions, a moment of clarity struck me while driving one day — I needed to share this life-changing therapy with others.
Armed with the knowledge of how to establish and manage a business, and driven by the desire to extend a lifeline to those grappling with mental health challenges, I made the decision to launch Parker Neurofeedback. Recognizing how this therapy had saved my life, I was compelled to provide the same support and relief to others facing similar struggles. And thus, Parker Neurofeedback was born — a testament to my journey of personal healing and my commitment to offering hope and assistance to others in need.
What did you do to discover that you had a new skillset inside of you that you haven’t been maximizing? How did you find that and how did you ultimately overcome the barriers to help manifest those powers?
Having worked in operational and financial management for over fifteen years, I’ve cultivated a distinct skill set known for its adeptness in complex analysis across operations, sales and marketing, finance, and technology, all aimed at enhancing core business strategies — I just wasn’t using those skills in a creative and unique way until now with my own business.
Drawing upon this expertise and experience, I embarked on my entrepreneurial journey, founding Parker Neurofeedback in February of 2019. Having witnessed firsthand the transformative power of neurofeedback therapy myself, I was inspired to bring its benefits to others and I knew I could use my experience in the corporate world to do that.
Because of my extensive small business and corporate experience, I knew that I could expand my neurofeedback practice outside of what many might consider a traditional model to offer sessions to individuals, nonprofits and large organizations as an added benefit. Not only have I successfully networked or partnered with therapists and other wellness professionals.
How are things going with this new initiative? We would love to hear some specific examples or stories.
Things have really grown since I launched my business in 2019. Over the past year alone, I’ve been hard at work launching not one, but two additional businesses to Parker Neurofeedback. CŌR Neuro and The Rock Neuro are both exciting ventures, each with their own unique focus.
CŌR Neuro is dedicated to providing non-invasive neurofeedback sessions to larger organizations such as businesses, nonprofits and athletic organizations. The goal of these sessions is to help employees and employers alike to alleviate symptoms such as anxiety, sleeplessness, and productivity issues. CŌR Neuro understands that a company’s success relies on the well-being of its employees, which is why they offer these neurofeedback sessions, as well as individualized attention to each organization’s needs. Their approach is designed to help individuals reach their full potential and improve their overall functionality in the workplace.
The Rock Neuro, Parker Neurofeedback’s new sister company, provides individual sessions to serve the city of Castle Rock in Colorado.
In addition, I’ve been able to spend a lot of time giving back to the community and providing neurofeedback sessions to those who are in need. This year, I formed a strategic partnership with the nonprofit, ZEROGROUND, a bilingual mental health resource, to provide Neurofeedback sessions to children in marginalized communities in the Denver metro area free of cost. I also joined the board of a local Colorado nonprofit called Spark the Change where I’ve been able to host several fundraising events to provide neurofeedback sessions to community members all while raising money for a good cause, which has been awesome.
I was also selected to become a representative for NeurOptimal Neurofeedback, representing the sales department, a role only offered to approximately 40 NeurOptimal Neurofeedback trainers worldwide. It requires exemplary sales and customer service skills, leadership and advanced certification and training with Zengar, the parent company of NeurOptimal — so that was a huge win and testament to how my venture is going as well.
Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
Throughout my life, I’ve been fortunate to have had numerous mentors and influential figures who have shaped my understanding of both work and life. These individuals, some exceptional leaders and others not so much, have collectively influenced my personal style of learning. I’ve adopted a philosophy of absorbing what works and discarding what doesn’t, allowing me to develop my unique approach.
If I had to pinpoint a couple of key influences, it would undoubtedly be my parents. While it may sound cliché, their unwavering belief in my potential and their constant encouragement have been foundational to my journey. Their steadfast support instilled in me a sense of confidence and empowerment, particularly as a woman striving for success.
I am incredibly grateful for their guidance, which not only nurtured my personal growth but also instilled in me important values such as community involvement, support for non-profits, and compassion for those facing challenges. These values have become central to my life’s focus and are integral to my identity.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started in this new direction?
I have so many interesting stories of people whose lives have changed from neurofeedback, but one in particular stands out. Over the summer, I partnered with a nonprofit called MindSolutions and they were hosting a summer camp for underprivileged kids in the Denver area. The founder of the nonprofit asked if I would be willing to provide neurofeedback sessions to the kids during the camp. I agreed to help and I’m glad I did–being able to help children work through and recognize their mental health struggles at such a young age was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had so far and it felt like I really made an impact on those kids’ lives. I hope they carry the lessons with them.
Did you ever struggle with believing in yourself? If so, how did you overcome that limiting belief about yourself? Can you share a story or example?
Yes, I have definitely struggled with believing in myself throughout my journey, and impostor syndrome has been a constant companion. Overcoming this limiting belief has been a gradual process, largely driven by my dedication to hard work and a willingness to acknowledge my accomplishments.
One significant moment stands out to me from this past year. I was grappling with doubts about whether my message about the importance of mental health in the workplace was resonating with others. I questioned whether I was truly making a difference. However, shortly thereafter, I received an unexpected opportunity to speak at a large conference in Denver, Denver Startup Week, where I addressed startup founders on precisely this topic.
Being selected to speak at such a prestigious event was a defining moment for me. It validated my efforts and reaffirmed that my message was indeed being heard and valued. This experience served as a powerful reminder that hard work pays off and that I am capable of making a meaningful impact.
In my own work I usually encourage my clients to ask for support before they embark on something new. How did you create your support system before you moved to your new chapter?
Since I considered my new chapter to be just that, completely new, I decided to create an entirely new support system. Outside of my immediate family and friends, I joined an intensive six-month personal and professional leadership development program designed to push me far outside my comfort zone and into significant stretch goals for my business and my personal life.
Through this process, I developed a mentorship relationship with my “coach” who is a successful business owner in Denver and has also since become a close friend. Additionally, I developed relationships with other business owners participating in this group, thus creating a new network of support. Asking for support was, in fact, one of the key skills this leadership group was faced with teaching us, as this very skill can be difficult for many to exercise, especially me, who is used to being the support system for everyone else.
Starting a new chapter usually means getting out of your comfort zone, how did you do that? Can you share a story or example of that?
Seeking a new kind of therapy?
Starting this second chapter completely pushed me out of my comfort zone–pretty much every minute of every day in the beginning. Relating back to my initial feelings of imposter syndrome, I was very uncomfortable with talking about something I had only recently learned (neurofeedback and the functioning of the brain) and sharing it with others. During my trauma treatment, I learned an entirely new way of thinking, and I was thankful during this time that I had practiced calming and centering skills that helped with any moment I felt out of my comfort zone.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me before I started” and why?
- If you build it, they will come — but not necessarily!
Every business has to start somewhere, and that usually starts with hosting events and networking events that aren’t quite as big or successful as you may hope. I started out hosting small events to try and build a community, and there were a few times when only a couple of people would show up. But I stuck to it and before I knew it I was hosting events that over 100 people showed up to. It’s all about sticking to your plan even when times are tough in the beginning.
2. Learn to give yourself grace as an entrepreneur. This is a journey, not a race and there are many good and equally as many bad days.
To add to my last point, you can’t let one bad day get you down, and you need to expect that it will happen and find solutions to get yourself through it. The bad days make the good ones even better, and when you finally see your business gaining traction, such as when I unexpectedly won Best of Parker, it makes it all worth it.
3. Don’t be afraid to tell anyone and everyone what you are doing — you never know when someone might be interested in what you offer or who might emerge as a strategic partner.
At first, when I switched career paths, I was hesitant to post about my new life and business on social media. But once I started doing it, I found that many of my peers, friends, and family members were interested and supportive of my businesses–and it paid off.
4. Support will come from people you least expect, and maybe not from those you do expect
When you are open about your struggles and the steps you are taking to better yourself, you may find that you outgrow people in your life–and that’s okay. On the other hand, when you are open and vulnerable, you will find that people with the same mindset will flock to you and offer support that you may not have had before.
5. Truly doing what you love, is possible.
When I was working in corporate America, I did not love what I did and my life suffered. I wish someone had told me sooner that it’s possible to do what you love and make a living doing it.
You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be?
If I could inspire a movement to bring about the greatest amount of good, it would be to prioritize and destigmatize mental health in the workplace. Given that most of us spend a significant portion of our lives working, it’s imperative that we address mental health concerns in this environment. This movement would emphasize the importance of creating supportive and inclusive work cultures where employees feel comfortable discussing their mental health openly and seeking necessary support.
At the heart of this movement would be a call to action for decision-makers and leaders in the workforce to prioritize mental health as a top agenda item. By implementing policies, resources, and initiatives that promote mental well-being, we can create healthier, more productive work environments for everyone.
Ultimately, by destigmatizing mental health in the workplace and fostering a culture of support and understanding, we can positively impact the lives of countless individuals and improve overall societal well-being.
We are very blessed that some very prominent names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them. 🙂
This is a hard one! There are so many prominent names involved with supporting mental health. Lately, I have been watching and very interested in how Hoda and Jenna, from The Today Show, are vocal about supporting initiatives within mental health and how easy they make it for others to find support and know they are not alone. I think this can be overwhelming for people, especially in a crisis, and with the reach a show like The Today Show has, it can definitely help others and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
You can follow me at:
- Jennifer Tierney | LinkedIn
- You can follow my business at:
- https://www.linkedin.com/company/parker-neurofeedback
- https://www.facebook.com/ParkerNeurofeedback
- https://www.instagram.com/parkerneurofeedback1
- https://www.neurofeedback-parker.com/
Thank you so much for sharing these important insights. We wish you continued success and good health!
Jennifer Tierney Of Parker Neurofeedback: Second Chapters; How I Reinvented Myself In The Second… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.