Episode 526: How to Build a Unicorn Team with Jennifer Kem
Have you ever felt like your brilliant ideas aren't getting the traction they deserve? Or maybe you've struggled to build a team that truly “gets” your vision? If so, you're not alone – and today's episode is about to change everything for your creative business.
I recently sat down with my dear friend Jennifer Kem, a powerhouse entrepreneur, branding expert, and author of the new book “Unicorn Team“. Jen spent years helping top brands bring their biggest, boldest ideas to life, and in this conversation, she reveals her game-changing framework for building teams that actually work for creative entrepreneurs.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- [3:12] Jennifer's journey from corporate executive to entrepreneur
- [5:23] Why EOS and other corporate systems don't work for creative businesses
- [8:54] The Unicorn Innovation Model explained
- [13:42] The three leadership types: Visionizers, Strategizers, and Mobilizers
- [18:30] How to identify your unique leadership type
- [23:15] The shadow side of each leadership type
- [27:10] Why the “visionary vs. integrator” model is broken
- [31:15] Creating flexible team structures that support innovation
Why Most Small Businesses Fail When Using Corporate Systems
One of the most eye-opening parts of our conversation was when Jen explained why systems like EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) often fail for small creative businesses.
“My book is not about operations at all,” Jen explains. “It's about how to make sure that people want your ideas, and how to operate in that vein.”
She points out that operational frameworks like EOS work well for businesses that already have stability, typically companies earning $2 million or more. But when implemented too early, these systems can actually create barriers to innovation and creative thinking.
“If you put EOS in too early, you're going to put a blockade up against your innovative thinking and creative thinking,” Jen warns.
Instead, Jen's Unicorn Team framework focuses on understanding the core leadership dynamics that drive successful teams, regardless of their size.
The Three Leadership Types Every Team Needs
At the heart of the Unicorn Team concept are three distinct leadership types:
1. Visionizers
Visionizers care deeply about their ideas and their vision for the future. They're the big thinkers and dreamers who can see possibilities that others might miss. However, they can sometimes struggle to communicate their vision effectively to others.
“Visionizers care about their ideas. That's all they really care about,” Jen explains. “We need that big thinking. We don't want to suppress that energy, but that's just one energy.”
2. Strategizers
Strategizers are motivated by results. They're the people who can see the entire chess board and understand how to make things happen.
“As a strategizer, I only pick things that win,” Jen shares. “Strategizers are actually the rainmakers—we know how to make the money.”
3. Mobilizers
Mobilizers are motivated by accomplishment. They need to get things done and close loops.
“Mobilizers need to feel like every day, whatever was on their checklist got done, and if it doesn't get done, they can't sleep,” Jen explains.
Understanding these three types isn't about fitting people into boxes—it's about recognizing natural motivations and strengths so you can build teams that complement each other.
The Unicorn Innovation Model
Jen's framework isn't just about identifying personality types—it's about creating a process for bringing ideas to life. The Unicorn Innovation Model consists of three sections:
- Navigate: Identifying which ideas are worth implementing
- Motivate: Energizing yourself and your team to make ideas happen
- Communicate: Creating effective communication structures
This approach allows creative entrepreneurs to move ideas forward without getting bogged down in corporate red tape or overwhelming operational systems.
Why the “Visionary vs. Integrator” Model Is Broken
One of the most powerful insights Jen shared was her critique of the popular “visionary vs. integrator” model:
“I think the idea of the visionary and the integrator is a broken idea,” she asserts. “To put us on a pedestal and be like, ‘then everybody's just gotta do work'—that's just not going to work. You have to understand that you're still part of the team.”
Jen emphasizes that while you can delegate tasks, you can't delegate leadership.
Are You Ready to Build Your Unicorn Team?
If you're tired of forcing yourself into systems that don't match how you naturally work, or if you've struggled to build a team that truly understands your vision, this episode is a must-listen.
Jen's approach gives you permission to embrace your natural leadership style while creating a framework that allows for both creativity and execution. As she puts it: “We need more unicorns. We don't need more workhorses, we don't need more donkeys, and we definitely don't need any more jackasses.”
Ready to discover your unique leadership type and build a team that can bring your ideas to life? Listen to the full episode now! And if you find this valuable, I'd be so grateful if you subscribed to the podcast and left a review, it helps other creative business owners like you find this content.
xo, Tracy
Links in this episode:
Follow @jennifer.kem on Instagram
Buy My Book: The Desired Brand Effect