Jennifer Bardot, G.R.I.T Founder
Jennifer Bardot, MA, MS is the CEO and Founder of G.R.I.T. LLC and the visionary behind the GRIT Community, a thriving virtual women’s leadership organization with over 1,300 members and more than 100 paid members. She is a six-time #1 international best-selling publisher and author and has mentored and supported 240+ women in becoming published authors through her curated anthology series—books now available at Target, Walmart, Barnes & Noble, and other major retailers.
Jennifer earned her B.A. in Business Administration and holds dual master’s Degrees in Secondary Education Counseling and Private Practice Therapy, blending leadership development with psychology-based resilience work. She is Dare to Lead™ trained by Brené Brown, a graduate of Coro Women in Leadership (Class 72), and Leadership St. Louis (Focus St. Louis), and completed the Willis Towers Watson SheLeads Program.
With a background in banking, Jennifer was named a top business banker within six months of entering the industry and earned President’s Circle recognition at Enterprise Bank & Trust. She was featured on the cover of St. Louis Small Business Monthly as a 2021 Top 100 Person to Know, a first for any Enterprise Bank & Trust employee.
Jennifer is also deeply committed to service and community impact—earning national recognition as Associated General Contractors (AGC) National Top Volunteer and receiving the AGC1ST Award (2021 & 2022). She was named National Women in Construction’s Most Influential Woman (2024), is a two-time Titan 100 Award winner (2024 & 2025), and participated in St. Louis Dancing with the Stars (2025). She served as a Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Visionary (2024) and continues her impact through leadership board service.
Through GRIT, Jennifer amplifies women leaders across industries through events, publishing, coaching, and media. She co-leads the St. Louis Small Business Monthly Women’s Leadership Column (2024 & 2025) spotlighting female changemakers and community leaders. In addition to her books, Jennifer created the Jennifer Bardot Signature Jewelry Line and a GRIT product line, expanding visibility and empowerment through meaningful brand extensions.
Jennifer is an inclusive community builder, mentor, speaker, and dedicated mother known for connecting people, creating opportunity, and helping women lead boldly—personally and professionally.