Get to Know 2023 SI Swim Search Finalist Jenna Kutcher

Jenna Kutcher.Jennifer Perkins

Jenna Kutcher is an entrepreneur, New York Times bestselling author and podcast host from Duluth, Minn. The 34-year-old is the host of “The Goal Digger Podcast” and the author of the book, How Are You, Really? Kutcher is also a digital marketer, speaker, educator, dreamer and mother of two. At the age of 23, she invested in a $300 camera off of Craigslist that led to her leaving her corporate job and building the brand she runs today. Her current mission is to help women harness the power to take control of their lives.

Please list five fun facts about yourself

1. Over the last decade I have only lived in towns of less than 12,000 people.
2. My digital marketing and lifestyle podcast, “The Goal Digger Podcast,” recently hit 100 million downloads.
3. I’ve been showing up online in my underwear and talking about self-love since 2015.
4. I jump in to a freezing cold tub of water daily for the health benefits! #coldplunge
5. I was voted “Most Accident-prone” by my high school senior class because I am a klutz. 

What inspired you to try out for SI Swim Search?

“I’ve witnessed SI [Swimsuit] absolutely transform over the last decade but, even more specifically, over the last few years and I’ve been incredibly inspired by and impressed with the evolution of what it has become. Seeing empowered women of all shapes, sizes, abilities and ethnicities boldly displayed has allowed more women to see themselves represented.

As a CEO, a champion of women and a mom of two girls, I want to tell my story and share my journey in loving myself at every size and through the highs and lows of being a woman. I’ve openly shared about my body through fertility struggles, miscarriage, pregnancy and birth, and now I’m loving myself in a new way—as the healthiest, most vibrant version of myself.”

What would it mean to you to win SI Swim Search?

“It would mean the world to me. SI isn’t just about bodies on pages, it’s about women who are empowering other women, who are being the representation for other women to see themselves in places of power and influence, and feeling absolutely glorious (as we should!) There are 114% more female entrepreneurs now than there were 20 years ago and we’ll only continue to grow that percentage. Women are rising, creating and dreaming into existence more than ever before. So, I want to represent the dreamers, doers and entrepreneurs and the moms out there who want to feel alive and joyful in their skin as they keep rising into their own positions of leadership. To grace the platforms of such an iconic brand would be incredible and a true “pinch me” and empowered moment.”

What has been the best part (so far) about being a part of The Swimfluence Network community?

“The encouragement! It’s truly a cultivated, unique space where community thrives and competition dies. I’ve loved watching women step into their own confidence, take leaps of faith, and forge friendships in a world that usually pits us against one another. Fun fact: I joined the community after last year’s Swim Search when a friend of mine mentioned that my name kept coming up! I offered to record a little video encouraging the women on the platform and then decided to join myself! In a messy world, it’s a safe space that feels like a warm hug and that’s hard to find online these days!”

Who was the first person you told the good news to?

“I’ve done a lot of big things in my life but this one I kept really close to my heart. I didn’t tell anyone about it until I made it as a finalist. Putting myself out there in this way made me feel nervous—like, who am I to think I could even be considered? It’s wild how we can doubt ourselves, no matter what success or achievements we’ve experienced. While imposter syndrome will always be a passenger on this ride of life, I firmly placed it in the passenger’s seat as I forge ahead (and no, she doesn’t get to choose the radio station!). But finally I caved in with excitement and told my husband, who immediately cheered me on and thought it was awesome.”

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What is your favorite SI Swimsuit memory?

“There have been so many from seeing Kate Upton’s beautiful curvy figure to cheering on Ashley Graham’s powerful presence. But nothing beats seeing my friend Katrina Scott win Rookie of the Year. I’ve walked through a lot of life and motherhood and business with Kat and watching her represent who she is (and be seen for how absolutely incredible she is?) is priceless. That girl is positively stunning on the outside, but she radiates that remarkable glow because of who she is on the inside—inspiring, capable, authentic and a damn good friend.”

What advice would you give to your younger self?

“Sometimes the season of waiting is just as important as whatever it is that you’re waiting for. I’ve been taught, time and time again, that my waiting seasons are not wasted, they are preparing me for what is to come. Whether it was my years in waiting to become a mom, the year I spent building my business in the quiet places between my corporate job life, or the years I swore I’d never write a book, I have learned to trust in the unfolding and the timing of my life and to not rush it but to savor it.”

What changes would you like to see in the world?

“As a woman who empowers other women to pursue their dreams, redefine success and build lives that don’t just look good but feel good, I want to shatter the glass ceilings that have held women back in the workforce and more specifically in entrepreneurship. While we have made strides, things like the gender pay gap persists along with the fact that many female entrepreneurs have limited access to funding and resources.

Entrepreneurship unlocked a different type of career and life for me and I want other women to experience the freedom that I have. I want us to do it on our own terms and I will continue to dismantle the lie that all we need to do is hustle twice as hard for the equity and equality we deserve. I want to help women build that bridge between that unchecked dream life they put on the shelf. I want to help them start living out their definition of success, well, how about as soon as possible?”