How I Got Here: Jennifer Green
EDUCATION
- Central High School
Louisville, Kentucky, United States (1999 – 2003) - Harvard University
Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
Bachelor of Arts, Government, French Language Citation (2003 – 2007) - Columbia Law School
New York City, New York, United States
Juris Doctor (2009 – 2012)
If we were to interview your teachers, what would they say about you?
My second grade teacher told my mother that I reminded her of Hillary Clinton. This was around the time that the former first lady and secretary of state was challenging stereotypes by forging her own path. Looking back, I realize my teacher saw qualities in me — like mental discipline and strong convictions — that have been crucial in my life ever since.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be an OB/GYN. I always had an aptitude for math and science, so was naturally steered into related activities, camps and extracurriculars, which culminated in my participating in the Pre-Medical Magnet at Central High School. In reality, I’m squeamish at the sight of injury and blood, so it was never going to work out.
WORK
First Job: I inherited a babysitting job from my older sister when I was 13 looking after 7- and 9-year-old siblings. My first “W-2 job” began at around 14, where I served as a peer educator with Planned Parenthood of Louisville. I and a group of other teens would travel to schools, churches and social groups throughout the community to engage with youth on a range of health and relationship-related topics.
- The Vanguard Group, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
2007 – 2008: Analyst, Acceleration Into Management Program
2008 – 2009: Supervisor, Participant Marketing & Education - Schiff Hardin LLP, New York, New York, United States
2009: Summer Law Fellow, Sponsors for Educational Opportunity Program - Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, New York, New York, United States
2010 & 2011: Summer Associate - Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, New York, New York, United States
2011: Summer Associate, Corporate Department
2012 – 2014: Corporate Associate, Capital Markets, M&A and Derivatives & Structured Products - Credit Suisse, New York, New York, United States
2014 – 2016: Vice President and Counsel, Corporate Secretary, Americas - Yum! Brands, Louisville, Kentucky, United States
2016 – 2018: Manager, Corporate Counsel
2018 – 2019: Senior Manager, Corporate Counsel
2019: Director, Real Estate Counsel, KFC U.S. (short-term assignment)
2019 – 2020: Director, Corporate Counsel
2020: Director, Franchise Counsel, Pizza Hut U.S. (short-term assignment)
2020 – 2021: Director of Transformation & Chief of Staff to Chief Operating Officer & Chief People Officer
2021 – 2023: Vice President, Global Mergers & Acquisitions, Yum! Corporate Strategy
2023 – Present: Chief Legal Officer, Yum! Digital & Technology
Do you believe in work/life balance?
During different seasons of our lives and on a day-to-day basis, we are constantly allocating and re-allocating our time to optimize for whatever is most important to us. Thasunda Brown Duckett, president & CEO of TIAA, who happens to be one of a handful of Black female Fortune 500 CEOs, says it best, “If you live your life like a diversified portfolio, everything that matters to you is in there. You must be intentional about what you put in your portfolio and how you respond to volatility.”
What moments, or who, in your life influenced the way you work?
My parents: They taught me the value of education and hard work, as well as selflessness and giving back. They would often tell my 12 siblings and me that hard work and preparation leads to success and that the biggest hurdle is simply showing up with the right mindset. My parents were also adoptive parents of 11 of my siblings, opening their home to children separated from their biological parents and families under suboptimal circumstances. It’s almost incomprehensible to think about the level of love and self-sacrifice that would lead someone to do this. They are no longer with us, unfortunately, but I think about them and draw upon the lessons they taught my siblings and me every day.
Graduating college during the Great Recession: The year 2008 very much framed my relationship with work just as the pandemic has perhaps done so for Gen Z. It was a valuable lesson about the importance of working for companies with strong people-centric cultures that align with my personal values. It was also a stark reminder that we are individually responsible for securing the skills, expertise and experience needed to stay competitive in the constantly evolving talent marketplace.
Mentors and Sponsors: I am fortunate to have had experienced individuals act as guides, advisors and advocates for me at every step of my professional journey. From my first job out of college and beyond, they have embraced me and provided much-needed wise counsel as well as access to new and exciting opportunities. I view it as my primary purpose to serve others in the same way, to make sure to devote time to support others along their journeys, particularly those who have similarly lived experiences as me.
What do people think you do versus what you actually do?
People sometimes think of lawyers as “experts” in the maze of increasingly complex laws and regulations in which businesses operate and are the folks you go to when you need a contract or to resolve some sort of dispute. Good lawyers can certainly help with these types of issues, but, more importantly, we are strategic advisors and problem solvers. We know how to bring together diverse groups of stakeholders to drive outcomes, and we can play a meaningful role in shaping and driving overall strategy versus just advising on discrete legal issues embedded within it.
I'm also privileged to contribute to driving positive change within our community through my involvement with Yum!’s Unlocking Opportunity Initiative and InvestCo, the group who judges pitches for grants from our nonprofit partners. My role extends beyond traditional legal counsel — I aim to be a supportive force for good and growth, both within and beyond the legal sphere.
What is the best piece of advice that you've been given?
Don’t underestimate the power of relationships and trust as key ingredients to propelling your career to higher heights. Trusting relationships are built through authenticity, and by demonstrating genuine curiosity and concern for others, regardless of where they sit in the organization.
What makes you happy?
The simple joys in life make me happy.
Going on a walk or bike ride at a local park with my family.
Attending church on a Sunday morning.
Cooking a delicious meal.
Enjoying a lazy day at the lake.
How did you do it?
We live in a time of such uncertainty, heightened demands and overstimulation that we must rely on each other, show a level of vulnerability and ask for help – both at home and at work. This has not always been easy for me to do, but it is something I’ve consciously worked to get better at over time.
