Name: Jodi Low
Twitter: @UandImproved
Facebook: @UandImproved
Instagram: @uandimproved
Website: www.uandimproved.com
Age: 50
Title: Founder & CEO…and now…Author!
Married/Single: Single
Kids: 2 amazing teenage daughters
City you live in: Sunny & Beautiful Scottsdale
A typical day in my life includes… Every day is unique, which I LOVE. Most days I get to facilitate leadership training for companies across North America. If I am not training, I am coaching amazing executives, or U will find me on a stage delivering an inspirational keynote. And then I get to come home to my girls and my two adorable pups! The best.
I was born…in upstate New York (however I don’t remember much because we moved to AZ when I was 5!)
My favorite thing about Arizona…there are so many! I love how easy it is to live here. Driving, parking, accessibility to anything U want…it’s an easy way of life. Couple that with 8 gorgeous months of weather?! Sign. Me. UP! We can get away to see and experience all the seasons in a short drive. And yes, it does get bloody hot here in the summer, but cooler temps and a beach are only a short drive away, too!
I’m listening to…personal development…always. And then of course, sprinkle in some of my favorite artists…Imagine Dragons, P!NK, Coldplay…and then some super old school artists…Elton John, Neil Diamond, Michael Jackson…I love SO many different kinds of music, I choose what suits my mood in that particular moment.
My family…is small, and mighty! My daughters are the center of my world and I do everything possible to create harmony between the time I spend with my business, and creating quality time and memory-making with my girls.
If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be…my grandfather. He passed away when I was in my 20’s and I would LOVE to be able to talk with him today, at 50, and hear him through the ears and the mindset I have today.
One thing I cannot live without…dark chocolate. Chocolate always understands.
When I was younger, I wanted to be…an archaeologist. And then a teacher. As I thought further about pursuing an elementary education degree, I realized my true passion is people…specifically, inspiring and driving people forward. I was fortunate to recognize this and build a company doing what I love most…championing human success and achievement.
I’m inspired by…people who challenge themselves to continuously grow and evolve…who push themselves and those around them to live their best lives, never settling for good enough.
The one person who motivates me is…ME! I truly believe the only person that can ever motivate someone is themself. However, inspiration sparks motivation, and I am blessed to have dozens of people in my world that inspire me daily…some are family, some are LIKE family, and some I’ve never met. For me, my personal motivation is expanded by those who drop bits of wisdom into my mind, my heart and my life.
If I could change anything in the world, it would be…the divisiveness that has permeated our society. I am all about inclusivity, love, and appreciation of our uniqueness. Seeing the country and our world so divided, and hurtful toward one another, is soul-crushing to me. And while I know I can’t solve the problems of the world single-handedly, I do believe I can always choose to positively impact those around me. That’s how I can contribute and make a difference in my little corner of the world, and then the ripple effect can help spread that positivity and love to others.
The perfect day would be…if I’m not doing the work I love, then it would be walking the streets of Paris with my daughters, with a pain au chocolat (chocolate croissant) in hand!
My first job was…working at a stationary store in Scottsdale. I love paper products…journals, notecards, pens…so it was perfect for me!
My favorite escape…sometimes it’s a beach, sometimes it’s the mountains, sometimes a big city and other times it’s my own home. I continuously focus on creating a life I never feel the need to escape from.
My life…is a gift. I am so grateful to be alive! I focus on the gratitude I have for my life daily.
I’m currently working on…getting my puppy to realize that socks are not food.
Always…travel.
Never…settle.
Favorite Quote…Risking nothing is risking everything.
Biggest Dream…to make a positive impact on as many lives as I possibly can, and to see as much of the world as possible, too!
My Pet Peeve(s)…price tags that don’t come off easily. Why? Why???
Bio-on yourself/company: Jodi Low is an accomplished corporate trainer, inspirational speaker, and the Founder and CEO of the award winning heart based U & Improved. Jodi has trained thousands of entrepreneurs and executives on how to build a booming business, master a mindset for success, and achieve the lifestyle they desire through heart-fueled leadership.
Through U & Improved—an award-winning personal and professional leadership development company based in Scottsdale—Jodi has redefined traditional leadership training by creating a sustainable and actionable model that is personal, challenging and meaningful to each and every individual who enrolls in any of the two-and-a-half-day experiential training classes. She and her elite training team have advanced the charge in heart-based leadership development and empower U & Improved graduates with knowledge, tools and awareness to immediately be more effective and responsive leaders at work, home and within their communities. Among her many accomplishments as a Valley leader, Jodi launched a teen leadership program in 2014 to empower young adults to become more confident, motivated and focused stewards of our future. In 2016, she created a non-profit arm of the company—the U & Improved Leadership Foundation—that makes the program more accessible to deserving teens.
Jodi has been recognized by a number of industry publications and organizations for her work in leadership development and serves as a source of inspiration within the community. She has received the 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 Sun Devil 100 Award for being one of the Top 100 fastest-growing ASU Sun Devil owned and led companies. In 2015, she was honored as one of the state’s “Outstanding Women in Business” by the Phoenix Business Journal and with the “Amazing Women” award by the Phoenix Suns and National Bank of Arizona. She has received the prestigious “Diversity Leader of the Year” Award from the Diversity Leadership Alliance in Arizona, a “Sterling Award” from the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce and a Silver Stevie Award for “Female Entrepreneur of the Year”. In 2021, U & Improved was awarded the highly esteemed “Torch Award for Ethics” by the Better Business Bureau. Most recently, Jodi published her first book “From Me to U”. Jodi is a devoted single parent who volunteers her time at her daughters’ school programs and with organizations such as the Executive Association of Greater Phoenix, Arizona Business Leadership, National Charity League and Angel Mamas, where she’s served on the board for three years.
