Jennifer Sey, author, filmmaker and retired gymnast

JENNIFER SEY

Founder & CEO of XX-XY Athletics

Jennifer Sey has been speaking truth and standing up for women and children for nearly two decades. First, in 2008 when she wrote a book called “Chalked Up,” exposing the abusive coaching practices in gymnastics. Despite her credentials (7x National Team Member and 1986 National Champ), the gymnastics community didn’t much like the things she was saying. (Apparently you were supposed to protect the reputations of abusive coaches and Jen didn’t get that memo.) But she persisted. And truth outed in the end.

Jen stood up again in 2020, speaking inconvenient truths during covid in saying public schools should be open because children’s education matters. For that, she was ostracized by friends and her community and her reputation took a beating. But she persisted. And truth outed in the end. Jen has also had a successful professional career. She is actually quite the brand builder, having been named one of Forbes’ Most Influential Chief Marketing Officers 2 years in a row.

Now, Jen is taking all that experience as an athlete, an executive and an advocate for women and children to build something uniquely her own. The brand is called XX-XY Athletics and it is the only athletic brand standing up for women’s sports. If you believe in truth and common sense and want best in class workout gear, this is the brand you’ve been waiting for. The truth looks good on you.

Michael Shellenberger
Author of San Fransicko & Apocalypse Never

Michael Shellenberger, Author of San Fransicko & Apocalypse Never

“‘Levi’s Unbuttoned’ is a must-read for anybody seeking proof that dark times inspire bright lights. Highly recommended.”

Joan Ryan
Author of Little Girls in Pretty Boxes

"Jennifer Sey was belittled and ostracized by much of the gymnastics community for telling the truth in Chalked Up. Yet she not only weathered every blow, she helped build a movement. A fearless and exacting writer, she continues to hold the abusers and enablers accountable. Twelve years after publication, Sey’s personal story is as powerful an indictment – and as furious a warning – as anything you’ll read in sports."

Jay Bhattacharya, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor of Health Policy, Stanford University

"At least twice in her life, Jennifer Sey stood up against tremendous and unfair opposition to expose a deep injustice and seek to correct it. Her goal both times was to speak for vulnerable victims who could not speak for themselves. In this engaging book she tells the story of how she stood up for children a second time in her life at great cost to herself and to her family. Jennifer is a modern American hero."

Films

Athlete A

Athlete A follows the intrepid reporters, brave gymnasts, and legal team that put Larry Nassar behind bars and exposed decades of abuse at USA Gymnastics.

Still from Generation Covid documentary by Jennifer Sey

Generation Covid

"Generation Covid" is a full length documentary feature film delving into the consequences of extended school closures during covid.

The film follows adolescents and children across the country in the aftermath as they fight to close the learning gap, re-socialize, re-integrate, recover from the devastating mental health impacts of isolation and once again think about and plan for their futures.

Sey Everything on Substack

Sey Everything, is a vibrant community that provides a safe space for individuals from all walks of life, regardless of their political affiliations, to engage in authentic conversations. We challenge societal boundaries by openly discussing media narratives, encouraging debates, and fostering dialogue with those we may have dismissed in the past. Sey Everything is a place where truth seekers, free thinkers, and open-minded individuals can find a sense of community, express their thoughts freely, and engage in respectful discussions. Join us in breaking the silence, embracing diverse perspectives, and pursuing truth together.

Subscribe to my Substack:

Chalked Up, book written by Jennifer Sey on coffee table

Chalked Up

"Chalked Up" by Jennifer Sey is a compelling memoir that unveils the harsh realities of elite gymnastics. Sey's gripping narrative exposes the dark side of the sport as she recounts her journey through abusive coaching, grueling eating disorders, and unrelenting pressure to excel. Through her raw and honest account, Sey sheds light on the sacrifices and challenges faced by gymnasts, calling for change within the sport.

  • "Jennifer Sey was belittled and ostracized by much of the gymnastics community for telling the truth in Chalked Up. Yet she not only weathered every blow, she helped build a movement. A fearless and exacting writer, she continues to hold the abusers and enablers accountable. Twelve years after publication, Sey’s personal story is as powerful an indictment – and as furious a warning – as anything you’ll read in sports."

    Joan Ryan, author of Little Girls in Pretty Boxes

  • “A remarkably candid, unblinking portrait of what it truly takes to become a champion… that may forever alter the way you watch sports.”

    Jake Tapper

  • “I am grateful to Jennifer Sey for sharing such an honest account of her experiences as an elite gymnast. She has eloquently and fairly exposed a dark side to our sport that parents have long needed to be made aware of.”

    Dominique Moceanu, 1996 Olympic Gold Medal Winning Gymnast

Levi's Unbuttoned book written by Jennifer Sey on coffee table

Levi’s Unbuttoned

In Levi's Unbuttoned, Sey recounts her remarkable journey from U.S. National Gymnastics champion through her rise up the corporate ladder at Levi's. Her commitment to free speech and free thought make her story an inspiration for all those who, in these difficult times, feel pressured to remain silent on their most fundamental beliefs.

  • "At least twice in her life, Jennifer Sey stood up against tremendous and unfair opposition to expose a deep injustice and seek to correct it. Her goal both times was to speak for vulnerable victims who could not speak for themselves. In this engaging book she tells the story of how she stood up for children a second time in her life at great cost to herself and to her family. Jennifer is a modern American hero."

    Jay Bhattacharya, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Health Policy, Stanford University

  • "We are all fortunate that Jennifer Sey put principles over allegiance to party. Her remarkable story should prompt Americans to re-examine a disturbing aspect of modern culture: The silence through coercion of those who dissent from an apparent consensus."

    Jenin Younes, Civil Liberties Attorney

  • "‘Levi’s Unbuttoned’ is a must-read for anybody seeking proof that dark times inspire bright lights. Highly recommended."

    Michael Shellenberger, author, San Fransicko and Apocalypse Never

Articles written by Jennifer Sey

Articles

New York Times news headline, How Gymnastic Culture Breeds Sexual Abuse by Jennifer Sey
Washington Examiner article, When Great American Brands Sabotage their Own Success by Jennifer Sey
Glamour article, The Global Gymnastic Community is Finally Facing a Reckoning by Jennifer Sey

Glamour →

New York Post article I lost my job for opposing COVID school closings by Jennifer Sey
MSNBC article Would Levi's ex-brand president still have her job if she was a man? by Jennifer Sey

MSNBC →

The Sun article Nonsense in School Covid Policies by Jennifer Sey

The Sun →

The Hill news article written by Jennifer Sey

The Hill →

The Free Press article written by Jennifer Sey
Jennifer Sey article written in the New York Post
Jennifer Sey article in The Spectator
Jennifer Sey article titled Define woke? Sure: It's reducing all problems to oppressors vs victim
Jennifer Sey article title Counting the cost of mask mandates

Press

Interviews

Jennifer Sey, business consultant sitting on couch in livingroom

Business Consulting

Jennifer is a visionary global leader with a pioneering and results driven approach. She has over 20 years of experience as a Chief Marketing Officer, Global Brand President, Executive Team Member, Strategy leader and board director. She was named one of Forbes’ Most Influential CMOs in 2019 and 2020.

She is known for her bold vision, brand transformation, ROI/results orientation and team building capability. She has an established reputation and award-winning record of driving transformative brand and business growth and unlocking team potential to drive engagement and financial results.

She is also a former national gymnastics champion, best-selling author and award-winning documentary filmmaker. She is passionate about building strong brands, businesses and teams and making a difference in the world by using her voice. She believes in the power of content to move hearts and minds – in business and in life. And in the power of courageous individuals to lead organizations, make an impact and a difference – by doing the right thing.

Jennifer’s creative vision has been applied across varied businesses and in the world of influential content creation as both an author and filmmaker – her work has initiated and led movements in sport and child advocacy that brought people together to change lives.

Awards

Consulting Clients

Brands Worked On

Business & Speaking Reviews

  • “Jennifer spoke at our annual conference in the fall of 2022. She energized and inspired the audience to step up as authentic and courageous leaders and citizens. Her unique storytelling ability combined with humility and practical advice resonated strongly, especially in this era of difficult conflict. Leaders of all kinds of organizations will be grateful to have Jennifer speak to employees, executives or members.”

    Dave Puglia, President & CEO of Western Growers

  • “I had the honor of hearing Jen speak many times in her role as CMO and then Brand President at Levi’s. She was a beloved leader and her unique combination of humility and confidence expressed through authentic personal storytelling always inspired the audience. She is both relatable and motivating to all levels of the organization. Jen sets a clear vision, brings the crowd into the story and always left us all inspired and ready to take on our challenges in business and in life. Any organization would be lucky to have Jen speak to executives and employees. She is a force!”

    Jessica Adler, VP Sales Merrell

  • “Jen Sey is a provocative storyteller. She inspires audiences to really think about tough issues and does it with courage and objectivity. As a speaker, she opens the door to conversation bringing insight and real life experience to the discussion. As in her career, she drives for solutions that are rooted in vision, purpose and practicality. She has an incredible ability to be both visionary and pragmatic thus inspiring her audience to think, and then act.”

    Steve Evans, Senior Executive & Chief Brand Officer at Levi's, Converse and Fossil Group

  • “Jennifer Sey is a highly engaging speaker for all audiences. In addition to her compelling life story, she gives urgently needed, personal perspectives on today's corporate America and the need to recenter discussions on what unites everyone, especially the prioritization of families, in today's politically charged era.”

    Scott Atlas, MD | Robert Wesson Senior Fellow Health Policy | Hoover Institution, Stanford, CA | Co-Director, Global Liberty Institute

  • “Jennifer’s compelling talk at the Liberty Forum of Silicon Valley was as she is: warm, open, immediate and credible. She carries that rare combination of humility and confidence. Refreshingly, Jennifer, is too devoted to the truth to trade comfort for her integrity. Jennifer’s appearance was a total hit! And yes, you will want to have an IPA afterwards with Jennifer.”

    Jane Kearney, VP Programs | Liberty Forum of Silicon Valley

  • “Jen is one of the most talented and inspiring people that I’ve worked with in my career. Her blend of strategic thinking, inspiring story-telling and emotional intelligence make her an unparalleled leader of successful teams and organizations.”

    Jim Calhoun, former Levi Strauss, Disney & Nike Executive

  • “There are few people in the world who have demonstrated more courage, commitment and strength than Jennifer Sey during the pandemic. Her keynote was the final send-off to an incredible weekend of powerful insights and learnings for those in attendance. It will not soon be forgotten.”

    Justin Hart, Founder of RationalGround.com & Author of “Gone Viral: How Covid Drove the World Insane”

  • “We asked Jennifer speak to 800 of our top leaders in July. Jennifer encouraged us to facilitate cultures that accept different ways of life and different points of view. She challenged, inspired and motivated us all to be more accepting and to have the courage to speak out for what we believe. Her integrity and courage come through in spades and her message is even more important now than ever.”

    Matt Huser, Chief Marketing Officer of Madison Industries

  • "Inspiring and smart, Jen Sey challenges her audiences to find courage and act boldly. She knows what it means to take risks, seize opportunities and lead with conviction. If you need to energize a group and help them find a fearless path forward, Jen is the speaker you are looking for."

    Kim Shasby Jones, Co-Founder of ICONS

  • "Jennifer is the epitome of courage, dignity, and unapologetic conviction. Her unique life experience, tenacity, and personal sacrifice have fueled the fight for freedom across this nation. Jennifer’s speeches leave audiences inspired and motivated to join the fight and bring others along, despite personal cost. She is an inspiration, role-model, and pillar of hope for all within reach of her message."

    Lindsay Datko, Jeffco Kids First

  • "Jennifer spoke at the Benson Center at University of Colorado, Boulder in October 2023. At the Benson Center we are focused on the study of intellectual, artistic and political traditions that shape Western civilization, particularly free speech. Jennifer told her story — one of great courage and true leadership — and she emphasized the importance of free speech in furthering knowledge and driving progress. Her ability to connect with the audience — specifically students and women — was exceptional. She took all questions graciously and inspired the audience to think for themselves and to have the courage to find their own voice and to respect those with whom they disagree."

    Professor Todd Zywicki , George Mason University Foundation Professor of Law, Visiting Scholar at Benson Center for the Study of Western Civilization (Fall 2023)