Peloton’s Jennifer Cotter on the Power of Women Who Show Up, Speak Out, and Keep Going

Who are three women you admire?

Michelle Obama: If there is a person who I feel is close to perfect, it’s Michelle Obama. Loyal, confident, brilliant, and unflappable under a constant lens of people wanting to judge and see a stumble. They say if people are mean to dogs or waiters…stay away. For me, if people say they aren’t a fan of Michelle Obama, I absolutely try to keep my distance. She is a model and inspiration for all. 

Beyoncé: Thrust into a spotlight with great scrutiny and still….She’s Beyoncé. Navigating being a working wife and mother with the world watching. One of the greatest, most talented people of all time showing the world how to move forward, protect what you love, and thrive. 

My Maternal Grandmother, Marie Signorello: Grandma Marie was opinionated, hilarious, stylish (wore huge jewelry), smoked Vantage cigarettes, and Tab diet soda and proudly worked for Merrill Lynch in the 70s. As bold as she was, she also allowed space for the love of her life, Sebastian, to care deeply for her. She was the model of what being a ‘come as you are’ outspoken woman was to my sisters and me. Her flaws, challenged childhood, and chronic illness just didn’t register for me. I saw her only as a badass who said what she wanted…and was loved by all who mattered to her.

What is the legacy you hope to leave behind as a changemaker and leader in your industry?

I hope my legacy shows that I take my job really seriously but that I don’t take myself seriously. I lead with trust and integrity, which gives me permission to be really honest when needed. I love highlighting other’s strengths (especially if that person hasn’t seen them yet). I understand that my role has power and impact – I look to remove obstacles and reduce chaos/stress where I can. 

Leadership can be hard. It’s an all-in commitment and it’s not for everyone.  I show up with energy and optimism – even on the toughest days. And I try to keep it all in perspective. My professional accomplishments are lovely, but at the end of the day, my husband and two sons keep me grounded in what truly matters. That said, I save every email where someone comments positively about my leadership style, my team, and how we show up for each other. It reminds me that people notice the little and big gestures and that leading from a place of encouragement and empathy will have a lasting impact.

Who is a woman who has inspired or mentored you, and what lessons from her influence have stayed with you?

So many unbelievable women have influenced me personally and professionally. I work at Peloton; I’m also a devoted Peloton Member.  I’m certain this sounds cliche, but working with the Peloton Instructors is life-changing and inspiring as a Member and employee. The women on the team are next-level. Every single one. We have doctors, experts, influencers, authors, athletes, mothers, partners, survivors, and humans, and they are always evolving. A wonderfully diverse group of women, and they are everything our Members think they are. They believe anything is possible for them and others.  It’s been a professional honor to watch them turn their dreams into reality. Specifically, I’ve learned to celebrate myself and that consistency wins over motivation —every day, you can be a masterpiece and a work in progress at the same time, and if you choose to, you can make every day…a great day. Also, you absolutely have to do cardio AND lift weights to live a fit, long, strong, and happy life.  All of their lessons have had a deep and lasting impact on my life and I’m incredibly thankful for it.

In honor of Gloria Steinem’s 90 years of advocacy, what do you believe is her most enduring contribution to women’s empowerment, and how has it inspired your own journey?

My entire life was shaped by Gloria Steinem’s vision for Women. Perhaps her most enduring contribution (as if you could pick one) was recognizing the reality of life’s obstacles while maintaining a commitment to persevere. I was born the year after Ms. Magazine started. My childhood was shaped by the headlines and discussions around women’s liberation. [As] youngest daughter of a single mother, the hope of this new future imprinted on my developing mind and allowed me to think of the possibilities – how traditional gender roles could/would change. I was also aware that there was an underlying desire for our equality not to be realized, not just by men but also by some women.  I have worked at companies with (almost) all women (before Peloton, Oxygen Media) and have had the honor of meeting, learning from, and working for some of the most influential women in the world. I am continually impressed by and remain optimistic about the collective power of women.