What You Build Next

The Seven-Pillar Protocol for Rebuilding After Catastrophic Loss

What You Build Next is the forthcoming book by Jennifer Barnes, a Stanford GSB alumna who survived the suicide of her husband and the murder of her eldest son. It is not a memoir about grief. It is a field manual for rebuilding.

The book introduces The Steeled Protocol, a seven-pillar governance system Jennifer developed from the wreckage of her own life. Each chapter maps one pillar to practical tools, daily practices, and hard-won wisdom about what it takes to reconstruct identity, purpose, and legacy after everything has been taken from you.

Coming Soon

What You Build Next is currently in development. To receive updates on the book's release, speaking engagements, and new episodes of The Steeled Protocol Podcast, please visit the Contact page or reach out directly at jenniferbarnes@alumni.stanfordgsb.org.

Also in the Works

Jennifer is developing additional titles that extend The Steeled Protocol into new territory. Governed will explore the systems and structures behind resilient decision-making after trauma. The Architecture of After will examine how to design a life of purpose when the original blueprint has been destroyed. Built from Here will offer a practical companion guide for readers at any stage of rebuilding. Follow Jennifer's work to be the first to know when these titles are announced.