"Quit or be exceptional. Average is for losers"
It was June 2012. I started my career and executive coaching practice in 2010 so I was two years in. I had left my corporate role leading the capability of one of Australia’s largest retailers to start my own business. I had finally started the dream of helping people more and doing more of what I love.
After a demoralising divorce and having to move back in with my parents at 30 I felt like I was back on track! But reality started to hit…
SETH GODIN
Jane’s Story
I was so frustrated.
Whilst I was able to get clients, after the first two years I realised I was working too hard for the return. I was working 100 hour weeks delivering coaching, contracting as a trainer and exhausted trying to do it all myself.
So I met with a mentor for a coffee who seemed to be doing really well, looked happy and certainly not as tired as I felt! I asked …
“Have I done the wrong thing by starting my own business?
Have I bitten off more than I can chew?
I don’t know if I can do this… do you think I should go back to a job?”
They challenged me to really think about why started in the first place. I said I really wanted to use my skills to their potential, help more people than sitting behind a desk in a corporate role and to be able to create a lifestyle of fun, freedom and fulfilment. I really felt like I had a second chance after my divorce and it was now or never!
They then asked me “so what would it take to become on the best in world at what you do?
This question stopped me in my tracks. I’d never thought of this question before. I figured to be the best in the world that this was something people decide about you or only happens to people like Olympic athletes.
Her question really stuck with me and I ruminated on it for months…
You need to be exceptional.
Six months later I went on to join a Thought Leadership Program with Matt Church and things began to change. My business went on a growth trajectory and I became a faculty member helping hundreds of others over the following 7 years, especially women with consulting and advisory services in the corporate B2B space.
Nowadays, I help Consultants, Thought Leaders, CEO's, Leaders and Entrepreneurs to be 'Exceptional'. I play at the intersections of uniqueness and continuous improvement, helping people to be both different and to be better so they are both uncopyable and irreplaceable.
Being an early adopter and innovator, I've made all the mistakes. I’m the one trying new ways of doing business to stand out from the crowd but in a way that isn't about selfies, but more about service and helping people achieve their goals.
People buy from people. And they buy from people who they know, like and trust.
After working with some of Australia's most recognised brands since I was 14 years old, I have learnt that we are our own brand. Dr Graeme Codrington, futurist quoted in Inc Magazine, identified that the future of work is about the ability to brand ourselves effectively so we can communicate who we are and attract opportunities to us.
The challenge is we have this thing in Australia called the ‘Tall Poppy Syndrome’, where it's not cool to stand out. So how can you stand out without being criticised and told to 'pull your head in?".
It’s absolutely possible.
I’m best known for my ability to bring out the best in people in a pragmatic, resourceful and authentically inspiring way. As a result, I’ve won more than 50 awards in branding, marketing, sales and communication.
I’ve also been featured on numerous television shows, newspapers and magazines and am in the Top 1% of viewed profiles on LinkedIn. I've been voted in the top 3 branding experts in the world and recognised by the Queensland Government in the Queensland Voices, Women in Business Program.
I spent a large part of my career leading sales teams and in leadership development in retailing and government. I have coached CEOs, business leaders and entrepreneurs to connect and inspire their teams and customers through online and face-to-face experiences. I became a manager at 20 when my oldest team member was 70 years old, and the youngest was 40. I’ve experienced the challenges of leading and engaging a team to achieve outstanding results.
I have worked with over 150,000 people with their Personal and Business Brands. I've been featured in The Age, Sydney Morning Herald, BBC Online, Today Tonight, Mornings on Channel 9, Management Today & Marie Claire. I have written twelve books on how to brand, market and sell yourself effectively.
I have delivered programs for a broad range of clients including Telstra, Virgin Australia, Lego, IKEA, Sunsuper, Origin, Rio Tinto, Australian Medical Association, AIA Insurance, TUH, Super Retail Group, Dominos, Conoco Phillips, Xstrata, QGC, Origin Energy, IP Australia, Griffith Uni, International Rice Research Institute, Latrobe Instiute of Moelcular Science, RDNS, Dept of Defence, QLD Transport, CITEC, AusAid, Stanwell, QUT, Gold Coast City Council, TAFE.
As a keynote speaker, people say I’m captivating and inspiring. I have a natural ability to connect with any audience, meet them where they are and take them to a place where they can see that exceptionality is really a possibility for them at both work and home.
I believe life is too short to do work that does not make a difference. So I do work I like, with people I like, in a way that I think can get results. As a result, I have a set of criteria that I work within:
You need to be motivated by results.
We need to connect.
I need to know that I can truly add value to what you want to achieve. If not, I’ll recommend someone else.
Purchase one of Jane's Books
Jane is the author of 13 books on personal branding, strategic communication, influence, marketing and sales. To order one of her books, click below!
Highlights about Jane
Certified Professional Speaker (CSP Designation with National Speakers Association and Professional Speaker Association)
Author of 13 books
Voted in Global Gurus the top 3 branding experts in the world
Voted top 25 branding blogs in the world
Won over 50 awards on branding, marketing and sales
Finalist in Queensland Women in Business Awards 2018
Bronze and Silver Medals for Business Coaching for Female Entrepreneurs at the Global Stevie Awards in New York
One of 19 Queensland Voices, Women in Business 2019
Certified Personal Branding Strategist
Book Yourself Solid Certified Associate
Asana Certified Pro
Forbes Contributor
Professional Certified Coach (Association of Coaching)
Fascinate Certified Advisor
Accredited Career Counsellor and Advisor (Career Development Association of Australia)
Featured on Sky Business, Mornings, Today Show, The Age, Marie Claire, Sydney Morning Herald Today Tonight, CLEO Magazine, Brisbane Business News
Awards and Nominations
Brisbane Women in Business Awardee
Top 6 Branding Blog Australia
Top 30 Branding Expert
Social Media & PR Gold Award
Best Strategic Branding Coach and Consultant
Top 25 Branding Blog Globally
Attention Out Award
Entrepreneur of The Year
Mentor Coach of the Year
Top 7 Branding Expert
Top 2 Branding Program Globally
Top 3 Best Branding Expert
Top 25 Branding Expert Globally
Top 3 Branding Expert
Top 6 Must-Read Branding Blogs for Marketers & Brand Management Professionals
Coach of The Year
Queensland Women’s Voices
Top 2 Best Branding Program
Get in touch with Jane and her team to stop struggling and start elevating today!
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