Episode 53- Connection Expert Janine Garner

26 June

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In this episode of Courage in a Crisis, my special guest is Janine Garner. Janine is a connection expert and highly sought-after keynote speaker, speaker, educator, and author.

As a connection expert at the organisational level (collaboration), interpersonal level (networking) and intrapersonal level (energy and intent), her whole world revolves around helping others reclaim and reignite their influence.

Her advice is invaluable. Make the time to listen to Janine today.

You can find Janine on https://www.linkedin.com/in/janinegarner/ or at https://janinegarner.com.au/

Key Takeaways from Today’s Episode:

In this opening segment of the podcast, host Jane Anderson introduces the Jane Anderson Brand New Show, a podcast aimed at experts looking to enhance their impact, influence, and income. Jane emphasizes the importance of personal connection in business and expresses her excitement for the episode. She touches on the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the recent lockdowns in Melbourne and Victoria, which have impacted many businesses.

Jane discusses the necessity of adapting to virtual offerings and stresses the importance of experts continuing to provide valuable content to their clients despite the constraints of the pandemic. She encourages listeners to think about their virtual presence and how to maintain engagement and support for their clients at various price points. She also mentions the importance of planning for different scenarios given the uncertain timeline of the pandemic, suggesting the need for multiple contingency plans.
Jane introduces her special guest, Janine Garner, a connection expert who focuses on unleashing brilliance in individuals, teams, and companies. Janine is known for her expertise in collaboration, networking, and energy management. She works with high-profile leaders and top companies, and she is a bestselling author. Jane expresses her admiration for Janine's work and their personal connection, noting that Janine has been a mentor to her and has significantly contributed to her professional growth.
Janine Garner begins by reflecting on her career journey, which she describes as a series of reinventions occurring roughly every eight to nine years. She recounts her beginnings as a working-class farmer’s daughter in Yorkshire, her move to London for university, and eventually her relocation to Australia. Janine highlights the challenges of starting over in a new country at 29, with no social proof or network, and how these experiences underscored the importance of deep, meaningful connections.

She details her corporate career, including her role as Group Marketing Director at Oroton Group, where she managed high-profile brands like Oroton and Ralph Lauren. This role reinforced her belief in the power of building strong collaborations and connections. Her curiosity about what drives success and the dynamics of long-lasting relationships fueled her transition from corporate roles to entrepreneurship.

At 39, Janine founded her own business to support female executives and promote collaborative success, leading to the creation of her first book, "From Me to We." This venture aligned with her passion for helping others achieve more collectively. She also credits Matt Church, a mutual mentor, for encouraging her to explore thought leadership and speaking.

Janine's subsequent work has focused on speaking engagements and consulting with C-suite executives and corporate teams, emphasizing the importance of connection in achieving high performance. Her second book, "It's Who You Know," delves into the necessity of building a supportive network to achieve personal and professional goals. This book has been well-received and translated into multiple languages. Despite its success, Janine recognized that many still struggled with implementing these concepts, leading her to further explore the barriers to realizing one's potential and developing her new book, "Be Brilliant."
Janine explains that through her extensive work with leaders and organizations, she identified four recurring traits that prevent individuals from achieving their full potential. Her observations, derived from private mentoring, keynotes, and training programs, indicated that regardless of one's status—whether a captain of industry or a thought leader—these four traits were universal. This realization led her to write her third book, "Be Brilliant," emphasizing that true connection with oneself is essential for unlocking personal and collaborative potential.
Janine outlines the four laws of brilliance which are crucial for anyone aiming to excel in their field:

1. Owning Your Spotlight: This involves becoming more visible, having self-belief, and owning your unique strengths. It requires overcoming self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and the negative stories we tell ourselves. The essence of this law is to stop pretending and start embracing who you truly are, leveraging your experiences to step into your brilliance.

2. Being Ready: This law focuses on managing one's energy to ensure peak performance. It's about maintaining energy levels and being prepared to bring your best self to every opportunity, which is especially important in demanding environments. Proper energy management is critical to avoid burnout and maintain the ability to serve clients, communities, and oneself effectively.

3. Connecting with Intent: Successful collaboration and connection with others are indispensable. This law highlights the importance of engaging with the right people and building meaningful relationships that can help overcome self-doubt and unlock new ideas and potential. Effective collaboration goes beyond superficial interactions, aiming for deep, intentional connections that drive success.

4. Being Heard: This final law is about magnifying one's influence and impact. It involves consistently sharing your message and serving others, which creates a ripple effect. By amplifying your voice and helping others, you not only advance your mission but also inspire and uplift those around you.
Jane and Janine discuss the timing of Janine's book launch during a global crisis. Initially, Jane felt sympathy for Janine, thinking the timing was unfortunate. However, she quickly realized that "Be Brilliant" is exactly what the world needs right now. With the uncertainty brought by the pandemic, economic challenges, and social movements, the principles outlined in the book are more relevant than ever. They emphasize that those who need to start their own practice or reinvent themselves can greatly benefit from the book's insights.
Jane stresses the importance of getting comfortable with the spotlight, especially in cultures where standing out is often discouraged. She agrees with Janine on the significance of managing one's energy, as being at the center of a business requires maintaining high energy levels. Jane also highlights the importance of positioning and readiness; opportunities arise for those who are prepared and known for their expertise.

Janine adds that intentional connections are crucial, and the people you surround yourself with can significantly impact your success. In the current global context, with simultaneous economic, health, and social challenges, the skills and experiences one possesses become invaluable assets. She underscores that despite the numerous challenges, one’s personal and professional experiences remain untouchable and can serve as a foundation for future success.
Janine and Jane delve into the importance of embracing brilliance in the face of global uncertainty. They acknowledge the overwhelming challenges posed by the current economic, health, and social crises, which can evoke fear and uncertainty about the future. However, Janine emphasizes that brilliance is a choice—one that begins with owning one's identity and message. She advocates for sharing one's brilliance with the world and underscores the significance of community support, especially during challenging times. Janine introduces the concept of focusing on short-term goals (now, next, and later) given the unpredictable nature of the current environment. She stresses the importance of intentional connection and cultivating an inner circle of supporters who align with one's goals and values.
Janine discusses the importance of cultivating a supportive inner circle comprising promoters, pit crew, teachers, and butt kickers. She emphasizes the role of each group in fostering personal and professional growth, from boosting confidence to challenging comfort zones. Janine encourages individuals to be intentional about their connections and to seek support from those who genuinely care about their success. She highlights the need for women, in particular, to overcome the tendency to operate in isolation and to actively build their support networks.
Jane prompts Janine to share advice for individuals transitioning from commercial IP to a more elevated message of personal IP. Janine emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and overcoming the fear associated with change. She encourages individuals to challenge the voices that hold them back and to recognize that growth often involves discomfort. Janine advises against constantly seeking new endeavors out of boredom, urging individuals to stay committed to their vision and trust in the enduring value of their expertise. She emphasizes the importance of viewing one's journey as a marathon rather than a sprint, emphasizing the enduring relevance of timeless insights.
In this final segment, Janine emphasizes the importance of embracing progress over perfection in both personal and professional endeavors. She shares a powerful anecdote about the New York Marathon to illustrate the significance of celebrating achievements regardless of comparison or perceived failure. Janine urges individuals to focus on their own journey, recognizing that each step forward, no matter how small, contributes to overall growth and success. She advises against succumbing to comparisonitis, highlighting the detrimental effects of measuring oneself against others. Janine encourages consistency and resilience, reminding practitioners to persevere even when faced with setbacks or self-imposed expectations. She concludes by inviting listeners to connect with her and to explore her new book, "Be Brilliant," which offers insights and strategies for personal and professional growth.
Jane expresses gratitude to Janine for her generosity and insights shared during the discussion. She acknowledges the timeliness and impact of Janine's new book, recognizing its potential to empower individuals during challenging times. Jane encourages listeners to engage with Janine's work, whether by purchasing her book, reaching out for guidance, or sharing her insights with their own communities. She highlights the value of generosity and collaboration in fostering collective growth and success. Jane concludes by expressing excitement for Janine's future endeavors and extends an invitation for her to return as a guest in the future.

With this final segment, the discussion concludes on a note of gratitude, empowerment, and collaboration, echoing the themes of resilience, progress, and community support emphasized throughout the conversation.