About Jane
Jane of All Trades
Born the fourth kid in a one-bedroom house, my path was forged long before me… until a gnarly nun helped me secure a $320 scholarship to a future I didn’t know existed.
I left for college before my folks knew I was gone, selling dad’s used carpets and mom’s prayers to pay my way.
Penniless and married at 21 years old, I had an MBA at 24, first saw the ocean at 25, commuted to South America each week at 31, brought two sons into the world by 35, was a millionaire at 37, and was one of a select few Microsoft executives at 40.
Along the way to the corner office, I’ve been hit on, spit on, shot at, yelled at, a zero and a hero. Dismissed and underestimated by many, often myself, I learned through success and failure,
I am worthy as I am…. And so are you.
Jane’s Journey
Born the 4th kid in a one bedroom house in Carroll, Iowa.
With 5 kids born in 6 years, I thought my name was Juliejeffdougjanelinn because mom just started with the first name and stopped on the kid she wanted, kinda like Russian Roulette.
Raised Catholic, it was important to stay on the good side of the church and the nuns. I went to school, church, and got married at St Lawrence, just like my mom… and most people I knew.
I broke my leg the first time in 6th grade (it was Robbie Fletcher’s fault). I broke it again 35 years later and was told I may never walk again.
I dated then married Scott, my high school sweetheart … 40 years ago.
Our new life together fit into an old Plymouth Ventura as we headed to college 65 miles away. After earning a degree in Forestry, I traded my hiking boots for high heels and an MBA. Having come from nothing, I had everything to gain as my career began at Kimberly-Clark Corp.
Joining Kimberly-Clark Corp dressed for success in my snazzy double-breasted business suit, I never dreamt I’d launch billion-dollar businesses, work in Latin American or become VP of Scott Paper, managing the largest merger in the history of the US. I stretched, failed and succeeded, working beside friends and leaders I spent my career trying to emulate.
Family is my favorite word.
When I had my sons, there were few women in executive positions, fewer still with kids. I often felt alone and afraid, but the good stuff in my life came when I was afraid and acted anyway.
(yes, that’s a giant cow in the picture)
At 40, I become a Microsoft Corporate Vice President – one of the top 150 executives… and one of few women… only to be brought down by a culture focused on internal competition. Failing to fit in, I chose to stand out by lifting and supporting others.
At 52, I ‘retired’.
I used to work to make a living;
now I live to make a difference.
It’s easy to think everyone else has ‘it’ all figured out, but there is a cowardly lion behind most people’s roar. In sharing my FUD (fear, uncertainty and despair) and what I’ve learned on my journey, I hope you will know you aren’t alone, you’re capable and you are worthy.
Just as you are.
100% of book sales are donated to Boys & Girls Clubs Youth of the Year scholarships. The $320 scholarship I received 40 years ago opened a door to a future I didn’t know existed.
I hope this book opens doors for others.
