“Leading with God’s Blessing”

Hands down, the No. 1 quality of Janet Chihocky, Founder and CEO, JANSON Communications, would be passion, along with her desire to always do something better. “I never rest on the idea that, ‘Oh, this was such a great year or that was such a great project.’ I always want to do better than we did before, so I'm always raising the bar for myself, as well as for JANSON. I have never liked settling for average. Average to me is like death. I won’t settle for good enough either.”

Janet has a genuine love and problem-solving tenacity for their client's programs, and she shares this passion with her talented team. Together they have always wanted to tackle their most challenging projects, programs, and initiatives, but also remember that at the end of the day, they are people and are striving for JANSON to be that solid, honest provider that truly cares for each of them.

Talking about gender inequalities, Janet says that there are gender barriers out there — it would be foolish to pretend that they do not exist —but one must push themselves to the absolute best, deliver superior solutions and not allow gender inequalities to become an issue. If you’re smart, honest, reliable and deliver the right solutions then the right customers will recognize and appreciate what you’re offering. JANSON was born because Janet wanted to provide smart communications solutions to complex markets. One of JANSON’s most significant achievements would be breaking into the defense market, specifically, breaking into the Army market without a patch to brag about and not having past years in service to give them a leg up. Not only that, but they have also been able to come into this market and grow continuously.

“ Janet has and continues to encourage and inspire working women to reach heights that maybe they thought were not achievable. Seeing women grow into amazing leaders is truly a blessing for Janet on many levels.”

Janet thanks God for what she has achieved and for the future. “I am where I am today by the grace of God. I aspire to do what God would have me do. I aspire to be convicted when I know my flesh has gotten in the way and I needed to take a step back and go, “Wait, I didn’t handle that in the right way.” I never want to stop growing and learning.” Armed with this bright ideology, Janet inspires women across all industries. “I manage and lead more like a coach and my team knows that I call the plays as I see them. I have women working at JANSON that I have been blessed to inspire and empower them to reach heights that maybe they thought were not achievable. To see them grow into amazing leaders and agents of change is truly a blessing for me on so many levels.”

Whether by phone or in person, she is candid with her feedback when asked for advice. She states that starting a business is easy, but the tricky part is keeping it afloat. With that in mind, Janet advises people to know whether running a business is truly what they want. “For me, it was a lot about prayer and real soul-searching. I asked myself: Is this exactly what God would have me do? And then committing to that.” Janet suggests that young entrepreneurs be sure they are going about it for the right reasons. Alongside strongly advising to follow one's passion, and then transform their passion in demand. “I think you have to decide: What do I want to achieve? What do I want to transform, and what do I want to help bring to the market? Don't let anybody tell you that you can't do it but be prepared for getting way out of your comfort zone – that is where the growth is found. Yes, be prepared for tough times, be prepared for rejection but don’t give up!”

Janet concludes, “If you're a person of faith, I would take it before the Lord and really pray about it and know that this is what you’re called to do. Have a plan for your financial success.” For the steadfast leader, she helps homeless families with children; she supports missionaries focused on taking the gospel and meeting the needs of people all over the world in places such as Ireland, the Dominican, Kenya, South Africa, and more. “My next venture is working with Join the Journey which empowers female entrepreneurs in Zambia through mentoring, training, and small loans.” IEWL