Janet Schijns: Leading with Purpose, Building with Integrity
Janet Schijns is not your typical CEO. Her path to success wasn’t carved out with shortcuts or silver spoons, it was paved with grit, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to staying true to her values. As the CEO of JS Group, Janet has never believed in defining success by titles or bank balances. For her, it’s about honoring promises, building trust, and showing up, every single day, for her team and clients.
Those who’ve walked the road to success know it’s rarely a straight line. There are detours, doubts, and days when giving up seems easier than going on. But Janet stands as proof that real leaders rise in those very moments. She believes that purpose isn’t just a vision on paper, it’s the fire that fuels execution, the anchor that holds steady through change.
At JS Group, Janet has cultivated more than a high-performing team, she’s fostered a culture rooted in trust, integrity, and relentless growth. Her leadership isn’t just about setting goals; it’s about making room for people to chase them, even when the road twists and turns. She knows success demands clarity, talent, and a work ethic that doesn’t flinch under pressure. But just as critically, it demands the flexibility to shift strategies when the landscape changes, without ever losing sight of the end goal.
For those who work with her, Janet is more than a leader, she’s a guide. Her journey is a reminder that success isn’t a final destination, but a series of choices made with courage, humility, and heart. And that’s what makes her story worth following.
The Unlikely Start of Janet’s Tech Career
Janet’s journey into the tech world wasn’t planned. Initially, she was deeply immersed in the cosmetics industry, working at L’Oréal. During this time, she found herself involved in an early customer relationship management (CRM) project, where she played a pivotal role in translating technical jargon into business-friendly language for the sales team.
This led to a career-defining moment when her company invited her to consult for them, helping them secure more deals and expand their market share. Without a second thought, Janet accepted the offer, marking the start of her transition from marketing to the technology sector.
Shaping Her Career with Major Corporations
Before taking the helm at JS Group, Janet held senior leadership positions at several renowned organizations. She was the Chief Channel Executive at Motorola, Chief Channel Officer at Verizon, and Chief Merchant and Services Officer at Office Depot.
These roles allowed her to spearhead multi-billion-dollar business initiatives that became crucial to the transformation of each company she served. Her leadership helped these corporations grow their market presence and reshape their business strategies in an ever-evolving market.
Leading JS Group: A Dream Realized
For Janet, leading JS Group represents the fulfillment of a long-held dream. With a talented team by her side, she has been able to disrupt the technology landscape by creating innovative strategies that yield tangible results. She reflects on their mission to #savethechannel, which focuses on strengthening technology market channels to accelerate adoption and drive meaningful change. This mission resonates deeply with Janet, as she believes it’s essential to have reliable market routes for technology to thrive and shape the future.
The Power of Experience and Resilience
Janet firmly believes that leadership is forged through experience. She emphasizes that true leaders aren’t born; they’re made through years of learning from mistakes, overcoming obstacles, and finding new paths to success.
She holds the view that challenges are opportunities in disguise—those who embrace hardship and grow from it are the ones who succeed. Janet lives by the motto, “What doesn’t break us makes us stronger,” and considers resilience a vital component of her leadership philosophy.
Overcoming Challenges as a Woman in Tech
As a woman in the male-dominated tech industry, Janet faced numerous hurdles. She had the choice to either quit or carve her own path, and she chose the latter. Through determination and a relentless work ethic, Janet managed to overcome the obstacles in her way.
To further support women in the tech space, she founded Tech Worlds Half, a platform that offers a safe space for women to discuss career challenges, share advice, and support each other. Her advice to others is simple: “Be kinder than the situation calls for, show empathy, and listen to truly understand. Innovation comes when we understand the reasons behind the need for change.”
Navigating Change: A Leader’s Role in Shaping the Future
The tech industry is in a constant state of flux, and Janet understands the need to not only adapt but also drive change. She has played a key role in transforming the channel strategies of Fortune 500 companies, shifting from traditional, slow-growing methods to dynamic, high-growth channels. By focusing on recurring revenue models and digital-first strategies, Janet has guided organizations to embrace new, innovative approaches to drive significant growth. Her leadership at JS Group has helped businesses unlock new opportunities, ensuring they remain competitive in a rapidly changing market.
JS Group: Pioneering the Future of Tech Consulting
JS Group is recognized as a leading consulting firm in the tech industry, specializing in channel evolution, sales enablement, and marketing innovation. The company offers several cutting-edge programs, such as the PartnerExpert program, which equips organizations with the skills to sell through indirect channels, and the Market Action Planning Process (MAP), which accelerates revenue growth. Their 40x ROI Social Selling Program also helps businesses generate leads and close deals in a digital, remote work environment. These offerings are a testament to JS Group’s commitment to helping organizations thrive in today’s digital economy.
The Multifaceted Role of a CEO
As the CEO of JS Group, Janet juggles a variety of responsibilities, all aimed at driving growth and ensuring client success. She is driven by results, believing that no amount of effort matters unless it leads to the desired outcome. Her daily routine begins with self-reflection, assessing progress toward goals, and figuring out how to support her team more effectively. The rest of her day is filled with meetings with clients, industry leaders, and influencers, as she works to ensure JS Group remains relevant and well-positioned in the market.
Teamwork and Innovation in a Changing Industry
Janet’s leadership style is deeply team-oriented. She knows that the collective efforts of her team are what drive JS Group’s success in an ever-changing tech landscape. With the industry facing major shifts in sales, marketing, and distribution channels, Janet’s team works tirelessly to restructure go-to-market strategies and develop innovative programs to capture market share. They focus on both immediate growth and long-term value creation, ensuring the company remains competitive and continues to build a sustainable future.
A Tenacious Leader Who Inspires
Janet’s resilience as a leader is one of her defining traits. She never backs down from a challenge and approaches each obstacle with determination and a sense of humor. The greatest recognition she receives comes from her daughter, who views her as an inspiration and has followed in her footsteps by carving out a successful career in the tech industry. Janet’s ability to balance the demands of her professional and personal life serves as a testament to her tenacity, but she acknowledges that the concept of “work-life balance” is a myth. For her, success lies in achieving a work-life blend that allows her to prioritize her well-being, both at work and at home.
Building a Legacy Through Mentorship and Diversity
Janet is committed to mentoring the next generation of leaders, particularly women in tech. She believes diversity is essential for innovation and strives to create opportunities for women to succeed in the industry. Her leadership extends beyond the boardroom, as she actively supports causes that foster inclusivity and diversity in the tech space. Janet is determined to leave a lasting legacy, not only through her professional accomplishments but also through her efforts to empower others.
A Lesson for Aspiring Leaders
For aspiring business leaders, Janet offers this advice: “Write a plan, document your goals, and work tirelessly toward them. Be flexible, but stay true to your purpose.” She believes that planning is crucial for personal growth and success. Without a clear direction, it’s impossible to achieve one’s desired outcomes. Janet’s approach to leadership is rooted in a commitment to continuous growth, both personally and professionally, ensuring that her team and herself are always evolving and reaching for new heights.
