Women business leaders are at the forefront of transforming the corporate landscape, challenging traditional norms, and fostering innovation. Janine Jakob stands as a shining example of a dynamic woman business leader whose journey reflects the changing dynamics in the global business sphere. Her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to positive change have propelled her to establish Full Potential Partners in Shanghai, a testament to the impactful contributions of women in business.
Janine's ability to navigate challenges, coupled with her international perspective, highlights the valuable insights that women leaders bring to the table, creating a more inclusive and forward-thinking corporate world.
Engaging in an idiosyncratic interaction with The Global Women Leader magazine, Janine shares the imperious details of her journey as one of the influencing women business leaders to watch in 2024.
You have built an illustrious career as an intercultural consultant, executive coach, and soft skill trainer. What are the key areas of expertise you have developed over the years?
My professional journey, transitioning from a corporate role at Hewlett-Packard (HP) Germany to entrepreneurship in China, has sculpted a versatile skill set crucial for my role as an intercultural consultant. In the corporate realm, I honed intercultural communication, the science of happiness, leadership, multicultural teamwork, and virtual collaboration skills, which proved invaluable during the global shift to remote work amid COVID-19. Entrepreneurship demanded a multifaceted skill set encompassing finance, marketing, business development, and adaptation as a German to the fast-paced Chinese business landscape.
Eager to enhance my coaching capabilities, I pursued certifications in NLP and Positive Intelligence and working on the ICF PCC coaching certificate to come next. My dynamic expertise ensures I deliver top-notch services, continually evolving to meet the diverse needs of my clients in the ever-changing landscape of professional development.
Tell us about Full Potential Partners. What was the underlying idea behind the venture and its areas of specialization?
Embarking on a journey with Full Potential Partners in Shanghai for over five fulfilling years, our core mission revolves around instilling happiness while increasing performance in workplaces. Driven by the motto 'Unlock Your Potential,' we believe that prioritizing employee well-being not only cultivates a joyful atmosphere but significantly influences individual and collective success.
We offer a spectrum of services, including training, coaching, and high-level consulting on organizational behavior and the transformative power of a robust company culture. Focusing on soft skills, often underestimated in the professional realm, we address leadership, communication, and overall personal development.
What are some of the major challenges that you encounter in your current role? How do you overcome the said roadblocks?
Introducing the concept of workplace happiness and coaching in China initially proved daunting. Therefore, educating Chinese clients about coaching's nuances became imperative, while personal setbacks, like burnout and work visa rejection during a slow summer, imparted vital lessons in financial planning, improving persistence, and how to work with Chinese citizens.
"Believe In Your Dreams & Work Towards Them With Positivity & Action Because Your Efforts Craft The Reality Of Your True Potential"
The onset of COVID mandated a transition to online and hybrid training, adapting pricing strategies for reduced budgets and leveraging new creativity to develop further interactive training techniques. Scaling a coaching business in China's novel market remains an ongoing challenge, leading to continuous reassessment of target groups and exploration of new markets, including APEC teams. Each challenge serves as a learning opportunity, shaping my leadership journey.
In your opinion what have been the biggest ‘wins’ that you have achieved so far in your professional journey?
The most significant wins in my professional journey stem from the transformative success stories of my clients. Witnessing the growth of a hardworking individual from Belarus, now a senior manager leading a Chinese team in a global HR company, and having increased her sales by over 20 percent in just 8 weeks, fills me with immense pride. Another client recently quit his job in China, relocated to Cambodia, and ventured into entrepreneurship. These personal victories showcase the impact of our coaching and training efforts.
The reason I aspire to work with decision-makers and leaders is the ripple effect they create. By instigating positive changes in their own lives, these leaders extend transformations to their teams, families, and beyond. Despite challenges, these moments of meaningful impact make our work truly fulfilling and contribute to a global positive change.
What has been your success mantra as a business leader over the years?
My mantra as a business leader revolves around the powerful belief instilled by my coach, that it takes one person, one deal, or one opportunity to transform your life and business completely. Alongside my team, we embrace the philosophy of having it all—an abundant life filled with both happiness and success. This mindset permeates our coaching, consulting, and training work, encouraging clients to think positively, act, and believe they can achieve anything.
Business leaders you admire & why: Dr. Dalal Akoury, an Egyptian doctor and team leader, merges Western and Eastern medicine for cancer research, embodying dedication and love in her impactful work at almost 70. Jessica Alba, acclaimed actress turned successful businesswoman and mother of three, exemplifies resilience and confidence in her multifaceted career.
Message for aspiring women leaders & entrepreneurs: My advice is for every woman to believe in herself, dream big, think positively, and act, because I firmly believe that everything is possible.
Janine Jakob, Founder, Full Potential Partners
Janine Jakob, a dual master's degree holder in International Business from Munich Business School and SKEMA Business School, boasts a prolific career with over six years at Hewlett-Packard (HP). Her roles encompassed account management, intrapreneurship, and international consulting projects, showcasing her versatility and strategic acumen. Certified as a Positive Intelligence Coach, NLP Practitioner, Global DISC, and ICCI Career Advisor, Janine founded Full Potential Partners in 2018. As its visionary leader, she oversees a multicultural team, providing peak performance coaching, leadership training, and cross-cultural communication solutions. Janine's innovative leadership earned her recognition, making her a finalist for the ‘Innovative Young Woman Leader of the Year’ by the American Chamber Beijing. Her dynamic presence extends to global stages, including TEDx, where she shares her insights as a keynote speaker.
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