Janet Schijns

For Janet Schijns, CEO of JS Group, success is not about amassing wealth or power. She believes that true success is a balance of staying true to one’s values while fulfilling promises to both teams and customers. Drawing inspiration from Thomas Edison’s famous quote, “Opportunity is missed by most because it’s dressed in overalls and looks a lot like work,” Janet is committed to the belief that hard work, resilience, and a clear vision are the real pathways to achievement.

With a clear plan, the right talent, and a relentless drive to outwork competitors, Janet emphasizes that success is earned by continually adjusting and pushing forward in the face of challenges. “Performing against all odds and adapting to changes is how victory is achieved,” she explains. The road to success, according to Janet, is never linear but requires perseverance and a willingness to evolve as conditions shift.

Janet’s path into the technology industry was anything but traditional. Initially working in the cosmetic industry at L’Oréal, she found herself involved in a CRM project where she helped bridge the gap between technology vendors and the business side. Her work led to a consulting opportunity, marking the start of her career in the tech world. This unexpected pivot away from marketing to technology proved to be a game-changer, as Janet found herself thriving in an entirely new domain.

Before founding JS Group, Janet held leadership roles in several large corporations. She served as the Chief Channel Executive for Motorola, Chief Channel Officer for Verizon, and Chief Merchant and Services Officer for Office Depot. In these positions, Janet launched and expanded multi-billion-dollar businesses that became key to transforming the companies she worked for. These experiences laid the foundation for her future success and reinforced her commitment to shaping the future of technology.

Leading JS Group has been a dream realized for Janet, enabling her to disrupt the tech industry by working with a talented team to create game-changing strategies. “Our mission at JS Group is simple: #savethechannel. We work tirelessly to ensure that the channels driving technology adoption are robust and capable of fostering the change our world desperately needs,” she says.

Janet believes that leadership is forged through experience, not something one is born into. She sees every challenge as an opportunity to learn and grow, constantly striving to turn obstacles into stepping stones. As she puts it, “What does not destroy us propels us to growth.” Her leadership philosophy is grounded in the belief that resilience and adaptability separate those who succeed from those who only wish for success.

As a woman in the tech industry, Janet faced her share of obstacles. At times, she felt isolated in a male-dominated field, but rather than quitting, she forged her own path. She now actively works to help other women stay in the tech industry by founding Tech Worlds Half, a platform that provides a safe space for women to discuss their career challenges and share advice. Her message to those navigating tough times is clear: “Be kinder than the situation calls for. Show empathy and understanding, and always listen to the underlying reasons for change, as that’s where innovation begins.”

In an industry that’s constantly evolving, Janet understands that leaders must be able to adapt to change while guiding their teams toward desired outcomes. Throughout her leadership career, she has helped major companies shift their focus from traditional sales models to new, more innovative routes that have resulted in substantial growth. “Shifting the industry toward recurring revenue and as-a-service solutions has been a monumental task, but it’s essential for the future,” she states.

JS Group is at the forefront of this transformation, offering services that include channel evolution, marketing innovation, and sales enablement. Their signature programs, such as PartnerExpert, Market Action Planning Process (MAP), and the 40x ROI Social Selling Program, help organizations drive revenue and expand their reach, even in remote work environments.

As CEO, Janet wears many hats, balancing the day-to-day responsibilities of leading a growing company while ensuring her team remains focused on delivering results. “Results matter more than anything else,” she affirms. “No amount of progress counts if the end result isn’t what you intended.” Her days are filled with meetings with clients, industry influencers, and her team, all while ensuring that JS Group remains relevant and strategically positioned for success.

While she is driven by results, Janet knows the importance of maintaining balance in her life. She rejects the myth of work-life balance, instead emphasizing the need for a work-life blend. Discipline, she believes, is key to achieving this balance. “It’s about prioritizing what matters most, both at work and at home,” she says. By staying true to her commitments and ensuring she takes care of herself, Janet maintains the energy needed to excel in both her professional and personal life.

Looking ahead, Janet is focused on continuing JS Group’s growth while pushing for more diversity in the tech industry. She hopes to leave a legacy of mentorship and support for women in the field, helping them break barriers and achieve their full potential. “Mentoring and helping others is at the core of my leadership philosophy, and it’s something I want to continue doing for the rest of my career,” she says.

For aspiring leaders, Janet’s advice is simple but powerful: “Write a plan, document what you want, and work tirelessly toward it. Keep adjusting when necessary, but always stay true to your plan’s purpose. You can’t achieve what you don’t plan for, so take the time to chart your path.”

Janet Schijns’ journey is a testament to the power of hard work, perseverance, and a clear vision. As she continues to lead JS Group into the future, her focus remains on driving industry transformation while uplifting those around her, particularly women, in a field that is ready for change.