We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jen VanEe. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jen below.
Jen, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
My resilience is forged from a crucible of experiences that have shaped my character. It emanates from a fear of failure, a fear that became inevitable as I ventured into countless situations where success seemed elusive, and sometimes was. I’ve often embarked on these endeavors with unwavering hope, only to be frequently disappointed. My resilience stems from giving 110%, and yet, at times, being diminished to feeling as though my efforts were reduced to a mere 50%.
In the environments I’ve encountered, where my dedication and hard work were met with unappreciation or underestimation, I confronted a critical choice. I could have allowed these circumstances to dim my brilliance and dampen my spirits, or I could choose to shine even brighter in the face of adversity. I opted for the latter.
My resilience, therefore, arises from a deep-seated determination to rise above circumstances that may seem discouraging or unfair. It is born from the conviction that my true potential can outshine any adversity and that, ultimately, my dedication and perseverance will lead me to success, regardless of the challenges I encounter. And I hope to be able to bring others with similar circumstances along that journey with me.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m a communications and business graduate of Grand Valley State University with over 15 years of experience in marketing, strategic planning, branding, and communications. My professional journey has been an enriching one, beginning in the A/E/C industry and culminating in a prominent role overseeing marketing efforts for a Fortune 100 CPG company. These diverse experiences have shaped me into a well-rounded professional, ready to tackle complex challenges in various industries.
Prior to founding Wright Touch, I served as the President of a boutique communications agency, a journey marked by significant achievements. Under my leadership, the agency earned recognition as one of Michigan’s 50 Companies to Watch and secured a spot on Forbes’ Top 200 list. Remarkably, becoming one of only 4.2% of women-led/women-owned businesses that exceeded the $1 million revenue milestone.
What truly distinguishes me is my approach to work – a belief in working smart, not just hard. I understand that success isn’t merely about long hours but involves executing tasks thoughtfully and strategically. This philosophy has guided me throughout my career and is a big reason I avoid hourly billing for my clients. They should pay for results, not thoroughness or the trial and error encountered during process improvement.
Wright Touch, is rooted in the belief that every company, irrespective of its size or industry, deserves excellence. Our expertise lies in crafting customer-centric brand and marketing strategies, with a special focus on developing compelling brand messaging. We firmly believe that strong brand messaging is central to long-term success, impacting both recruitment, sales, and the brand loyalty that leads to long-term sustainable growth.
Beyond my professional endeavors, I’m deeply committed to fostering diversity in the workforce and empowering the next generation of leaders, especially women. My involvement in organizations like the University of Michigan-Health West impACT Board and the Co-Chair of the Michigan Women Forward (MWF) Advisory Council reflects this passion.
I’m excited to share my journey and the work we do at Wright Touch. My aim is to leave a lasting impact, not only in the business world but also in the communities and causes I’m deeply passionate about.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
When reflecting on my journey, three qualities that have undeniably played a pivotal role in my success are confidence, effective project management skills, and an unwavering internal drive. Confidence, I believe, is a skill that develops over time, largely through experiencing and conquering challenges. It’s essential to embrace opportunities for growth, surround oneself with supportive mentors, and believe in one’s abilities. For project management skills, I’d advise early career professionals to cultivate the ability to handle multiple tasks efficiently by setting clear priorities and realistic deadlines. Seek out resources, courses, or mentors who can help you sharpen these skills. Lastly, maintaining an internal drive and dedication to deliver on commitments is non-negotiable. Discover your passion, align your actions with your goals, and continually strive for improvement. Remember, success often hinges on unwavering determination. So, be persistent and work diligently towards your objectives. These qualities, nurtured over time, can serve as the cornerstone of a successful journey.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
While I can engross myself in Brene Brown and Simon Sinek (I love them both dearly) the book that has profoundly influenced my development is “Manage Your Day-to-Day: Build Your Routine, Find Your Focus, and Sharpen Your Creative Mind.” It was gifted to me early in my career by a web development company I had hired during my tenure as a Marketing Manager. Later, as President of a creative agency, I purchased copies for my entire team because of the lasting impact it had on me.
One of the most valuable nuggets of wisdom from this book is the importance of cultivating a structured routine. The book emphasizes the significance of setting aside dedicated time for deep, focused work, which aligns with my belief in working smart, not just hard. It taught me that managing one’s day effectively is not about being constantly busy but about making deliberate choices to allocate time to tasks that truly matter. This idea became especially relevant when juggling multiple responsibilities in a leadership role. Another key insight was the concept of “creative rituals.” The book stressed the need to establish rituals or practices that put you in the right mindset for creative thinking. Overall, “Manage Your Day-to-Day” taught me that success is not about being perpetually busy but about managing your time and mindset effectively to achieve meaningful results.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wrighttouchmarketing.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wrighttouchconsulting
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wright05/
Image Credits
The photos are all mine
