We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Janet Navarrette. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Janet below.
Hi Janet, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
Taylor Swift said it best, “if I was a man, I’d be THE MAN.” Being a short Asian woman has not done me any favors in a male dominant industry. It was when I was clearly working harder than my male counterparts, but completely overlooked for a promotion and asked to “prove myself” that I realized if I were to be effective and successful, I needed to be the one to create a space for people who look like me to be effective and successful.
I tried to keep up with the boys club, let my ego get the best of me, and in the end, I realized that wasn’t me. And instead of searching for a place for me to fit in, I’m on a mission to build that space for myself and others. A place where my team, clients, and community as a whole can thrive – no matter what they look like or where they come from.
Embrace who you are in any situation. Being the only person that looks like you means you have a unique offering that should be valued.
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 self-proclaimed fun expert, who proudly wears her heart on her sleeve. And my job is to primarily help people live their healthiest and most fun lives!
I started Gymparty, a fun virtual wellness program that helps everyday people find joy in fitness and nutrition. The program is inclusive, diverse, and community based – yet you still get that personalized touch.
My goal is to humble the fitness industry and show that true health and wellness starts within. To do this you have to be a certain kind of business owner. Every day I get to spend with my clients, a learn a little more about them. Week by week, I dive a little deeper. Month by month, I learn what makes them happy…what makes them laugh. To me, it’s more than just PRs, the number on scale, or what size you wear. It’s about connection and creating an environment where they feel their best.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1. There is no perfect time. There’s nothing wrong with not knowing the answers right away or learning as you go. So, if you’re passionate about something, jump on it!
2. You’re going to get a lot of advice. From other owners, Tik Tok, hey even this article! Listen, watch, read, but at the end of the day you’ll know what’s right for you. Pick and choose what speaks to you and cut the rest of the noise out.
3. Put your family and those who are most important to you above everything. Business and work will always be there, but family time is irreplaceable.
Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?
I’m a new mom! With that comes a lot of learning, new anxieties to work through, and next level time management. I’m lucky because I have a true partner in my husband and we make a great team. But internally, I have been going through a roller coaster of emotions. Being a business owner and mom means giving a lot of my time to others and my son so it’s been me trying to find what will fill my cup so I can continue to give.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gymparty.com/family-fitness
- Instagram: @gymparty_
- Facebook: Janet Navarrette
- Linkedin: janetnavarrette
