Wednesday Winning - Janet Neal

Today we are featuring an amazing mentor to me, Janet Neal. I met Janet 12 years ago in the Spiritual Psychology Masters Degree at The University of Santa Monica. Janet has made such an impact on my life, both personally and professionally, as an entrepreneur, a coach, an author, a speaker, a wife and mother. Janet's mission is to support women in becoming a Superbwoman - one who is comfortable in her own skin, has taken the time to understand her strengths, values, gifts and passions and has aligned her life to enable them to be used to do amazing things for the betterment of all. Janet is the very proud mother of three amazing young adults. 

What happened or inspired you to start your business? 

Which one! My initial business was started when I realized both a) my soul was suffering in my corporate job and b) I had a vision and gifts to use to help others who were feeling the same. This current iteration, The Superbwoman, was begun when I was realizing it was time to get back to honoring myself (after having to close the doors on my beloved Professional Women’s Center three years earlier). I looked around to see what was happening in the world and came up with three realizations: 1) The world is a mess, 2) Women have the power to change the world in an instant…when we realize it, and 3) I can help women realize how innately powerful they are. 

How does spirituality impact your business? 

I use a very holistic approach to life and business and bring that into everything I do. 

How do you stay motivated through the ups and downs of owning your own business? 

Surround yourself with good people. Make sure that you are taking time for yourself. Be very clear about your long-term and short-term goals and stay focused. And trust that you are being guided.

What would you tell the younger you just starting her business?

You can do this! Just keep going...

How do you balance your clients, professional projects and personal commitments?

Very well. I have learned how to prioritize what is truly important to me. I have learned not to overbook myself and on those days when it can’t be avoided, I make sure to find quiet time to unwind a bit. 

What has been your biggest challenge and how did you overcome?

The initial biggest challenge was leaving my corporate job to start an entrepreneurial venture…when I had NO support at home. No one in my family thought it was a good idea, except me. It was the biggest lesson in trusting my gut and believing that the Universe had my back. The second biggest challenge was coming back from the “failure” of my Women’s Center, which I had to close due to the recession and not being able to get investors at the time to see me through the second year of operation. Again, the Universe had my back and I was offered two different jobs with friends that gave me the safety net I needed while I grieved the loss of that dream. It took me three years, but I needed that time and came back even stronger. 

What project are you most excited about right now?

My second book, The Superbwoman, comes out in January. It’s a parable, the story of a stressed out single working mom who sees a media icon who seems to have it all and she goes on a journey to figure out how she does it. It’s the stories and the wisdom she gets from the women she meets on her path. I am so excited to bring this message of hope and strength to so many more women out there who so need it! We’ve got this! To learn more visit Janet's website: http://www.janetmneal.com/ to learn more about her first book, her speaking and coaching.