How have you helped improve organizations you’ve been a part of? 

I have always tried to create an environment of understanding and collaboration. Everyone within an organization should feel valued and appreciated. My goal has been to show up with integrity and empathy as the best version of myself and to challenge others to be their best.

What motivates you? 

I love being able to make a positive impact in the lives of others – whether by providing guidance, offering a helping hand or simply being a source of encouragement. I am also motivated by knowing that we can achieve much more when we work together as a team than individually. 

Is there a memory or experience from your formative years that continues to influence your approach to life? 

Growing up, my dad had multiple jobs and taught me early on the importance of showing up and working hard. My mom went back to school to become a barber at a time when many women stayed home with their children. She taught me the importance of being a lifelong learner, taking risks and finishing what you start. My parents were always very active in the community and taught by example on helping others. 

What piece of advice would you give to others who hope to make a difference in their communities?

Don’t wait to be invited; actively seek out organizations you are passionate about, get involved and know you will make a difference. Remember that your time is one of the greatest resources you can give. 

Tell us about a time you failed (or at least you did from your own perception). 

Like others, I have failed many times. I grew the most when I learned that failures can be valuable lessons. The setback that I believe affected me the most was when I first applied for a sales position in the financial industry and was told I didn’t have what it would take to succeed. Initially, I was devastated and questioned my abilities. After the initial shock wore off, I used my network to help me realize my goal of being in sales. Looking back, that failure turned into one of the biggest blessings of my career, as it led me to where I am today. 

What is a favorite book, show, movie, podcast, etc., that you’d encourage others to consume? 

“Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill is one of my favorite books because it had a lasting impact on my approach to life. The book’s core message is that anyone can achieve success by following a certain set of principles, including developing a positive mental attitude, setting clear goals, taking action and maintaining a strong belief in one’s capabilities. It serves as a reminder that we often set our own limitations, and we underestimate the power of surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals.  

How do you try to find balance and joy in the many activities you take part in? 

Balance is a difficult thing, and I’ve learned over time that there is not true work-life balance, as we will always be shifting our time based on priorities. I have learned how to prioritize the different roles in my life at different times and have also learned how to say no when necessary. But I do think finding joy is easier and for me it comes when I am doing things to help others. I also think it is important to take time for ourselves to refresh and recharge! 

What is one of your guilty pleasures? 

Soft-serve vanilla ice cream.

What’s something many people don’t know about you? 

I play basketball in a granny basketball league as part of the Carlisle Lady Redbirds (2023 national champions). 

Anything else you want to add about yourself? 

I would want you to know that I am very fortunate to have a caring and loving husband, Brad, who has supported me every step of my career, and two beautiful girls, Liz and Emily, who allowed me to challenge them. 

What do you consider the greatest barrier to gender equity? 

I believe the greatest barrier to gender equity is around opportunities. Women need to be given opportunities in education, mentorship, networking and leadership. To provide more opportunities, we all need to be intentional.  

Who is an empowering woman that you look up to? 

This is a difficult question for me to answer, as I have had so many amazing women that have guided or mentored me, including parents, grandparents, teachers, academic advisers and numerous mentors. The most impactful woman that I look up to is my mom. She has been there every step of the way and is one of the strongest, most caring women I know. Another one would be Mother Teresa, as she inspired women her entire life through helping others and living with selflessness.

What will it take for women to achieve gender parity in leadership positions? 

As a society, we need to start instilling confidence in girls at a younger age. As these women enter the workforce, they will need to use this confidence to step up and ask for leadership roles. Their male counterparts will need to speak up as allies and provide opportunities.  Organizations will need to make gender parity a higher priority and look for opportunities to promote mentorship, sponsorship and leadership programs specifically designed for women. And we all need to understand that this will take time.  

What support would be most helpful for business leaders to provide for their women and nonbinary employees? 

I would encourage our business leaders to actively listen to their employees to determine their concerns and then take meaningful action. This includes providing them with a seat at the table, advocating for them when their voices are overshadowed and recognizing that embracing diversity strengthens the entire organization.

Fill in the blank: If gender equity were achieved, the world would look like ________.

A beautiful place. A place that provides equal enjoyment of opportunities, resources and respect for everyone. Workplaces would be diverse and inclusive, with equal representation and pay.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in family resource management with an emphasis in financial counseling from Iowa State University

Hometown: Fairbank, Iowa

Family: Husband, Brad; daughters Liz and Emily

Hobbies: Basketball, biking, traveling and golf

Words to live by: Work hard and always do the right thing.

Three notable accomplishments

• I was the first woman to receive the CapTrust Advisor of the Year as voted on by my colleagues.
• I founded the CapTrust Women’s Initiative, now called CapTrust AdvisHers. When I started at CapTrust, I was one of three women advisers (8% of the team). Since starting the initiative, more than 28% of the advisers at CapTrust are women, which is above industry average.
• I served on the Ronald McDonald board when the new house was built by Methodist and a new house was built within Mercy.

Watch Jean’s remarks

See all of the past Women of Influence honorees