Meet Janet Eden-Harris: Business consultant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Janet Eden-Harris and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Janet, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
The value that matters to me most comes from a client I have worked with that uses it as part of their values framework: Give Joy. One might wonder how the concept of Giving Joy fits into making business successful. But it is at the root of every business discipline that drives growth. We give joy when we build great products and solutions that relieve challenges for our customers We give joy when we mentor our colleagues as leaders and help them experience what they’re capable of. It’s the definition of excellent management skills We give joy when we make the myriad business decisions that impact how we operate, when choosing them through the lens of making the organization a great place to work, and one that stands up for its customers We give joy when we manage the business finances to provide for the business. At the end of my career, it’s highly doubtful that I will be remembered for the many decisions I made, the sales I have closed, the product decisions I’ve driven, or pricing recommendations. I believe if I do it right, I will be remembered for helping others be great. And hopefully…for giving joy. 

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I have had the enormous privilege of working both inside and outside of firms throughout my career, as an employee, a senior leader, and as a CEO. Those various perspectives have given me the most enormous range to learn from: how do big public companies operate and make decisions? What do those kinds of resources provide? What do they stymie? Similarly, having spent several years as a CEO where we grew the business and ultimately sold it successfully, I appreciate the power and the loneliness of being in the top seat. I know what it means to be working on that really big deal or new product to set the company on the path to success. As a consultant to businesses–mostly in the high tech arena, I can bring that range of experiences to common challenges faced by CEO’s. My ‘zone of genius’ lies most comfortably in the sales and marketing function, as I’ve been Chief Marketing Officer and VP Strategy for both public and private companies.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Boulder is a fantastic place to visit. Let’s start with the outdoors. Regardless of the season, we should visit and hike the Mesa Trail to get an unparalleled view of the plains and a feel for the mountains, all in one day. Then, if it’s summer time, let’s stop in at the Chautauqua concert hall to pick up a concert of your choosing. Love classical music? Let’s do it. A popular artist like the Indigo Girls? They’re amazing. Next up, let’s do a little road trip up the canyon to the Peak to Peak highway to see what it feels like to drive across the Continental divide and take in the views found no where else. We can stop in to grab a bit to eat in Nederland at the Sundance Cafe. Let’s also plan a visit to the Celestial Seasons tea factory where we can tour their facility and walk into their peppermint room–an amazing sensation. We can round it out with a visit to the Dushanbe Tea House in downtown Boulder to sample their international teas and delicious food, all inside a rebuilt temple from Boulder’s sister city, Dushanbe. And since we’re there, we have to then head over to the Boulder downtown mall. The iconic mall is home to hundreds of stores, restaurants, street vendors and entertainment. There is something for everyone on the mall, even if it’s just a pleasant stroll among the beautiful landscaping and lights. And if you love food, Boulder is a great place to visit, with as many great restaurants per capita as New York City. From Kimbal Musk’s The Kitchen (yes, THAT Musk–Elon’s talented brother), to the award-winning Frasca, to low brow but fun The Rio, Boulder has restaurants for every taste.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
If not for the patience, love, encouragement, pick-me-up-when-I’m-down, advice, and support of my husband Paul Harris, I could not have had the success I’ve been lucky enough to achieve. He’s been beside me every step of the way.

Website: eden-harris.com
Instagram: janetedenharris
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janet-eden-harris-317705/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jedenharris