About Jane Sanders

Jane Sanders, author of “GenderSmart® - Solving The communication Puzzle Between Men and Women”, is one of the nation’s foremost experts on gender issues and communication. As founder of her own successful consulting firm, she has worked with all corporate levels from executives to field personnel for over 14 years.

Prior to starting to her consulting firm, Jane’s professional background included nine years of sales and marketing positions with Carnation Company (now Nestlé Foods), followed by eight years’ experience with an international strategic graphics design firm as SVP of account service. (This work came on the heels of such esteemed earlier positions during her teenage years as Counter Girl at Kentucky Fried Chicken, research assistant, lifeguard, water safety instructor, bank teller, and university bursar’s office clerk.) Jane’s education consists of a double BS degree in Public Relations and Speech from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, several additional psychology classes, and an MBA from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles.

In addition to the ongoing secondary research Jane conducts, she interviewed over 80 women, managers, and recruiters in order to identify standards for women’s career expectations, desires, and demands. She has been educating workforce personnel at all levels on gender communication differences and skills for 14 years. Jane also has coached men and women in both field and leadership positions, as well as managers and executives.

As a testament to the excellence of her work, over 95% of Jane’s business is repeat and referral. This very high percentage means that her clients continuously bring her back, and her audience members frequently refer her to other companies and associations.

Jane has significant media experience, having been interviewed on television and radio about her areas of expertise. She has also hosted numerous live on-air TV pledge events for PBS, working with other experts and authors including Suze Orman, Wayne Dyer, Christiane Northrup, Andrew Weil, Nicholas Perricone, and others.

Born and raised in southern Illinois, Jane’s Midwestern roots still influence her friendly, approachable demeanor which can disarm and delight at the same time. Hearing an occasional “I’m on that like green on grass and a duck on a June bug!” or “Oh pooey” is not uncommon (although rare in the CEO’s office...but it depends on the CEO!). At the same time, her sharp intelligence shines through – by way of insightful observations, sound solutions, and quick wit. In addition to her study and research on gender issues, decades of interaction with six siblings and fifteen nieces and nephews continue to contribute significantly to her communications expertise.

Walking her talk as a consultant with first-hand knowledge of the importance of work/life balance, Jane is also an avid horsewoman, often seen galloping up ocean-view mountain trails in Malibu on her chestnut quarter horse, Beau. Her impassioned “YEE-HAW!”s or “YA-HOO”s can sometimes be heard echoing through the canyon. See Equine Friends for more information about Jane’s life outside of her GenderSmart work.

Similar to Jane’s work with horses, effective communication between men and women, along with retention and leadership preparation of women, take commitment, consistency, and practice. With expert guidance, mutual respect, and flexibility, companies and employees alike can all enjoy success, and become GenderSmart!