Jana Etheridge is a senior vice president and chief of staff at Capital One. With deep leadership experience in the financial services industry, she has excelled in a variety of roles ranging from customer experience and personal financial planning to local government relations and philanthropy. Etheridge spoke at the 2018 Women in Business Summit.
What experiences, training or education prepared you best?
My mother was a great role model for me. She grew up in a small town with few resources, married young, and never went to college. As soon as I started elementary school, my mom decided to take a role with an insurance company as a temporary worker. They saw something in her. Part-time work turned into full-time work, which turned into permanent employment, which turned into team leadership roles, which then turned into middle management, and finally, she made her way her way to the executive ranks, in many cases being the “first female.” As a leader, she taught me incredible lessons about being your authentic self, treating everyone equally, and always remaining humble no matter how old you are. I have carried these lessons and many more with me throughout my career journey.
What advice would you give to others?
I’ve always loved the concept of having superpowers (huge shout out to my executive coach!). My advice would be to think about your superpowers and how the work you’re doing aligns (or doesn’t) with them. Then lean back, not far from those superpowers. Once you hug them, unlocking is limitless!
What is a recurring obstacle for you? (Time, money, attitude, location, knowledge, etc.) What strategies are you using to overcome it?
Many of us, myself included, are not good at saying no, which results in packed calendars, dedicated evenings and weekends, and limited time for the things that really matter to us, professionally or personally, and in ultimately leads to fatigue and burnout. Learning how to say “not now” or “no, and here’s another solution” can be powerful. I try to be intentional about the extra things I want to commit to myself and then stick to that framework.
What do you think the future holds for women in the business world?
The progress that has been made in the business world over the last few decades is incredible, and I don’t think we’re done yet. I think the future will have more women at the top of companies, as well as more women in board positions.
What do you wish you had known before?
I wish I had known how capable I was earlier in my career. I wonder what else I might have accomplished.
How has the business world changed since the beginning of your career?
The business world has changed for the better in many ways since I started my career in the 90s. I think the biggest difference is that there is significantly more diversity in the workplace, including race, gender, orientation, diversity of thought, problem solving, and generally different perspectives. While there is more we all want to do to increase the number of diverse voices in the workplace, it is refreshing to look around and see a much more diverse group of colleagues compared to when I started.
How have you changed?
As I reflect on my nearly 30-year career, what I’ve found is that focusing on the confidence to be exactly who I am has been central to how I approach my work and my life. I feel that I am essentially the same person; however, I’ve definitely been able to feel completely comfortable in my own skin and embrace my unique superpowers.
What obstacles have you encountered?
My biggest obstacle was my self-doubt and negative self-talk. A few years ago, I decided that being my worst critic, and sometimes my worst, was unhealthy and a waste of time. Those around me reinforced what I did well and what adjustments I could make to become even better. I was the only one who was overly critical of me. Reframing my thoughts about why I am uniquely suited to take on a new challenge or learn something new, and not uniquely suited to do other things, and being okay with that , it was truly a liberating change for me.
What experiences, training or education prepared you best?
My mother was a great role model for me. She grew up in a small town with few resources, married young, and never went to college. As soon as I started elementary school, my mom decided to take a role with an insurance company as a temporary worker. They saw something in her. Part-time work turned into full-time work, which turned into permanent employment, which turned into team leadership roles, which then turned into middle management, and finally, she made her way her way to the Executive ranks, in many cases being the “first female.” As a leader, she taught me incredible lessons about being your authentic self, treating everyone equally, and always remaining humble no matter how old you are. I have carried these lessons and many more with me throughout my career journey.
What has helped you the most in your career?
I have always been interested in learning from those with different perspectives, views and experiences. As a result, I have chosen to build and work with diverse teams of really smart and talented individuals. I’ve found that not only does this lead to better solutions and results, but it helps me continually grow as a leader.
What is the best advice you have received?
The best advice I’ve received is to take time and think about a situation from different perspectives, not just my own.
Which book had the most influence on you and your career?
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People continues to be a practical staple for me.
Exponential organizations has been an interesting read lately as we think about transformation at scale. The other Wes Moore is an engaging read that parallels the real lives of two young men and the decisions each made that resulted in markedly different outcomes. It is really thought provoking and I would highly recommend it.
What is your personal brand and how do you nurture it?
I strive to build and maintain a personal brand as an authentic leader who uses her position and expertise to unleash the superpowers of others while creating a safe and open environment for them to succeed.
What do you think the future holds for women in the business world?
The progress that has been made in the business world over the last few decades is incredible, and I don’t think we’re done yet. I think the future will have more women at the top of companies, as well as more women in board positions.
Local profileThe 21st annual Women in Business Summit will be held on September 30 at the Renaissance Dallas at the Plano Legacy West Hotel. Click here for tickets.