At PepTalkHer, we’re on a mission to empower YOU to know your worth and understand your value in the workplace. And what better way to start than by asking our favourite women in business?
We sat down with Janelle Lynnae of Next Level Confident to discuss her career journey. Janelle is a keynote speaker, confidence coach, and world changer who loves helping women succeed. Without further ado, let’s get into our conversation with Janelle!
Meggie: Janelle, thank you so much for joining us here at PepTalkHer. We are big fans of your work with Next Level Confidence and are super excited to talk about all things career with you! So let’s get started off with a quick intro - how would you describe yourself in one sentence?
Janelle: I am a confident leader that loves living a life of sparkles and confetti!
Meggie: A life of sparkles and confetti sounds quite nice! Relating to how you might be described, what's your job title and how did you get where you are today?
Janelle: I am the Founder and CEO of Next Level Confident. Tbh, I used to think my life wasn't very valuable and I went through the motions for so many years. I felt like a hamster running on a wheel. I actually believed I was "supposed to" die young (you can listen to that whole story on my podcast, episode 1). After almost 8 years of believing that lie, I admitted the thoughts of death to some trusted mentors and they spoke truth over my life. They told me I was born for a specific purpose- our creator doesn't make mistakes. That night, I had a crazy mindset shift: I finally started believing that my life mattered and believing I get to live my whole life. After that I changed EVERYTHING. I changed my career, moved across the U.S., broke up with the man I had been with for 6 years… I just took crazy action on my life! I left behind everything mediocre and started expecting greatness. Of course it hasn't been a perfect journey but I am so proud of the life I'm living today! It breaks my heart how many women are held back by their limiting beliefs and don’t even realize it. I am so passionate about helping individuals uncover their limiting beliefs, claim their truth, shift their mindset, and live a life filled with purpose. Hence, launching Next Level Confident 3 years ago :)
“ It breaks my heart how many women are held back by their limiting beliefs and don’t even realize it”
Meggie: What an inspirational story! On the topic of confidence, have you ever felt like an imposter in your career? If so, How'd you move past this?
Janelle: Of course! I feel imposter syndrome every day. It's awesome! lol. I actually tell women in The Confidence Workshop (a workshop I host for women in STEM corporations) that if they DON'T feel imposter syndrome, they probably aren't stretching themselves enough. I think time & repetition is the only way to potentially move past it. But it's not a bad thing! It's a great thing. Embrace the stretchiness!!! :)
“Embrace the stretchiness!!!”
Meggie: Wow, love the ability to put a positive spin on things! Speaking of positivity, who is in your cheer squad? Love to know how important they've been in your journey
Janelle: My biggest cheerleader is my husband, Frankie. We pump each other's tires every day and remind each other how awesome we are! I wouldn't be where I am today without him. My parents, 3 brothers and best friends are extremely supportive of my business and they certainly cheer me on and vice versa. I've met a few female entrepreneurs in recent years that have actually become new best friends because they really get it. Having a community that understands your stage of life is so so helpful! I always remind myself that I'm the sum of the 5 people I hang around the most so it's VERY important for me to be around growth minded individuals as often as possible.
“Having a community that understands your stage of life is so so helpful!”
Meggie: Very true - it’s so important to our growth to surround ourselves with great people. On a different note, how do you prepare for negotiation conversations? We'd love to hear all your hacks & top tips or awesome advice you've received!
Janelle: I prepare for money conversations by: 1. Asking badass individuals in my space how much they are charging their clients, their pricing structures, etc so which helped me realize I was under-charging and encouraged me to raise my prices. 2. I read You Are a Badass at Making Money 4x in 2020 because I had a very unhealthy money mindset. Having an abundant money mindset is a game changer. 3. Before I have the money conversation, I write out all the numbers by hand in my journal and practice saying it out loud a few times so I'm prepared to ask for what I’m worth.
Meggie: So great that you have such a solid routine to prepare for negotiations! Thank you again, Janelle, for taking the time to sit down and chat with us. We appreciate all of your advice and insights!
Be sure to follow Janelle on Instagram @janelle_lynnae for more amazing content, and to follow her business @nextlevelconfident on Instagram, or on her website.