Spotlight on ... Janie van Hool

[three_column][/three_column][two_third_column_last]In 7 words or less, what do you do? Equip leaders to inspire followers.How did you get into this line of work? I started my career as an actress, trained at RADA for a career in classical theatre (my great love) and after 12 years (and the arrival of my 2 children) recognised a yearning for a new challenge. I took an MA in Voice Studies, anticipating a career in the entertainment business as a voice and dialect coach, but then I met a woman on a beach in Norfolk who happened to be head of management development for a bank. She invited me to do some work with the CEO and senior team at the bank and I loved it. It felt like all my skills and learning could be put to immediate, practical use and make a huge difference to their communication at a time of significant change.What sort of people do you work with? C-Suite and senior leaders and managers. More recently, we’ve been developing specific training with women’s groups, and also for some graduate populations for a couple of our clients, which I’ve loved.How do you know you're making a difference to the Omada clients you work with on their personal and leadership impact? How long does it take? I know we’re making a difference because clients tell us it is! I think because we use simple, practical tools and techniques that they can confidently use straight away, they are really buoyed up when a meeting, presentation, launch or difficult conversation goes well and they’re excited to tell someone! Happily, that’s often me or another member of the Omada team.I have worked with some clients over a number of years and our work evolves over time. I really appreciate those relationships and the trust that grows as we work together. However, in contrast, we often work with someone for one session lasting 3 hours and that’s enough to give them the insight, awareness and confidence to tackle a specific issue, or the tools to use as a new approach to communicating. They may come back for another session or top up after a few months or even a couple of years later.What's the rookie error that you most commonly come across in business leaders when working with them on their personal and leadership impact? Two things come to mind immediately. Firstly, leaders often assume that what they want to say will be what the listener hears. Communicating clearly and effectively in presentations, meetings and conversations needs planning and technique. An impression of effortlessness mostly has a wealth of skill, preparation and rehearsal behind it. Secondly, leaders often overlook or dismiss the impact of non-verbal communication. I am astonished at how little attention people pay to their voice and body when others take so much information from what they see and hear.Who is the most positively impacting person you've ever met? I don’t think I can pick just one. In the work we do, I meet incredible people every day – intelligent, ambitious, inspirational people. I am always inspired by stories of triumph over adversity. I think that’s why I love working with senior leaders – they have usually been through a lot to get where they are.