Full name: Jodi Detjen
Current title & company: Associate Dean of Innovative Education and Programs, Associate Professor of Practice, Executive Director of the MBA Program
Do you have an “aha moment” in your career? Not really. For me, it’s been a series of adaptations and figuring out what I enjoy and what’s draining me. There have been pivotal moments throughout my career when a mentor or manager recognized my potential and asked me to take on additional responsibility. I am a big believer that there are no HUGE moments.
Is there a mentor in your life who helped you get where you are today? So many. As my answer above, I have had multiple people in my career who have guided me. People at each stage noticed something in me and helped me to see that I had more to offer. I would also say that my business partner, Kelly Watson, has helped significantly, as her partnership gave me the confidence to build the business and write two books.
What is a piece of advice you’d want a 20-year-old you to hear? Just start. Don’t worry about “passion” or the perfect career. Start where you are and move towards what you enjoy and away from what drains you. And this will change. Life doesn’t show up perfectly packaged. Just start, reflect and pay attention.
What is success for you? For me, success is having the power to influence and direct change. I enjoy creating opportunities that improve people’s lives. Bringing more openness and freedom into processes and ideas and people’s working life. Plus, I do enjoy making money. I think it’s important for women to say that. I like making money and the freedom – and power – that gives me.
What is something you love doing? Traveling. I would travel all the time if I could.