Unstuck: BevSource Founder Janet Johanson Shares her Lessons in Growing and Exiting a Business

Proven Not Perfect

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What if the secret to navigating life's obstacles isn't finding the perfect map, but developing a mindset that always sees options? Janet's remarkable journey from unemployed 24-year-old to successful business founder and philanthropist offers powerful insights on leadership evolution that will transform how you approach challenges.
Janet didn't set out with a grand strategic vision when founding BevSource. She simply needed a job after being laid off from a brewery. This necessity-driven beginning evolved into a thriving business that would eventually attract private equity investment. Along the way, she transformed from someone "super driven, somewhat selfish" into a leader described as patient, empathetic, and focused on serving others.
The cornerstone of Janet's success? A mindset that consistently sees paths forward when others see only walls. "My mom always said you always have an option," she explains. This foundation became her leadership superpower—being what she calls an "unstucker," someone who helps people navigate life's maze by showing them strengths they haven't yet recognized in themselves.
During our conversation, Janet shares the profound advice that changed her approach to business challenges: "You can turn a company around in 90 days or kill it in 90 days. Make a decision." She reveals how a leader's energy dramatically influences an entire organization, why self-care isn't selfish but essential for effective leadership, and how her definition of success evolved from financial wealth to witnessing others thrive.
Whether you're starting a new venture, facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles, or wondering what your next chapter holds, Janet's story offers a masterclass in viewing difficulties not as burdens but as opportunities to develop skills you'll need later. Her journey reminds us that true success comes not from accumulating wealth, but from helping others discover their own potential while navigating life with curiosity, resilience, and an unwavering belief that options always exist—even when we can't immediately see them.

Drive, Ambition, Doing, Leading, Creating... all good until we forget about our own self-care. This Village of All-Stars pays it forward with transparency about misses and celebration in winning. We cover many topics and keep it 100. We are Proven Not Perfect™️
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Chapters

1. Leadership Qualities and Self-Reflection (00:00:00)

2. Founding BevSource at 24 (00:04:48)

3. Navigating Tough Decisions as a Leader (00:09:04)

4. Mindset: The Foundation of Success (00:15:07)

5. Transitioning from CEO to Philanthropy (00:20:27)

6. Redefining Success and Future Focus (00:26:09)