Dr. Janelle Wells is an Associate Professor at the University of South Florida and the Co-founder and Impact Coach at WellsQuest, a firm dedicated to fostering the growth of leaders, teams, and cultures through individualized and transformative development programs. She worked as an Assistant Volleyball Coach at Indiana University and as an Assistant Professor at Florida State University before co-founding WellsQuest. Dr. Wells has significantly contributed to research in organizational behavior, focusing on leadership, career development, and gender equity, with her work published in reputable journals and Business of eSports: The Wild Wild West on Fire, a book she co-authored in 2019. Beyond her professional endeavors, Dr. Wells is deeply involved in community service and advocacy for women in sports and events.
Here’s a Glimpse of What You’ll Learn:
- [0:05] Introduction to Dr. Janelle Wells’ background and her work in academia and leadership consulting.
- [3:45] Janelle shares how her experience as a collegiate athlete shaped her approach to leadership and personal development.
- [7:30] Discussion on her Ph.D. journey in Sport Management and how it applies to her research in organizational behavior.
- [10:50] Janelle’s transition from being an athlete to becoming a researcher and professor in leadership and management.
- [14:05] How Janelle uses her research and knowledge to mentor and inspire her students in both academic and professional settings.
- [17:22] The importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in sports and business, and how Janelle incorporates these values in her work.
- [22:14] Balancing academic responsibilities with leadership consulting and making an impact outside the classroom.
- [26:03] Practical advice for emerging leaders on finding balance and managing personal development.
- [30:11] The value of mentorship in career advancement and how Janelle helps guide future leaders.
- [34:56] Janelle’s thoughts on the future of sports management and leadership education.
- [39:42] Final reflections on the importance of collaboration and humility in leadership.
In This Episode…
What does it take to build a thriving community of leaders, particularly in the dynamic fields of sports, media, and entertainment? Can lessons learned from the classroom help create a thriving community of impact leaders?
According to Dr. Janelle Wells, a distinguished educator, researcher, and leadership coach, the answer is a resounding “yes.” Drawing on her extensive experience in sports and academics, Dr. Wells emphasizes the critical role of middle managers and the need for intentional leadership development across all levels of an organization. She advocates for a holistic approach combining rigorous research with practical applications, highlighting the power of personal growth, resilience, and the strategic empowerment of emerging leaders. Through her work, Dr. Wells illustrates how investing in people can drive transformative change and foster a community of leaders poised to navigate the challenges of today’s ever-evolving landscape.
In this episode of WRK & WIN, host Corinne Milien welcomes Dr. Janelle Wells, Co-founder and Impact Coach at WellsQuest, to delve into her vision for the future of leadership. They explore the significance of supporting middle managers, the impact of innovative partnerships in sports and education, and Dr. Wells’ personal inspirations and approaches to continuous learning and professional development.
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
- Corinne Milien on LinkedIn
- WRK
- Dr. Janelle Wells on LinkedIn
- WellsQuest
- “Championing Authentic DE&I Transformation in Sports and Beyond With Nona Lee” on the WRK & WIN podcast
- “[Entrepreneur Series] Embracing Unconventional Paths to Success in Branding With Will Baggett” on the WRK & WIN podcast
- “[Entrepreneur Series] – Breaking Boundaries in Sports Mental Health With Dr. T.M. Robinson-Mosley” on the WRK & WIN podcast
- Business of Esports: The Wild Wild West on Fire
- Wasserman The Collective
- Laura Waters-Brown on LinkedIn
- Ethos Cannabis
- Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx
- Sianneh Mulbah on LinkedIn
- Ethan Casson on LinkedIn
- Brown University
- Marvin Lewis on LinkedIn
- Shoshanna Engel Lewis on LinkedIn
- Dr. Doreen MacAulay on LinkedIn
- Re:Thinking With Adam Grant
- Brené Brown
- Amy Edmondson on LinkedIn
Sponsor for this episode…
This episode is brought to you by WRK.
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