Jana Sanchez

Leaders trust Jana to help them communicate more powerfully with stakeholders, customers, employees and the media. Her special talent is being able to synthesize the best qualities about people, programs and products into compelling prose and to help leaders be prepared to speak their truth at all times. Jana works with individuals and teams.

Were you troublesome or sweet as a child?

As a child, I was always a perfect student and the “good” one among my siblings. I had a strong sense of justice and fairness, which did get me into trouble from time to time.

What drives you?

In the broadest sense, I am driven to make the world a better place. I only work on projects and with people who share the same vision.

On a one-on-one basis, that means helping leaders be better able to persuade others about their plans and their successes. I’ve known so many people who were doing amazing work but they are sometimes frustrated by lack of support for their plans or perhaps not being recognized for their contributions.

I’ve found that simply by listening to them, and processing what I hear, I can immediately help them see their own strengths and to be able to communicate those strengths more effectively to others. Armed with that knowledge, they are more likely to get people on board with their plans and for others to better appreciate their value.

I am extremely curious about people. I want to understand how they think and get to know them. My clients understand that I care about them and that I am invested in their success.

Is this your ideal profession?

Yes. It really is. At my age and after decades of experience in journalism, PR and politics, this is the perfect culmination of my experience and expertise. I love my work every single day. I love meeting inspiring leaders and forming long-lasting relationships with my clients.

Are you an idealist or an optimist?

I’m 100 percent an optimist. I always see the potential in people and projects. I believe good will triumph.

On the other hand, after so many years of being a journalist, and because of my curiosity, I am able to envision the traps where things can go wrong. So, while I constantly believe in success, I can take the time to think strategically about what could stand in the way of success. This means I can be a good sparring partner for clients and help them anticipate difficult questions and challenges.

What do you add to a team?

I am a connector – of people and ideas. I’m able to see connections where others don’t and bring in the right people to help solve problems or create opportunity. Because I’m constantly building my network of co-conspirators, I generally know someone who knows how to do the thing we need.

Why are you a Friend of Stark?

I’m a Friend of Stark, because of my long-standing relationship with the firm. I know their commitment to clients and colleagues and want to continue to work alongside them for as long as possible.