Kathryn Janicek is the three-time Emmy-winning media and public speaking trainer who helps leaders communicate more effectively to build trust with internal and external audiences and get the ROI from every media and public speaking opportunity.

Sarah's unique background spans clinical work, healthcare technology, and Salesforce administration. With over 11 years of experience in healthcare and software at Salesforce and other companies, Sarah has a proven track record of directing and leading sales teams, cultivating lasting partnerships, training, project management, technical writing, and optimizing operations. She holds a bachelor's in psychology and is a certified alcohol and drug counselor and weight loss specialist. Sarah leverages her psychology background and passion for cultivating human connections to uncover client needs and bring a deep understanding of the power of personal branding, strategic communications, and public speaking. Her role involves developing lasting relationships, truly understanding our client's needs, leading enablement, relationship, and wellness coaching, and ensuring clients achieve their communication and branding goals with confidence and clarity.

Ted Wright is a seasoned sales and marketing expert who helps companies sharpen their strategies to drive growth and client engagement. With over two decades of experience leading software and technology sales teams and an additional ten years in healthcare administration, he specializes in connecting with clients through refined sales processes, strategic market positioning, executive presence, and media visibility.

Wright excels at helping organizations craft compelling value propositions, navigate market trends, and analyze competitor strengths. He trains and coaches sales teams to build authentic relationships, manage priorities effectively, and exceed client expectations by delivering valuable, solution-driven insights relevant to their daily struggles. His leadership approach is rooted in direct communication, structured methodology, autonomy, authenticity, and actionable feedback. Wright also champions collaboration between sales and marketing teams, ensuring they adapt their strategies to resonate with diverse prospects.

Ryan Hussey brings over ten years of expertise in healthcare marketing, product management, and strategic branding to Janicek Performance Group. As the Director of Brand & Thought Leadership Strategy, Ryan is passionate about storytelling that drives impact, crafting compelling narratives, and creating exceptional customer experiences.

With a strong foundation in clinical marketing, product development, and commercialization, Ryan has successfully led cross-functional teams, developed innovative products, and executed multi-channel campaigns that resonate with diverse audiences. His leadership experience spans surgeon education, brand management, and product lifecycle strategies, ensuring alignment with customer needs and market dynamics.

Ryan’s mission is to empower leaders to amplify their voices and inspire action, helping them shape stronger brands and drive meaningful growth.

Dr. Brandy Hadden, PhD, is an expert in media relations, executive communication, and public relations strategy, helping leaders enhance their visibility and influence. With nearly two decades of experience in journalism, news media, trade publications, corporate communications, corporate marketing, and content strategy, she has worked across industries to craft compelling messaging, oversee press relations, strengthen executive presence, lead editorial strategy, media outreach, and brand storytelling. She has also held corporate marketing leadership roles, managing content across websites, press releases, social media, advertising, and executive messaging.

Dr. Hadden holds a PhD in Rhetoric from Duquesne University, with academic research focused on communication ethics and integrated marketing communication. She is also an adjunct professor at multiple universities, bilingual (English and Spanish), a published author, and has coached both executives and professional athletes. As an Executive Media, PR, & Communication Coach at Janicek Performance Group, Dr. Hadden equips executives, Fortune 500 leaders, nonprofit directors, and educational institutions with the tools to communicate effectively, navigate media engagements, and establish lasting industry credibility.

Stef Tovar is an award-winning professional actor, author, and on-camera coach with over 25 years of experience in the industry. With a robust career in Los Angeles and Chicago, Stef has excelled in commercials, television, film, theatre, and musical theatre. As the founder and artistic director of the Equity theatre company Route 66, Stef produced and performed shows in L.A., Chicago, and New York Off-Broadway for over a decade.

Stef's breakout on-screen role came as Dr. Arrington in Steven Soderbergh's Contagion. Since 2017, he has been focused passionately on coaching and teaching, sharing his expertise through his book, THE MAP: An Actor’s Guide to On-Camera Acting, published by Applause Books in 2021. Stef loves helping others achieve on-camera success and teaches his on-camera workshop at universities, acting studios, and casting offices across the country. He has worked with the likes of Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow, Fred Willard, Matt Dillon, Christina Applegate, and Colin Farrell. He has coached hundreds of clients ranging from the rapper Rhymefest to members of the National Bar Association. He is passionate about helping others and trusts that he gives his clients what it takes to achieve on-camera success.

Ruthie Landis is a Mindset & Executive Presence Coach and Body-Centered Psychotherapist, with an M.A. in Human Development from Northwestern University. She blends a wide variety of advanced skills and innovative modalities, collaborating with clients as they focus on their many layers. She teaches clients how to read the data their body language expresses, links it to their mindset and motivations, and gets to the obstacles that inhibit them from being fully present, intentional, and comfortable in their own skin. From that place of unbridled presence, the individual is able to inspire others, lead creatively and effectively, and embody their expertise with generosity, instilling trust and commitment from those they lead, collaborate with, and guide. She is an expert on personality and uses experiential learning drawn from her many years as a director, actor, and acting teacher. She is a master of leadership skills, specializing in C-suite executive coaching, team building, and communication clarity. Ruthie focuses on body-centered psychotherapy/coaching, enhancing emotional intelligence, and expanding awareness. She is a best-selling author and award-winning international workshop presenter. National workshops include clients such as Miller Brewing Sales Executives, ABC Network TV Sales Executives, Illinois Mediators Association, and the Illinois Association of Public Speakers, working with issues such as presentation skills, image development, teamwork, sales and communication techniques, creativity, and performance.

Jennifer Hammond is a two-time Emmy-winning sports reporter who pours her passion for telling engaging stories and serving her community into her 25+ year career with the Fox TV station in Detroit, Michigan. After starting her media career in Chicago, Jennifer moved to Detroit and has covered the Red Wings Stanley Cup runs, the Lions, the Tigers, the Pistons, MSU, and University of Michigan football. Jennifer understands the unique challenges of delivering memorable messaging in both live broadcast and recorded settings. This perspective allows her to provide our clients with valuable insight and guidance to help them feel confident on camera, on stage, in boardrooms, and everywhere in between.

Dana Black has been a communications coach, public speaker, moderator, corporate emcee, podcaster, storyteller, and a SAG-AFTRA TV/film/voiceover actor for over 15 years. Dana has performed on stages throughout Chicago and beyond and loves commanding a room using vulnerability, creativity, a little sass, and a lot of heart. Dana is also a speaker delivery coach for TEDxChicago, and is certified in Executive Presence through eCornell University. She loves helping people craft THEIR stories and messaging with more ease, confidence, and authenticity. She is rooting for you!

Meg Lister is a Speech-Language Pathologist, an Assistant Professor at Syracuse University, and an expert in the diagnosis and treatment of dialect, speech, language, and reading disorders. She is passionate about advancing the field of Speech-Language Pathology and enhancing the quality of life for individuals facing communication challenges. Meg has over 20 years of experience in teaching, mentoring, and implementation science in Communication Sciences and Disorders.

She has a robust background and expertise in speech sound coaching, language disorders, articulation, dyslexia, autism spectrum disorders, and developmental disabilities. I have effectively collaborated with a range of stakeholders, including schools, clinics, and families, delivering evidence-based assessment and intervention, ensuring a comprehensive and compassionate approach to addressing the complex landscape of communication disorders. Meg earned her Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders at the Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions.

Jewel is a dynamic coach with over 20 years of corporate background and experience mentoring leaders to succeed. As a trainer and operations director, she mentored all levels of companies, including managers, owners, and the C-suite. Jewel's coaching style is collaborative, empowering, and tailored to each client's needs. She specializes in guiding clients to escape and manage burnout, with time management issues, conflict resolution, developing a positive organizational culture, improving personal well-being, and tapping into their emotional intelligence and civility. Jewel's holistic methodology considers various aspects of life, including career, personal development, and overall well-being. She believes in the transformative power of coaching, empowering individuals to achieve their goals and reach new heights of success. 

Jewel's extensive corporate background as a leader means she brings an understanding of the unique challenges that come with leadership roles. Her coaching style is designed to help individuals and organizations overcome obstacles to achieve their goals while maintaining a positive and productive work environment.

Jena Lacaba is the Head of Client Success & Project Coordination, bringing a wealth of experience as a licensed educator, strategic leader, and project manager. With a professional degree in Secondary Education, Jena excels in enhancing organizational efficiency and delivering exceptional client support. Her diverse career encompasses roles in academia, corporate training coordination, and student activities management, where she has successfully driven leadership development, event planning, and data analysis initiatives. Passionate about empowering individuals through effective communication strategies, Jena is committed to fostering community engagement and supporting personal development for both clients and team members.

​​Taylor Darcy is a certified makeup artist with a BFA in Digital Cinema, which gives her a deep understanding of how lighting and lenses affect on-camera appearances. Specializing in camera-ready makeup for both men and women, she is trained in on-camera, bridal, special effects, and editorial styles. With over six years of experience in fashion styling both on and off camera, Taylor focuses on enhancing natural beauty and helping clients express themselves through their wardrobe. She believes that style has no age limit and that true beauty comes from feeling strong and healthy inside and out—a philosophy she also brings into her work as a certified personal trainer, promoting holistic wellness and confidence.

Megan Johns is an experienced teacher, director, and performer. Megan uses her acting and comedy training to encourage confident leaders to blossom into their unique selves and develop their messaging to have a greater impact. Megan trained with The Second City, iO (Improv Olympic), and The Annoyance Improv and Sketch Comedy Theater while writing, performing, and directing several shows. She co-produces and performs in comedy shows and has taught improv at The Annoyance Theater for over a decade. In addition to working in the corporate world for over 10 years, she was also a founding member of The New Coordinates Theater company, devising all new work for global stages, and has performed off-Broadway in New York and in Chicago. These days, she gains the most joy from empowering others. She graduated with a degree in Graphic Design and a minor in Art History from James Madison University.

Darlene Obiyan is a seasoned makeup artist with over two decades of experience in the luxury retail beauty industry. Kathryn Janicek met Darlene years ago when she hired her to do her makeup for the Emmys. Now, Darlene helps our clients learn how to put their best face forward. Darlene’s love for makeup started as a young girl watching her mother put on makeup so beautifully. After graduating from Chicago State University with a degree in Business Management, her interest in makeup continued to grow as she managed several retail establishments. Darlene’s artistry can be described as clean, classic, timeless, and elegant. Her goal is to provide an enjoyable experience while helping you look amazing.

Laura Chavez is an award-winning journalist with a passion for her profession. Laura is a reporter and producer for the national television program Matter Of Fact with Soledad O'Brien. Starting in 2008, her career allowed her to cover several historic events ranging from the inaugurations of several United States presidents to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Laura worked for several TV news stations in Washington, D.C., and Chicago, both in front of and behind the camera. She also produced and directed shows and docu-series for major networks, including Discovery, HGTV, FYI, A&E, and Food Network.

We love shooting videos with Elliot Burlingham in his soundstage studio in the Chicago area and worldwide. Elliot's dedication to his craft is always evident. Besides his technical skills and adaptability, Elliot is comfortable with his ability to make people look and sound great on camera and has an eye for beauty, lighting, and composition.