The Leading Note: Janette Benaddi with 'Rowing the Ocean of Success: Lessons in Leadership, Teamwork, and Triumph'

Janette Benaddi was born in Leeds, Yorkshire. After leaving school at the age of 16 without many formal qualifications, Janette went straight to work as a receptionist in a local doctor’s surgery. It was there she decided she wanted to be a nurse, so whilst working full time, she re-entered education to gain the qualifications she needed and was then able to train at York District Hospital and qualified as a registered nurse in 1988. She worked as a nurse for some years before moving into teaching and then counselling and subsequently the pharmaceutical and medical technology industries in sales and marketing roles. She progressed very quickly to senior positions in global organisations and FTSE 100 companies. After a successful career in sales and marketing and regulatory roles, Janette moved to Paris and became an Associate at a respected French consulting group. When Janette came back to the UK she set up her first company, a clinical research organisation and consultancy offering services to the medical device and pharmaceutical industry. Five years later, she set up a training company and a recruitment company as part of the group. All three companies she grew and retained full ownership of until she successfully sold the companies with the aim of retirement. She spent two years on integration of the businesses and then instead of retiring, set off to row across the Atlantic Ocean as the Skipper of ‘Yorkshire Rows’, gaining a Guinness world record in the process. Together with 3 other women rowers, she raised over £100,000 for two charities in Yorkshire. The adventure which attracted worldwide media attention has inspired thousands to go out and have adventures and fulfil their dreams. Janette is co-author of the Sunday Times bestselling book ‘Four Mums in a Boat’ and is currently writing a book about her business adventures. She is passionate about helping SMEs to flourish and grow as well as enjoying her work with several companies as business mentor/coach and non-executive director. Still not feeling quite ready to fully retire, Janette runs a successful property business with her husband too! Janette’s formal qualifications include BSc in Management studies, Diploma in Company Direction, Further Education Teachers Certificate, Certificate in Counselling Skills, Certificate in Spiritual Coaching. She is also a Chartered Director and Fellow of the IOD and an honorary doctorate in Health Sciences from York St John University.