Work and personal history

janet horton low resolution

Handspring Consulting was recently profiled in Sydney Morning Herald.  To read that article, click here:  The_courage_to_go_it_alone (PDF 479K)

Or…you can see a summary of my work history at the bottom of this page. 

The common theme of my career has been change:  business acquisitions, expansions, and contractions; multiple countries and roles; and a mid-career transition that involved moving myself (and my cat) to Australia.

What I’ve learned about  change is this:  It grows you. It requires stepping into a place that is unknown and unpredictable.   But, the things you learn are worth the ride and those are the things you take with you always – the bigger the change, the stronger the person (and the organisation).

Handspring allows me to do the things that I am best at – drive change in people and organisations and provide a little inspiration along the way.  I am the outside force that helps the people and organisations drive the changes they desire.

Work History

Feb ‘06 – Present:  Handspring Consulting   A list of completed projects is available upon request.

Feb ‘93 to Jun ‘07:  International Decision Systems (Software and services for the Financial Services Industry)

Managing Director, APAC (Feb 2006 – June 2007)              Sydney, Australia

  • Started as a 3 month interim assignment in Sydney office
  • Position grew to full P&L responsibility for the APAC region (Singapore and Sydney offices)
  • Prepared and began execution of 3 year business plan and product strategy, including:   Marketing , Sales and PR for the web products line, adding 2 new clients; Product positioning and strategy for Australia and China;  expanded professional services capacity of offerings
  • Achievement of 2006 and first half 2007 budgets
  • License revenue growth of 40% in year 1 and year 2
  • Hired and trained a new BDM and permanent MD

Vice President of Client Services (Nov 2000 – Oct 2005)        Minneapolis, USA

  • Reporting to the COO. Responsible for over one-third of company revenue, which is generated through maintenance and client services (post sales)
  • Consistently achieved revenue and expense targets
  • Led a management staff of 6 managers who directed the activities of up to 60 employees
  • Increased maintenance margins from 68% to 76%
  • Established customer loyalty programs, increasing satisfaction scores by 10% in the first year through:  Implementation of customer self-help tools;  Expanded service offerings;  Premium tiered support plans
  • Reduced customer complaints by 20% in year 1
  • Reduced problem backlog by 30% while reducing staffing levels
  • Provided leadership for the IDS Customer Advisory Board from 2003 through 2005
  • Selected as a 2004 featured presenter to the Equipment Leasing Association annual conference
  • Promoted from Director to Vice President in 2004 in recognition of these accomplishments

Business Development Manager (1997 – 2000)              Singapore

  • Expatriate assignment in Singapore responsible for growth of operations into Asia included sales, account management, strategic planning, recruiting, and general management of the office
  • Created and executed 3 year business plan
  • Researched and recommended product development needs for the Asia-Pacific region
  • Grew customer base from 7 to 17 in 4 years
  • Established customer base in 4 new countries in Asia
  • Established and directed the 1st and 2nd Annual Asia-Pacific User Conferences
  • Increased revenues by over 700%
  • Promoted to Director of Client Services in December 2000 in recognition of these accomplishments

Consulting, Client Support and Training (1993 – 1997)            Minneapolis, USA

  • Managed and led numerous software implementation projects
  • Developed and delivered custom training to clients
  • Mentored and trained new support and consulting personnel
  • Traveled frequently to client sites, providing revenue producing change, management, consulting and training services
  • Participated in pre-sales support activities
  • Selected to run Singapore operations in recognition of these accomplishments

Budget Analyst, U.S. Department of the Navy  (1990 – 1993)                        California, USA

  • Selected to participate in a 2 year management training program for the Navy’s budgeting and appropriations process
  • Successfully completed the program consisting of 6 departmental assignments including 2 months in Washington, DC
  • Prepared operating budgets, reporting, analysis and justification on budget performance.

Paralegal, Bangert and Blondis (1989 – 1990)   Milwaukee, USA

  • Prepared courthouse documents, corresponded with clients, researched and docketed cases.