Work and personal history

janet horton low resolutionYou can see a summary of my work experience below.  But you might find this narrative a bit more interesting…

It seems that my entire career has been about change.  I have lived and led teams in the US, Singapore, and Australia.  I have been through business acquisitions, expansions, and contractions.  I have managed software implementations in 13 countries.  And in 2005, after a successful first career, I decided to make a few personal changes:   I sold my home, resigned from my job, and moved 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 ‘93 to Jun ‘97  International Decision Systems (Accounting software and services for asset finance)

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.