Janae A.

Bower
121 120th Avenue NW
612.554.1367
Coon Rapids, MN 55448 janae@findingIT.com,
www.findingIT.com

Summary
Human resource development consultant specializing in organizational learning and
developing human potential through working with executive leaders and frontline
employees. Founded Finding IT, a training and consulting firm, with clients ranging
from major corporations including 3M, ING, General Mills, Thomson, and Best Buy to
nonprofits in many industries. Author of award-winning book, inspirational speaker
and adjunct faculty for local universities.

Key Accomplishments
Human Performance Improvement Consulting
• Led a strategic performance improvement initiative with various business
partners throughout a large customer service organization. Conducted multiple
assessments and created a “Road to Results” strategy that included developing
training programs, team awareness sessions and an action learning process.
Implemented and measured the strategy, increasing accountability throughout
the department.
• Redesigned training processes and programs for a Malcolm Baldrige award-
winning firm and local retail store that each resulted in increased productivity
and development of best-practices standards. The firm started a corporate
university and the store implemented a program nation-wide.
• Partnered with a large local nonprofit board of directors to conduct a yearlong
audit including assessing the culture and identifying strategic plans. Developed
measurement tools, surveyed membership, and analyzed results showing
enhanced commitment, satisfaction, and morale.

Training Design & Delivery

• Developed and implemented leadership curriculum for young entrepreneurial
company. Designed training modules, trained classes (on coaching, recognition,
change and performance management) and contractors that expanded delivery
resources. In one year, 450 leaders completed the curriculum resulting in
improved and more consistent management practices.
• Designed and launched a company-wide new employee orientation for 5,000
employees; developing comprehensive material for six different audiences,
coordinating a video, and facilitating a weeklong train-the-trainer class. The
process enabled employees to more quickly acclimate into the culture and
leaders to better articulate business goals, improving attrition within the first
three months of employment.
• Facilitated a yearlong small group learning community within 3M. Customized
program, trained group leader, and coached participants on application
techniques ensuring empowerment and accountability for participants in both
work/life. Results include increased productivity, performance, and morale.

Measurement & Evaluation

• Developed and implemented an evaluation strategy for a large corporation
focused on achieving measurable results for their corporate university. Created a
program assessment tool that evaluated program effectiveness; built a scorecard
to measure results of metrics; and conducted a pilot that validated success of
evaluation strategy.
• Designed various initiatives to increase accountability for a large customer
service organization. Built analysis tools, conducted focus groups and created
multiple evaluation tools to measure performance change and business impact.
Janae Bower Resume
page 2

Employment
Founder, Finding IT, Minneapolis, MN 2002-present
Consult, facilitate, design, measure, and educate clients on creating
inspired workplaces with measurable results to improve their employee
retention and the bottom line.
Learning & Development Senior Specialist, Metris Companies Inc., 1999-2002
Minnetonka, MN
Partnered within the learning and development team to enhance
performance through facilitating customized learning experiences to
corporate and seven division territories.
Trainer, Custom Research Inc., Minnetonka, MN 1996-1999
Managed the training process and developed programs for more than 100
employees including supervisors, research representatives, training
assistants, and interns.
Human Resource Training Assistant, Macy’s, Bloomington, MN 1995-1996
Recruited, interviewed and trained new full and part-time sales associates
and supervisors.
Marketing Assistant, Calhoun Square, Minneapolis, MN 1995-1996
Collaborated with co-sponsors and merchants to plan, promote, and
evaluate special events.

Education History
M.A. Human Resource Development, University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN
B.A. Speech Communications & Journalism, University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN

Instructor & adjunct faculty:

Human Resource Management, Hamline University
Training & Development; Management Principles; & Entrepreneurship, Metropolitan
State University
Performance Management; Diversity; & Human Performance Improvement in the
Workplace Certificate Series, University of Minnesota
Human Resource Certificate Series, University of St. Thomas
Various courses, Anoka Ramsey Community College

Certified facilitator in these vendor programs:

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Franklin Covey
InsideOut Advantage, InsideOut Development Inc.
ROI Process for Measurement & Evaluation, Jack Phillips Center for Research
Situational Leadership, Ken Blanchard Companies
Mobilizing Energy by Managing Change, The Inventure Group
Appreciative Inquiry, Jane Magruder Watkins & Ralph Kelly
Career Architecture Competency Suite, Lominger Limited Inc.
Targeted Selection Interviewing, Development Dimensions International
Managing your Search Project, Lee Hecht Harrison

Professional Activities & Accomplishments

Nominated for Excellence in Teaching, Metropolitan State University 2005-2006
American Society for Training & Development (ASTD)
ASTD local Spirit in Work Special Interest Group co-chair (5 years)
Author of award-winning book The Little Girl Who Found IT