Special Sauce Janet Balis, Managing Director & Partner at BCG
Dec 1, 2025
Janet Balis, Managing Director and Partner at BCG, has a rich history in media and marketing, having worked with giants like Time Warner and AOL. In this conversation, she highlights AI's parallels to the early digital era and the importance of asking the right questions. Janet reflects on her commitment to Cycle for Survival, the qualities that set great leaders apart, and how she nurtures connections. She emphasizes the joy of reinvention, resilience in the face of change, and the need for authenticity in professional relationships.
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Cycle For Survival Origin Story
- Janet joined Cycle for Survival because her friends Jennifer Goodman-Linn and Dave Linn founded it and she felt personally connected to the cause.
- She rides yearly and finds the event emotional, social, and purpose-driven as it funds Memorial Sloan Kettering research.
Connection Fuels Pattern Recognition
- Janet describes herself as a "social nerd" who gains power from connecting people and ideas rather than seeking the spotlight.
- She uses pattern recognition across relationships to surface original thinking and practical value for others.
Lead With Ideas, Not Pitches
- Lead with ideas in business conversations and collaborate to form them rather than pitching purely commercially.
- Bring starting points and co-create solutions to generate genuine value and influence.
