Sometimes the bravest decision is recognizing when the role you are in no longer reflects who you are or the impact you know you can make.
Janell Turner Frontone · In Her Own Words
Perfection used to feel like the safest place to operate. What helped me break out of the perfectionist trap was experience. Progress is what creates momentum.
How Women Broke Free From the Perfectionist Trap and Learned to Thrive With Progress Over Perfection
Explore moreThe balance between confidence and humility comes down to one simple principle. Confidence is about clarity and humility is about curiosity.
How She Balanced Confidence With Humility in Leadership
Explore moreHer Story
Janell Turner Frontone has spent her career at the intersection of strategy, technology, and human behavior. With more than two decades of executive leadership experience across healthcare and financial services, she has guided large-scale transformation efforts that redefined how organizations think, operate, and deliver results.
Her approach is grounded in both behavioral psychology and organizational design. Janell holds a Master of Science in Behavioral Psychology and applies that lens to the way leaders build systems, make decisions, and mobilize teams. She believes that sustained performance comes from understanding both the architecture of the organization and the psychology of the people who power it.
At Frontone Advisory, Janell partners with CEOs, boards, and executive teams to align people, performance, and purpose through the Organization Operating System™ and its signature method, OAK™ (Operating Architecture Kit). OAK™ is a four-phase framework that takes executive teams from friction to flow in just 90 days. Through a structured, design-based progression, it helps leaders rebuild how their organizations actually operate by assessing the foundation, architecting key systems, aligning the leadership core, and activating the organization’s unique operating rhythm.
Janell’s philosophy is simple: when organizations are designed to perform, people are empowered to lead. Her work helps leaders replace reactive execution with intentional design, creating environments where structure supports strategy and alignment drives measurable progress.
Her Interview
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to adaptability, relationship-building, and trusting my intuition. After more than two decades in corporate leadership roles, I made the decision to launch my own firm following a CEO transition that inspired me to create something independent and impactful. With 25 years of experience in executive leadership—including serving as Chief Information Officer for a major health system—I now partner with mid-sized companies to strengthen operations and prepare for long-term success through consulting and advisory services.
Throughout my career, I’ve found that my ability to connect with people, understand organizational dynamics, and deliver measurable results has been instrumental to my growth. I’ve learned that balancing structure with flexibility is essential—it allows me to design systems that not only look good on paper but also thrive in real-world environments.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to trust my intuition—it’s often the quiet truth guiding you before logic catches up. Some of my most influential mentors taught me the importance of emotional intelligence and self-awareness in leadership, and that wisdom has shaped how I approach every decision. I carry that perspective with me in all areas of my work, from navigating major career transitions to building meaningful, trust-based relationships with clients.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women entering this industry to trust their instincts, take calculated risks, and never underestimate the power of networking. Define success on your own terms—don’t let others set the standard for your potential. Embrace change as an opportunity for growth, even during times of transition. Building strong relationships and maintaining confidence through uncertainty are essential to long-term advancement and personal fulfillment.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge—and opportunity—I see in my field is helping organizations navigate modernization and leadership transitions effectively. Many companies struggle to adapt quickly enough to the rapid pace of technological and cultural change. My focus is on bridging that gap by integrating human behavior, systems thinking, and strategic execution. By aligning people, processes, and purpose, I aim to help organizations achieve meaningful, lasting transformation.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, authenticity, and balance are the values that guide me both professionally and personally. I believe in fostering meaningful connections, collaboration, and transparency—qualities that build trust and drive long-term success. Equally important to me is maintaining harmony between my work and personal life. I’ve been intentional about designing a career that aligns with my life priorities, allowing me to stay fulfilled, grounded, and connected to what truly matters.
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