Janet Linly
Janet Linly is the Owner and CEO of Marge Carson Global, a luxury furniture brand founded in 1947 by pioneering businesswoman Marjorie Carson. Under Janet’s leadership, the company has evolved into a dynamic, multi-million-dollar global enterprise, blending heritage craftsmanship with modern innovation. She has played a pivotal role in elevating the brand, expanding its international presence, and positioning it for continued growth on a global scale.
In addition to leading the brand, Janet serves as CEO for the company’s manufacturing facility in Mexico, where she oversees all aspects of production. Her hands-on leadership ensures the highest standards of quality, precision, and attention to detail, reinforcing the company’s reputation for excellence.
Janet is also the founder and owner of Linly Designs, a luxury retail and interior design showroom established in 2002 in the suburbs of Chicago. Through this venture, she has built a strong presence in the design community, further complementing her leadership in the furniture industry.
She is an active member of the Forbes Business Council in Chicago, where she contributes regularly as a writer and thought leader. Janet is also a member of the United States–Mexico Chamber of Commerce and the Latin American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore, reflecting her commitment to international business development and cross-border collaboration.
Janet continues to collaborate with partners in the United Kingdom, including work connected to the Royal Family and royal publications. She has also been interviewed by Robert Jobson, a respected royal family correspondent with decades of experience covering the British monarchy.
• Chicago Forbes Council
• United States-Mexico Chamber of Commerce
• Latin American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore
What do you attribute your success to?
The scale and success of what we have built is made possible by the strength of the team I have the privilege to lead. Across both the United States and Mexico, I am supported by individuals whose talent, integrity, and commitment to excellence are truly exceptional.
Our culture is rooted in mutual respect, shared accountability, and a belief in one another’s capabilities. While our team has organically become predominantly female, this has never been by design or preference. It is the natural result of selecting individuals based on strength, vision, and the ability to collaborate at the highest level.
I have always believed that great organizations are not defined by gender, but by mindset, discipline, and the willingness to elevate those around you. We foster an environment of mentorship, support, and shared growth, where each person is empowered to contribute meaningfully and lead with confidence.
Ultimately, our success is not driven by perceptions or conventions, but by the collective strength, character, and capability of the people who make up our organization.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Mutual respect is a core value in how I lead and build teams.
I believe deeply in the importance of women supporting one another, particularly in industries and roles where leadership is still not always equally represented or expected. While my background in design may have felt more familiar within the creative world, stepping into manufacturing and operational leadership in Mexico brought new perspective and, at times, highlighted how perceptions can lag behind reality. Still, I have never been guided by what others assume is possible, but rather by what is proven through capability, discipline, and results.
I am also intentional about recognizing and elevating the women who contribute meaningfully within our organization. Their work is often behind the scenes, yet it is essential to everything we accomplish. Visibility and acknowledgment matter, and I take that responsibility seriously. At the heart of it all, I continue to view myself not simply as an owner, but as a custodian of the brand—responsible for preserving its legacy while guiding its future with integrity and purpose.