Her Story
About Janice
Janice Salchert is a senior technology consulting executive with more than 43 years of professional experience leading business transformation, consulting delivery, and operational excellence. As Vice President and Senior Partner, IBM Consulting, and Chief Operations Officer for Cognitive Process Services Delivery, she oversees end-to-end consulting delivery across the Americas while helping organizations responsibly adopt and scale artificial intelligence solutions. Beginning her career in accounting, Janice successfully transitioned into transformational leadership, building a reputation for turning complex business challenges into strategic opportunities that improve operational performance, client outcomes, and organizational growth.
Throughout her career at IBM, Janice has held leadership positions spanning finance, marketing, sales operations, consulting, and global business transformation. Her expertise includes AI strategy and deployment, digital transformation, consulting operations, change management, client experience, and strategic planning. She has led enterprise-wide initiatives that streamlined global operations, enhanced forecasting and CRM capabilities, improved client satisfaction, and accelerated business growth.
Janice earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Business Administration in Financial Management from Pace University. She also holds IBM certifications in Generative AI Sales and serves as a Blue Core Mentor, reflecting her commitment to continuous learning and leadership development.
Beyond her executive responsibilities, Janice is dedicated to mentoring future leaders and advancing opportunities for women in technology and business. She is actively involved with the Women's Executive Organization, serves as a Women's Diversity Group Sponsor at IBM, volunteers as a coach with First Tee, and has held leadership roles within Toastmasters International and local golf organizations.
Recognized as one of the 2026 Influential Women representing Apex, North Carolina, Janice believes that curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to embrace failure are the foundations of lasting success. She is passionate about creating meaningful impact through leadership while inspiring others to continually learn, take thoughtful risks, and lead with integrity.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Janice
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to embracing curiosity and never being afraid to fail. Throughout my career, I have been willing to ask questions, investigate challenges more deeply, and continually seek better ways to contribute. I have always believed that growth comes from taking calculated risks, learning from mistakes, and remaining open to new opportunities. My desire to lead, create meaningful impact, and transform organizations has been a constant driving force behind my career.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
One of the best pieces of career advice I received came from a leader who taught me the importance of influencing effectively. When a senior leader presents an idea, I learned to acknowledge and support it while continuing to develop my own thinking so that I can return with well-prepared recommendations. This approach builds trust, strengthens credibility, and creates opportunities to contribute more strategically. Equally important has been the guidance of mentors who challenge me, provide honest feedback, and help me remain self-aware throughout my leadership journey.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women to be relentless in their pursuit of learning. Be curious, ask questions without hesitation, and actively participate in discussions instead of simply observing. Never allow the fear of appearing inexperienced to prevent you from speaking up, because asking thoughtful questions accelerates growth. Take risks, embrace new opportunities, and understand that mistakes are valuable learning experiences. Technology continues to evolve rapidly, so staying adaptable, thinking strategically, and remaining open to continuous learning are essential for long-term success.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The pace of technological change, particularly with artificial intelligence, presents both tremendous opportunities and significant responsibilities. Organizations must continuously adapt to rapidly evolving technologies while ensuring AI is deployed safely, responsibly, and ethically. The opportunity lies in leveraging these innovations to improve productivity, transform how work is delivered, and create greater value for clients. Success requires strategic thinking, continuous learning, and the ability to integrate emerging technologies into business operations in ways that drive meaningful outcomes.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I believe in creating meaningful impact rather than simply completing tasks. Curiosity, continuous learning, and the willingness to embrace failure as part of growth have shaped my career. I value self-awareness and seek mentors who provide honest guidance that helps me grow as both a leader and an individual. Above all, I strive to lead with integrity, inspire others through credibility and action, and make a lasting difference for my teams, clients, and community.
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