Editor's note: The subject of this story is married to an adjunct professor in the BYU School of Communications Journalism and Sports Media sequence. The reporter of this story is in that professor's class. This information is provided for transparency.
Jeanette Bennett has always been a go-getter.
Though she has owned magazine companies and worked with Utah's biggest stars, the beginning of her career started here at Brigham Young University's Daily Universe.
On Wednesday, Feb. 11, Bennett returned to her alma mater to advise rising journalists.
Although she was speaking at BYU, she has also been known to make appearances at Utah Valley University.
Bennett wore her trademark high heels adorned with newspaper headlines. She also owns several green-centric outfits, which she has worn for her UVU speaking engagements.
She said with a smile that she owns more green shoes than anyone she knows.
Bennett is soft spoken, yet speaks with a confidence that proves her experience in the field of communication. She exudes a ready-for-anything energy that is calming. The newsroom is not foreign to her.
Bennett is no stranger to questions or interviews; she and her husband recently sold their 25-year-old magazine company, stepping away from the publishing world. Though Bennett doesn’t run that company anymore, her time is still filled.
She still works as CEO and Executive Managing Director at Colliers Utah. Bennett is also a mom and brought her teenage daughter with her to speak to journalism students at the Daily Universe.
A BYU graduate herself, Bennett's accomplishments precede her. She is in the Silicon Slopes Hall of Fame, has presented to the United Nations, was named Top Woman Entrepreneur in Media in 2018 and works at Thanksgiving Point as the Chief Visionary Officer and Board of Trustees member.
Balancing all these responsibilities may seem impossible to some — and at times, even to Bennett herself. She said that God bridges what may seem like an impossible gap.
“I just give credit to divine power,” she said.
Besides the time commitments to her vast to-do list, Bennett's natural inclination has not always been to reach out and make connections. While getting out and networking is indispensable, she stated that she is a natural introvert.
When asked how she overcame that tendency and became one of Utah’s most well-connected women, she credited her ability as a listener.
“We were a family of introverts, and I think that I myself am an introvert. That’s one reason that I went into journalism … because I am a good listener,” Bennett said.
Introversion is not a bad word for Bennett; it is more like a skill. She said introversion can be turned from a stumbling block into a strength.
Bennett stepped into the journalism world early. She was the editor of The Buzz, her nationally recognized high school newspaper, later taking her talents to BYU’s very own Daily Universe as an editor.
At BYU, she received her master’s in mass communication and media studies.
After marrying her husband and as their fledgling magazine business began to take off, Bennett became more involved in business and politics, eventually taking a chance by running for public office.
Although she lost the race, it didn't deter her. The fact that her efforts got her that far only encouraged her.
“It built my confidence,” she said. “I’m proud of how I reacted.”
Bennett has also battled cancer. She explained that even though it was incredibly difficult, it gave her a new appreciation for life and connection.
Now, after journalism, raising children and building a business, she remains involved, managing to squeeze in speaking engagements on top of her already busy life as a CEO and communicator.
She remains a powerhouse for good, explaining that the idea of a perfect work-life balance has never truly applied to her; instead, she aligns her compass toward God and what is good.