Janna Sobel

"I had a brand new team of people with widely ranging backgrounds who'd be collaborating intensely for 3 months. I brought Janna in the first week to help the group bond, practice being vulnerable, and build off each other’s ideas. In a fearless and nurturing way, Janna lead the team through a series of exercises that created an incredibly supportive environment that allowed each person to share their creativity and be vulnerable. She had a profound effect on each person individually and on the group dynamic - setting the tone for how we’d work. She was the first of 25 guests we had with us over the course of 3 months, and when I asked the team who stood out and really made an impact, it was Janna’s workshop they said would stay with them the most."

“I’ve never met anyone who can make you feel more comfortable — or happy about — getting out of your head and in touch with the creative kid in you that knows how to play.  Janna can bring a group together like no one else. She can take a room full of shy strangers and in 10 minutes they are rolling on the floor laughing together. This atmosphere of fun is the essence of learning, and it’s why I sought out classes with her not once but twice.”

“Janna helped me craft a personal tale into a Moth Grand Slam winning story! With a few specific and pointed questions, she clarified my intention honestly and humorously. She invites vulnerability and encourages strength at the same time. Not only an incredible coach, she's an inspiration.”

“Janna is a wonderworker. The magic of her teaching is learning to let your own life speak. Whatever your occupation, and whether you’re a seasoned speaker or trying to get more comfortable with public presentation, Janna is an expert guide. She builds my confidence and sharpens my tools to mine a story for its treasures. You will be stretched, and you will grow in your own wisdom, having more fun than you can imagine in the process.”

“Working with Janna on my keynote address for a pivotal leadership summit was both a joy and a valuable learning experience. My presentation was a success, and Janna was a huge part of that. She coached me as I developed the talk, and she helped me maintain a balance of professional content and meaningful human connection. Janna is knowledgeable, professional, empathetic, gentle and fun. Two thumbs up!”

“Janna is one of those rare teachers who can teach about the world, while learning a world from her students. 

She will listen to you as well as she listens to nature.”

“Janna Sobel is among the most uncommonly generous artists it's been my privilege to know. She is that rare person that's every bit as concerned with the craft and care so evident in her own work as she is with contributing to a broader artistic community. Her spirit of wonder, her unfailing candor and courage, and her stubborn refusal to abandon innocence combine to make her work nothing short of dazzling. The fact that she brings this energy and sense of artistic purpose to her work as curator, teacher, and citizen of Chicago's creative community is to our lasting benefit and good fortune.”

“People talk about community all of the time and Janna lives it, she radiates it. She creates an environment where even the most frightened 

find strength to share and play. She opens doors for people to change the way they connect; in real, grounded and respectful ways. 

With humor and intelligence, she opens herself in a way that shows all of us it's okay to do the same.”