The 2021-22 School Year marked the 50-year anniversary of Providence College going co-ed. For their senior year, Christina Corbisiero and Colleen Joyce embarked on a mission to highlight women on campus through the Providence College Television platforms. When completed, this series will have highlighted 11 women on campus including student leaders, faculty, and staff.
This online interview is special because we were able to have a written interview with Professor Janet Letourneau before she retires this May. Christina had the pleasure of having Professor Letourneau as her professor for the Spring 2020 semester.
1. Hi! Introduce yourself. Who are you? What do you teach at Providence College? How long have you been teaching at the school?
I am Janet M. Letourneau, a practitioner faculty member, teaching marketing. Spent 30 years in corporate in a myriad of industries: retail banking, packaging, sporting goods, ski industry, craft and hobby, electronics and eyewear. Each job provided wonderful experience enhancing my growth as a professional, but also as a human being. The courses I teach at PC are integrated marketing communication and marketing principles. I have also taught buyer behavior in the past. I began in the fall of 2012, here at PC. It has been a fantastic 10 years! Moreover, when I joined PC, I had been teaching at three other higher-ed institutions for 12 years. I also have a small business, where I focus on helping organizations reach best practices in customer service and leadership skills.
2. Can you talk about your career leading up to where you are now?
Multiple transitions, and at times, not having any control over the changes. Recessions meant losing a job, and I had to transition. The one best idea I learned is that with each disappointment, something better was in store and it never failed. I chose to leave one position due to commute time – one hour each way. That really hurt my quality of life. I learned that I was not a big commute person. Being no more than 20 minutes away is ideal. Much was learned professionally and personally, through all the roles/positions I have played.
3. Can you tell us about your business, Peak Performers?
I launched my business in May of 2000 and have never looked back. Having my own business helping others perform better in the workplace is very satisfying. In addition, it offered me the flexibility to teach. Therefore, the fall of 2000, I began to teach part-time, and loved it. It is a wonderful combination to operate a business and get back in the classroom!
4. What is your favorite thing about teaching?
The students are my favorite thing! My objectives along with teaching the course concepts, is to prepare them well for the workplace and understand how important teams are. My hope is that they realize how significant each person is on the team and the value they bring. No one ever does anything alone. If one looks back and does a deep dive, they see that they have gotten help along the way.
5. What is your connection to Barnard General Store? Will you ever visit? Can you talk about how you got the idea for that project for your class, Integrated Marketing Communication (or when I took that class, it was called Promotional Strategy)?
First, all of my ideas for projects have come from news stories in the WSJ, The Boston Globe, Yankee Magazine, etc… The most recent is BGS and I loved the story of how a small town came together with the help of the Barnard Selectmen to raise money to re-open the store. The
Selectmen established the Barnard Trust, (a non-profit) for receiving donations. Barnard is the “HEART” of the community. They raised (population of approximately 900) $500,000 in 2012, and reopened the store. Therefore, I thought it would be a nice idea for students to create an IMC plan to raise $750,000. Of course, it is premised base; not real, but it allows students to see “small brands” and work communication to the advantage of the brand. Therefore, students are informed that during this course, they are a full-service agency providing the services through integrated marketing communications to raise the funds. I have not visited yet, but I hope to when I am finally retired. Cannot wait to meet the owners and have some pancakes!
6. In class, you emphasize the importance of service, community, and giving back? How do you do that? and how should students learn to give back?
I do that through optional extra credits – where students see current news events with ordinary individuals doing the extraordinary. It is not done via lecture; it is done at the choice of the student doing the OEC.
In the past, I have given back by serving my parish, co-chaired the Relay for Life (American Cancer Society) for the Greater Attleboro area, Board member – Fall River diocese of Catholic schools, Chaired the marketing committee (from that board), and volunteered at the Literacy Center. People do not have to do BIG things; we can all do small things each day that do not cost anything in order to give back. No one has to have a lot of money, just taking time out of your day/week to do a kind gesture. I think that students can list their skills, talents & passions and then find an organization to help. However, it does not have to be that structured.
7. What are your hopes and goals for students that take your class?
As I post every year: “You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” A.A. Milne – Christopher Robin – Pooh’s Grand Adventure Wishing you much success – as you define it.
I want them to choose a vocation – understanding their purpose, versus “a job.” Which is why I love the quote and add for students to define success for themselves, instead of comparing themselves to others. When one has a purpose each day, it is not work. It is pure satisfaction! My sincere hope is that they learned to enhance their team player skills, along with time management, know how to package information for the business world and learn with intention. Do not focus on the grade; focus on learning with intention.
8. As a women professor and business owner, do you have any advice for women who want to teach? or go into marketing and/or start their own business?
Work hard, be a team player, speak up thoughtfully, have grit, don’t quit, and help others get what they want! Before launching a business my recommendation would be to work in corporate for a while and learn from those jobs and organizational cultures. It also expands your existing network of people who can then help you build your business.
9. It’s the 50-year anniversary of PC going co-ed, what do you hope to see for women in the future at the college?
I am not sure what the population rate is for women in leadership positions here at PC. However, whatever it is, I hope it grows. In general, I think women get a bad rap at times. Women are as capable as men are and must be viewed accordingly.
10. You’re leaving Providence College this year, what are some things you’re excited about in the future?
Having more flex time, a slower schedule. I will decompress first. My big priority though before I begin to do that will be returning to a walking regimen of two miles a day 5 days a week. I also loved doing YOGA, but I stopped over the past few years. I will research local studios in my neighborhood so I can do YOGA twice a week. I have a long list of things that I want to do in the house and all of those will take some time. After a year or so, will seek volunteering. In the winter of 2009, I volunteered at the Literacy Center in Attleboro and helped a woman from China become a US citizen. That was so rewarding. I will seek to do work for them. Yes, still teaching, but very different. I love dogs, and I am thinking I may get one. Although I have never had children, friends recommended that I volunteer at a shelter first.
11. Lastly, who is a woman (or women) that inspires you? It could be someone in your life, a celebrity, etc…
It would have to be my Mom. She was a very positive person; and as I grew older I thought, if I could have just 5% of that, I would be okay. She was also courageous when we lost my Dad. He suffered from colon cancer, at the age of 52 and she was only 45. My Mom was so strong for all of us, my two sisters, me and of course, my Dad. I was blessed to have perfect parents. Yes, perfect parents. They played that role so well-they were a team and we three daughters knew that. They were not perfect people for sure. Who is?
Thank you so much Professor Letourneau for interviewing with us! Best of luck with your next chapter!