Catalyst of Courage | 3x TEDx Speaker & Podcast Host | Helping Leaders Break Free from Perfectionism to Live Big, Bold, and Brave.
Every impactful story has a prologue rooted in the search for identity. For Janice Burt, that prologue began in Sacramento but was truly written in the vibrant, bustling streets of Mexico City. Moving there at age eight without knowing a word of Spanish, Janice was thrust into a world of pure immersion. This experience was the “best gift” her parents ever gave her, opening her eyes to a world far larger than her own backyard.
“It allowed me to see that the world is much bigger… and it helped me to develop empathy for others.”
This early intercultural molding led her to earn a degree in Communication Studies with a minor in Spanish from California State University-Sacramento. Yet, before the professional accolades, Janice’s journey began with the humility of the service industry. Working as a food server, she mastered the art of the “human connection,” learning to stay humble and serve others with a smile, lessons that remain the bedrock of her leadership today. Despite these skills, Janice spent her early adulthood in a “prison of fear,” packing a heavy metaphorical backpack with the expectations of others.
“Along with that decision [to marry at 20], I packed a few more fears into my already, heavy backpack: Fear of abandonment. Fear of the unknown. Fear of not being good enough.”
From the Courtroom to the Spotlight
Janice’s professional ascent was born from the ashes of a defining personal moment: her divorce. Standing at a crossroads, she realized she had to take radical responsibility for her life and her finances. It was here that the “One Fear Per Year” journey was born. Janice made a vow to do one activity every year that pulled her straight out of her comfort zone. Remarkably, the very things that once triggered her deepest anxieties became her primary sources of income. Public speaking, acting, yoga instruction, and voice-over work, all were conquered one fear at a time.
For over 15 years, Janice has served as a Court Certified Spanish Interpreter, a role that demands the highest level of precision and empathy. As her career expanded, she became known as the “Inspirational Chatterbox.” Executive coach Karl W. Palachuk once observed: “Janice is very professional, eager to implement feedback, and yet she is very personable and easy to get along with.” But the true “ascent” was her realization that she didn’t have to choose between professional excellence and personal vulnerability.
“What if the pain wasn’t punishment but a prompt, a nudge? What if this was the beginning, not the end?”
Building the Courage Muscle
Today, Janice Burt is a “Transformational Leader” who inspires change by encouraging others to reach their highest potential. As the founder of the “Chasing Courage” platform, she has turned her personal healing into a public service. Her impact is validated by industry giants like Kevin Bracy, who notes: “Janice is one of – if not the most – authentic, heart-felt and audience-centric speakers I’ve seen… Janice Burt is the real deal.”
Her “Chasing Courage” framework isn’t just a theory; it’s a lived experience. Whether she is performing on Prime Video’s Speak Up, hosting her One Fear Per Year podcast, or guiding a meditation, she reminds her audience that growth and discomfort are inseparable partners. Jesse Harless, founder of Entrepreneurs in Recovery, shares: “Janice brings tremendous heart, passion, and authenticity to her work. Her brilliance has helped me and so many others shine brightly.” Janice’s mission is to ensure that no one remains stuck in a prison of fear, teaching them instead to build their “courage muscle” through messy action and radical self-love.
A Legacy of Messy Action
As Janice looks toward the future, her focus is on expanding her reach through global speaking engagements and new business ventures that align with her mission of authentic living. She envisions a legacy where leadership is synonymous with growth, mental, physical, and spiritual.
Her advice to the next generation of leaders is a testament to her journey as she states:
“Build your courage muscle… focus on your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Every failure is simply a lesson.”
For Janice, the ultimate goal isn’t just the bottom line; it’s a balanced, joyful life rooted in love. “Becoming our best and highest selves is why we are all here and underlying it all is LOVE.” By choosing faith over fear every single day, Janice Burt continues to show the world that the most courageous thing you can ever be is yourself.
Editorial Note
Janice Burt’s journey is a powerful reminder that our “rock bottom” moments are often the foundations upon which our greatest legacies are built. From the courtrooms of California to the global stage, she invites us all to unpack our “heavy backpacks.” Are you ready to face your one fear this year? Janice’s story is a call to stop avoiding the discomfort of growth and start walking through it. Today, take one “messy action” toward a life that makes you proud. As Janice would say, “Let’s goooooooooooooo!”
