BYU Grad Turns Introversion Into CEO Success Story

Jeanette Bennett walked into her old college newsroom wearing newspaper-covered high heels, proof that journalists never really leave the craft behind. The former Daily Universe editor returned to BYU this month to share how she turned what many see as a weakness into her greatest business asset.

Bennett is a self-described introvert who built a 25-year magazine empire and now serves as CEO of Colliers Utah. She also holds roles as Chief Visionary Officer at Thanksgiving Point, sits on multiple boards, and earned a spot in the Silicon Slopes Hall of Fame.

Her secret? She stopped fighting her quiet nature and started using it.

"I myself am an introvert. That's one reason that I went into journalism because I am a good listener," Bennett told current journalism students. She explained that her family of introverts taught her that staying quiet and truly hearing people could be more powerful than dominating conversations.

Bennett's path wasn't always smooth. She ran for public office and lost, but the experience built her confidence rather than breaking it. She faced cancer and emerged with deeper appreciation for human connection.

After earning her master's in mass communication from BYU, Bennett and her husband grew their magazine company from a startup dream into a thriving business. Along the way, she presented to the United Nations and was named Top Woman Entrepreneur in Media in 2018.

She brought her teenage daughter to campus, showing the next generation that success doesn't require changing who you are. Bennett admits balancing CEO duties, board positions, speaking engagements, and motherhood seems impossible on paper.

Why This Inspires

Bennett's story challenges the myth that leaders must be loud extroverts who dominate every room. She's living proof that listening, observing, and connecting deeply with people can build stronger businesses and communities than any amount of showmanship.

Her advice to students was simple: stop seeing introversion as something to overcome. The world needs people who ask good questions and actually hear the answers.

"I just give credit to divine power," she said when asked how she manages everything, pointing to faith as the bridge between her abilities and her ambitions.

A shy high school newspaper editor became one of Utah's most connected business leaders without pretending to be someone else.