Janet is a sought-after innovator and experience designer who’s renowned for crafting personalized products, brands, and experiences that forge deep emotional connections while driving business growth. She founded INTERPLANETARY to help companies transcend linear thinking and unlock sustainable, profitable growth.

An engineer, marketing leader, creative director, and storyteller, Janet brings a rare mix of technical expertise and creative vision. She holds degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Queen’s University in her native Canada, Design from the London College of Fashion, and Executive Education in Innovation from the London Business School. In 2024, she completed MIT’s Driving Innovation with AI program, further sharpening her expertise in emerging technologies and their business applications.

Throughout her career, Janet has shaped some of the most iconic experiences in entertainment, consumer goods, and hospitality. She has designed theme park attractions and flagship retail for Disney, reimagined Nestlé’s WONKA business—driving a $300 million increase in sales in just three years—and led experience design for Richard Branson’s $4 billion Virgin Voyages venture as head of ideas at NYC’s Fahrenheit 212 agency.

What do you appreciate about being a collaborator at Newcastle? 

What I most appreciate about the partnership with Newcastle is the collaborative spirit—there’s a shared commitment to pushing boundaries, staying curious, and supporting each other’s best thinking. I am part of the TNN Innovation Task Group and I work closely with Super7—one of the portfolio companies—on innovation strategy and concept development. I also contribute to vetting potential deals through an innovation lens and offer input on new investment targets. Additionally, I’ve partnered with TNN to strengthen and test emerging segmentation and insights tools.

What was your childhood career dream and how different is it from what you’re doing now?

When I was a kid, I thought I was going to be an opera singer (I grew up singing with the Canadian Children's Opera Chorus). But at a certain point, a director said, "You're too tall to be a leading lady.” So I pivoted to engineering (then fashion design, then business, then innovation). I think opera is where I first learned the power of stories and human emotion. 

What's the last thing that made you laugh out loud?

My husband, just now. He's a professional stand-up comedian. This is my joyful life! 

What's your go-to karaoke song?

“Take My Breath Away” by Berlin, “Venus As A Boy” by Bjork, or anything by Kate Bush