A conversation with Jane Wells Schooley

She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Penn State University. She has an international certification in leadership and executive coaching from the International Coach Academy in Australia.

She’s certified as a master behavioral analyst in DISC coaching and assessments. Additionally, she is the founder and core owner of Keller Williams Real Estate, Allentown Market Center.

Outside of work, her biggest passions are traveling the world and scuba diving with her husband.

LVB: How long have you worked at Northstar Team Development, and what positions have you held prior to working there?

Jane Wells Schooley: I have served as founder and CEO, educator and executive coach for Northstar Team Development since we started the company in 2006. Over the last 40 years, I had the opportunity to be on the full-time faculty of Penn State, a co-owner of a startup accounting firm, a nationally elected vice president of politics and legislation of the largest feminist organization in the world, a salesperson for our booking and accounting firm, an entrepreneur with more than one business, a director of a major political party, a U.S. Congressional candidate, broker/owner of my own real estate firm and the co-founder/co-owner of the major recreation area Dutch Springs, as well as being a community activist and volunteer.

In 2004, a small group of investors, including myself, established the first market center of Keller Williams Realty in the Lehigh Valley. I held a variety of key positions including broker, CEO, leadership and sales seminar leader and productivity coach, as well as operating a major real estate team of my own. In November 2009, I successfully opened one of the first commercial divisions of Keller Williams Commercial in the region.

LVB: What is your personal mission and guiding philosophy as a business leader?

Schooley: As a leader, my philosophy is simple, but not easy. Help people create more rewarding and productive lives, “stir the pot,” and challenge people to think bigger and bolder. I believe in being an ethical leader who enjoys being a catalyst for positive change and real transformation. I use as my leadership model the five practices of exemplary leaders from “The Leadership Challenge.” They are: model the way, inspire a shared vision, challenge the process, enable others to act and encourage the heart.

LVB: If you could change one thing about your industry, what would it be?

Schooley: More standards for the consumer to be able to evaluate the level of expertise and training of those who call themselves coaches, facilitators, educators and trainers. Most professionals should have national certifications and advanced education in their area of proficiency.

LVB: What have been some of Northstar Team Development’s successes in the local business community?

Schooley: I’m proud of how we’ve ushered in significant mindset shifts, talent transformations and inspiration within major businesses, both profit and not-for-profit organizations. Our success has been recognized by various awards for excellence in business: SUITS Award in the area of Human Resources, President’s Volunteer Service Award, Women of Influence Award, Athena Award for Excellence in Business and helping other women achieve success, PA Hardworking Women and numerous real estate business awards.