Spotlight: Janet Breitenbach
From LA’s Improv Stages to KC’s Executive Boardrooms—How One Coach Is Helping Redefine Work Culture in the Heartland
After spending most of her life in Los Angeles—studying theater, performing improv comedy, and working in the entertainment industry—Janet Breitenbach never imagined she’d one day be laying down roots in Kansas City.
But sometimes, a personal pivot leads to a professional calling—and a brand-new city to call home.
“I went through a bit of a personal rock bottom,” Janet shared. “It launched me into a deeper exploration of myself. I dove headfirst into personal development, therapy, and coaching, and I eventually realized—I want to do this for other people.”
That realization sparked the beginning of a whole new chapter. Janet became an executive coach and joined forces with a few others to build what is now a 40+ person international firm: Novus Global.
Today, she’s a Partner at the firm, working with leaders across the U.S. and Canada—but she’s especially focused on companies here in Kansas City.
“I would love our team of executive coaches to partner with some of the biggest companies in KC,” she said. “They create jobs and set the tone for our region. I want to help make those companies the best places to work in the United States.”
What Brought Her to Kansas City?
Janet’s husband, Ryan, was born and raised in Kansas, and for years had a dream of returning to live in downtown KC.
“Since the day we started dating, he was putting it in my ear that Kansas City was a great place to live,” Janet laughed. “Eventually, he had more work opportunities here in commercial filmmaking, and I can work from anywhere—so we made the move.”
Building Thriving Cultures, One Conversation at a Time
So what exactly does Janet do?
“I have conversations with people, leaders, and teams to help them create a vision worth the pain of transformation,” she explained. “I love helping people reconnect with what matters. A lot of people are exhausted, siloed, or burned out. We help them build cultures that are actually healthy and exciting to be a part of.”
Janet’s approach is rooted in both experience and empathy.
“I always wanted to help people, but for a long time, I felt like I did it very poorly,” she shared. “When I discovered coaching, I realized—this is a more effective way to truly help people shift, grow, and create results they didn’t think were possible.”
She’s not just saying it—she’s living it. And next week, you can hear Janet share more about her story, her strategies, and her mission to change how we work. She’ll be the featured speaker at the KCB2B Networking Event: Beyond Burnout on Wednesday, June 18, where she’ll unpack the deeper causes of burnout and offer actionable strategies for high performers to thrive long-term.
“A lot of people spend all this time at work building businesses, and either they’re miserable, they’re burnt out, they’re exhausted, and they continue to just lower and lower their vision because it feels harder and harder. So I love helping leaders, teams, entrepreneurs help create healthy, thriving communities.”
Why KC? Why Now?
While Janet’s coaching practice spans the globe, she’s been energized by the momentum she sees right here in Kansas City.
“What I love about meeting people in Kansas City is that people really are down. Like if you throw an event and you say, ‘Hey, you guys up for it?’ They’re like, ‘Yes! And what can I bring? Let’s go.’ And they will show up—which I think is so very exciting. That’s not something I always experienced in LA.”
In just over a year, Janet has already begun making waves—speaking at local events, advising Kansas City companies (some under NDA), and building a home that doubles as a gathering space for creatives and collaborators alike.
Her dream?
“To work with the VMLs, the Hallmarks, the local companies creating real economic and cultural impact. To help make Kansas City a place where people love their work—and feel proud of the culture they’re part of.”
Advice to Future Transplants?
“The advice I would give to others considering a move to Kansas City? Connect with us! What I love about Kansas City is people are willing, ready, and eager to connect with others… I like being a part of a city where people are already eager to create and build together.
If you want it, you can create the best of all worlds here in Kansas City.”
How to Connect with Janet
Janet welcomes conversations with leaders, founders, and teams interested in building healthier, high-performing work cultures. Whether you’re curious about coaching, culture change, or want to collaborate on something new in Kansas City—she’s all in.
To connect with Janet or learn more about her work at Novus Global, you can email her at janet@novus.global, visit janetbreitenbach.com, or follow her on Instagram at @janet.breitenbach.
We’re excited to see how Janet continues to shape the future of leadership and culture in Kansas City.
Check back next week for our next New2KC Spotlight—featuring another incredible leader helping our city grow and thrive.