After a 30-year career at Central College, Jann Freed, PhD, is professor emerita of business management and the former Mark and Kay De Cook Endowed Chair in Leadership and Character Development.

Now Jann is a leadership development consultant who helps engage employees, develop leaders, and help people find meaning on a daily basis. She does this through leadership coaching, corporate workshops, and speaking. Jann’s focus is helping individuals and organizations get from where they are to where they want to be at every age and stage of life.

Jann is the author of several books and articles about continuous improvement in leadership and life. Her book Leading with Wisdom: Sage Advice from 100 Experts is based on more than 100 interviews with some of the top thought leaders in the field. Jann’s latest book, Breadcrumb Legacy: How Great Leaders Live a Life Worth Remembering, is focused on how to live a life that matters. She also writes a column in Training Magazine called “Leading Edge” and occasionally writes a guest column for the Business Record and DSM Magazine.

As a certified Sage-ing Leader through Sage-ing International (sage-ing.org), Jann hosts a monthly podcast Becoming a Sage where she interviews thought leaders about wisdom in work and in life. Jann was a TEDxDes Moines speaker and a TEDxBergen Community College speaker. Jann is an adjunct professor for The University of Iowa teaching a graduate leadership course. Community leadership is a priority for her.