Jeannette Linfoot, a dynamic leader whose life story is an inspiring tale of determination, adaptability, and an unwavering drive to unlock greatness in herself and others. From her humble beginnings in Manchester as the youngest of three daughters to leading billion-dollar businesses and becoming a successful entrepreneur, Jeannette’s journey is a testament to the power of vision and resilience. Growing up in Manchester, Jeannette was the only one in her family to attend university.
Jeannette Linfoot | CEO & Founder | Jeannette Linfoot Associates
She studied Economics at Leeds University, which laid the foundation for her career. Her first professional role was as a Government Economist in Whitehall. Although the role was a valuable start, Jeannette realized her aspirations lay elsewhere. She craved the fast-paced energy of business and leadership roles, sparking her pivot into the travel industry through the graduate scheme at Thomson Holidays. At EliteX, we are proud to have Jeannette Linfoot as part of the edition: Prominent Tech Leaders in UK, 2024.
From her initial steps in travel, Jeannette’s career soared. Over three decades, she worked her way up from entry-level roles to becoming CEO of leading global travel brands. At First Choice, she served as Product Director. At TUI, she was Managing Director of Emerging Markets, spearheading their expansion into Russia, India, China, South America, and more. Later, as CEO of Saga’s Travel Division, she led transformative growth. These experiences sharpened her leadership acumen and prepared her for the next chapter: entrepreneurship. In her mid-40s, Jeannette transitioned from corporate life to entrepreneurship. It wasn’t dissatisfaction that prompted this move—quite the opposite. Having thrived in her corporate career, she sought more freedom, variety, and control over her time. This decision led her to create a portfolio of businesses, driven by the belief that a diversified income stream, including passive income, provides financial security and independence.
“Business should be led by our values, with high integrity and heart. When you stay true to your purpose, success naturally follows.”
Jeannette and her partner, Chris, envisioned a life by design. Together, they built businesses that offered flexibility and the ability to work from anywhere in the world. This entrepreneurial leap was underpinned by her 25 years of experience as a corporate leader, providing a solid foundation for her ventures. One of Jeannette’s standout achievements is the creation of Brave Bold Brilliant, a brand that began as a successful podcast and has evolved into a comprehensive ecosystem. Through her podcast, Jeannette interviews business leaders, elite athletes, and media personalities, sharing insights on achieving greatness. Today, Brave Bold Brilliant encompasses services like executive leadership development, business mentoring, strategy planning, and bespoke advisory work.
The brand’s ethos reflects Jeannette’s personal values: courage, integrity, and brilliance. Her purpose is to unlock greatness in others, whether it’s helping executives lead their teams more effectively or guiding entrepreneurs to scale their businesses. Starting a business wasn’t without its hurdles. Transitioning from the corporate world, where teams and resources were abundant, to working independently was a significant adjustment. Jeannette had to rebuild her working structure from scratch, relying initially on her reputation, network, and personal resilience.
Hiring the right people also presented challenges, especially in the early stages. Jeannette admits there were a few missteps, but these experiences ultimately strengthened her understanding of building successful teams. Additionally, navigating the isolation of entrepreneurship was new territory. However, with Chris as her sounding board and a steadfast belief in her purpose, Jeannette turned these obstacles into stepping stones. For Jeannette, staying motivated during difficult times means revisiting her “why.” Her vision of unlocking greatness and making a meaningful impact keeps her focused. Physical fitness is another anchor; running and gym sessions help her manage stress and spark creativity.
Having the right support network has also been crucial. Throughout her career, Jeannette has leaned on mentors and coaches for guidance and perspective. She continues this practice today, ensuring she remains grounded and inspired. What sets Jeannette and her brand apart is the depth of her experience. Having run global businesses, she brings practical insights and solutions to her clients, something she feels many consultants lack. Her hands-on leadership experience, combined with a values-driven approach, ensures her work resonates deeply with clients. Jeannette’s purpose—to unlock greatness—infuses everything she does. She challenges clients to step out of their comfort zones, take calculated risks, and achieve the extraordinary. Her authenticity and dedication to helping others shine through in the results she delivers.
“Life is too short to have regrets. If you have a passion and a desire to start your own business, give it your best shot and believe in yourself.”
Jeannette keeps her finger on the pulse of industry trends and market changes. She reads voraciously, follows financial news daily, and attends industry conferences to stay informed. Additionally, her Brave Bold Brilliant business news updates, shared weekly across social media, distill key insights for busy entrepreneurs and leaders. One of the pivotal decisions in Jeannette’s business journey was building the Brave Bold Brilliant brand into an ecosystem. By aligning her services under a unified identity, she created a clear and compelling value proposition. The brand’s popularity has enabled new initiatives, such as an upcoming online Business Academy launching in 2025, aimed at helping entrepreneurs and leaders scale their ventures.
Jeannette is deeply committed to giving back. Through free resources on her website and YouTube channel, she supports aspiring entrepreneurs and small businesses. She mentors emerging leaders through initiatives like Balance the Board and contributes to programs like The King’s Trust and TTG Media’s 30 Under 30. Her belief in empowering others extends to her advisory work, where she tailors solutions to the unique challenges of each client. For Jeannette, success is measured by the impact she makes—helping individuals, teams, and businesses thrive. The future is bright for Jeannette and Brave Bold Brilliant. With plans to expand internationally, launch new masterminds, and introduce the Brave Bold Brilliant Business Academy, the brand is poised to reach even more entrepreneurs and leaders worldwide. Jeannette remains committed to her mission of unlocking greatness and creating lasting value.
Jeannette’s advice to those starting their entrepreneurial journey is simple: believe in yourself. She emphasizes the importance of clarity—knowing your purpose and how you serve your customers. Financial preparation is also key, as building a successful business takes time and resilience. Above all, Jeannette encourages entrepreneurs to surround themselves with the right people. With passion, a clear plan, and a supportive network, the journey, though challenging, can lead to incredible fulfillment.
From Manchester to the helm of global businesses, Jeannette Linfoot’s journey is a masterclass in courage, adaptability, and brilliance. Her story inspires others to dream big, take bold steps, and pursue their own path to greatness. With Brave Bold Brilliant, Jeannette continues to make an indelible impact, proving that with the right mindset and support, extraordinary success is within reach.
“There’s no better feeling than seeing my clients flourish and step up to that next level. For me, that is what success means—unlocking greatness in others.”