Janet Kestin

Janet Kestin was the globally acclaimed Co-Chief Creative Officer of ad agency Ogilvy Toronto for 13 years.  For the last 10 years, through the Swim leadership lab co-founder with Nancy Vonk, she has worked with ad agencies and other creative companies to help leaders grow their ability to lead with creativity, humanity and impact. Swim has been recognized in Fast Company, Forbes and in many other spaces for having a highly effective, unconventional approach to closing the leadership gap faced by creative leaders. 

As a long-time, much-awarded creative, consultant, coach and trainer, Janet is uniquely qualified to accelerate the growth of creative leaders. She brings leadership experience, empathy and creativity to her coaching practice. 

Some of the companies that have benefited from Swim coaching and training include DDB, Ogilvy, McCann, FCB, Spotify, Facebook, Refinery29, Kraft, Unilever, Doubleday, Hill+Knowlton, Fitch and Bruce Mau Design. 

Twice, named ‘advertising women of the year’, Janet and Nancy are among the Advertising Age "100 Most Influential Women in Advertising" 2012 list. 

Their book, Pick Me: How to Get into Advertising and Stay There is a staple in ad schools across North America, while their HarperCollins release, Darling You Can't Do Both (And Other Noise to Ignore on Your Way Up), is one of Inc. Magazine 60 best leadership books written by women.