I vividly recall being an 11-year-old, sitting among my Girl Scout troop in a dimly lit fire hall basement in Pittsburgh, at my very first sales meeting. The leader moms were passionately discussing the cookie campaign and how our earnings would support our troop's activities, like camping in the rain. Their enthusiasm was infectious, and I eagerly sought my parents' approval to participate. However, they hesitated, expressing concerns about the stereotypical image of door-to-door salespeople tarnishing our family's reputation.

I pleaded my case, emphasizing the good cause and assuring them of the neighbors' eagerness to purchase our delicious treats. Eventually, they relented, and with their signature on the permission slip, I embarked on my sales journey. Selling those mint cookies to eager customers filled me with joy and a sense of accomplishment. Winning a prize—an "I'm Thumbody" mug—further fueled my determination. Little did I know then, my knack for sales was rooted in a confidence that not every woman possesses.

As I grew, I realized the power of confidence in sales. Now, I'm dedicated to empowering women who struggle with self-assurance to excel in sales. It all traces back to those humble beginnings with cookies. Even in adulthood, my mother would joke about almost derailing my future sales career by trying to thwart my desire to sell Thin Mints.

Jean's journey in sales started at a young age when she discovered her passion for selling as a Girl Scout. Her parents were not advocates of selling door-to-door and she had to persuade them to allow her to participate in the cookie campaign. Through her determination and hard work she proved to her parents and herself that she could sell a significant number of cookies and it was then she knew how much she liked to sell. This early experience laid the foundation for Jean's future career path. After college, Jean worked in sales-related positions in all types of industries, including sports entertainment, television, personnel, business office services, and digital media companies. She thought her sales success was a result of hard work but when she met other women who struggled in sales, she realized self-confidence played a huge role in her career development. Jean’s aha moment came as the president of a women’s business organization where she met entrepreneurs experiencing their own confidence problems. The desire to help women raise their confidence levels in sales motivated her to write "Selling Your Confidence: Forging a Successful Sales Career from Mint Cookies to Martinis." The book aims to provide guidance and strategies for women in sales, empowering them to overcome self-doubt and achieve success in their careers. Jean's journey showcases the importance of self-confidence in sales and how personal experiences can shape one's career trajectory. Through her book and involvement in women's business organizations, she seeks to make a positive impact by sharing her insights and helping other women thrive in sales and their businesses.