Janie is a former Deputy Editor of Growth & Audience Development at the New York Daily News, a Tribune Publishing company. She is also an Adjunct Professor of social media and a speaker and corporate trainer specializing in LinkedIn, social media, digital strategies, and growth marketing.
Janie has experience as a Global Account Analyst at LinkedIn and has worked as a journalist at CBS, ABC, GQ, and more. One of her favorite roles was being a restaurant critic for New York Magazine, and she also worked as a wedding, portrait, and events photographer on the side. She graduated from Boston College and currently lives in NYC.
In your own words, what’s your role in the app business right now?
Recently, I managed a wide range of responsibilities at a news organization, including overseeing the web, SEO, social media, app, email newsletters, mobile and desktop alerts, CMS, analytics, homepage, and even aspects of the paper’s daily production.
How did you end up working in apps? / get started?
I’ve always been involved in consulting for apps across various industries, including dating and startups. I used to win company-wide awards at LinkedIn for providing valuable feedback on beta features for apps and websites. I have a strong interest in design, UI/UX and functionality.
What are you most excited about in apps right now?
I’m excited about apps that are designed to help users limit their own usage through conscious monitors and limiters.
What do you like most about working in apps?
There is a lot of flexibility in functionality and creative use, offering many ways to genuinely improve people’s daily lives or utility. The promotion and search capabilities in app stores also provide significant opportunities for growth and visibility.
What one thing would you change about the app industry/market? Where do you think there’s an opportunity for apps / or unmet needs?
There’s a lot of noise when it comes to finding the best apps or those that truly help you. Frequent updates can be overwhelming, and the rapid iterations can make it challenging to keep up—sometimes your phone or OS can’t even support a favorite app anymore.
If you weren’t working in apps what would you be doing?
Audience development includes a bit of everything — news, journalism, growth marketing, and digital strategy.
iOS or Android?
Both.
What app(s) have been most useful to you over the last year?
Bumble, Facebook, Outlook, and Dunkin’.
What’s on your Spotify / Music party playlist?
Too Sweet / Hozier, Slow it Down / Benson Boone
Any Netflix/ TV show recommendations?
The Morning Show on Apple TV+, Younger on Hulu.
Is there anything else we should know about you?
I am pretty into the NBA and was a cheerleader at Boston College. I’ve also interviewed the Backstreet Boys and worked as a mixologist in Manhattan. I enjoy giving talks and trainings, and I frequently appear as a guest on podcasts to discuss topics related to social media, digital platforms, and online dating.
Do you know someone driving change and growth in the app industry? Nominate an app leader here.
