SPOTLIGHT: JEANNE MARIE BYINGTON

Founder and President, J M Byington & Associates, Inc.

Jeanne has represented Fortune 500 brands, family-owned businesses, and artisans as well as producers of special events and awards. She also writes and edits marketing materials and writes blog posts twice a week on “The Importance of Earnest Service.” Jeanne was honored with the NYWICI Liz Hoover award, the International Furnishings and Design Association’s Honorary Recognition Award and the IFDA Circle of Excellence award in the PR/advertising category. Baruch College recognized her for her contribution to their mentoring program.

What inspired you to join NYWICI?

I attended a Matrix luncheon. The winners and presenters took my breath away and I was at a table with interesting NYWICI members. That was the start.

What piece of career advice do you live by?

Tell the truth, trust your gut, and do your best. The only thing you have to sell is your reputation. There are countless charming and positive ways to disagree with a client or boss or to admit to making a mistake. It’s not easy. If you follow the first two—truth and gut–and know you’ve applied every ounce of available elbow grease and intelligence, it’s out of your hands. You’ll sleep better regardless of the outcome.

What’s something most people don’t know about you?

I am not, by nature, a joiner–and yet I have been on five boards and countless committees, and I am quite shy—though not when it comes to business.

What’s the best thing you’ve watched/ listened to/ or read recently?

“L’Agence,” aka “The Parisian Agency: Exclusive Properties,” on Netflix. Trying to brush up on my French, I watched this visual feast and fun series about the Kretz family that founded and runs a high-end real estate business. The reality TV show is a gorgeous way to do it. New episodes are scheduled for release May 24.

What 5 people living, or dead would you invite for dinner?

I’m interpreting this to be celebrities, not beloved family members and friends. Only five? I’m not being graded so……

  • Audrey Hepburn
  • Doris Kearns Goodwin
  • Christine Baranski
  • Billy Crystal
  • David McCullough
  • Barack Obama
  • Jesus—I have so many questions!
  • Woody Allen—read his memoir before you judge
  • Agatha Christie
  • Clementine Churchill—Baroness Spencer-Churchill—Sir Winston’s wife

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