Je'Nen M. Chastain, MBA, Associate AIA
Founder, Apostrophe Consulting
Podcast Co-Host, Practice Disrupted
Je'Nen M. Chastain, MBA, Associate AIA
Je’Nen is trained in architecture and business management with a decade of experience working with award-winning architects. She founded Apostrophe Consulting to help architects improve firm culture, and strengthen their teams and businesses.
Apostrophe Consulting is a purpose-driven, woman-owned management consulting practice dedicated to helping architects transform their companies. With expertise in talent development, change management, and business strategy, Je’Nen helps her clients navigate growth in a changing world. She is also a co-host of the podcast Practice Disrupted.
Throughout her career, she’s helped advance strategic planning conversations with architects and firm owners. She specializes in facilitating conversations that engage multi-generational teams and has designed, developed, and presented dozens of professional development training programs that inspire next-gen leaders. She also has deep expertise in marketing and communications for architects.
Educational Background
2017 Master of Business Administration, Social, Entrepreneurship / Mills College
2008 Bachelor of Arts in Architecture / University of North Carolina at Charlotte
My Passion
My career in architecture showed me that I was drawn to things others weren't as passionate about, including marketing, communication, business development, leadership training, public speaking, and professional development. I saw how my training in architecture elevated and complimented my passion for business. By recognizing my interests and strengths, I saw an opportunity to create a company that met a need in the industry. Apostrophe Consulting has an underlying mission of helping architects grow their businesses and leadership capabilities.
“Starting out, a career in architecture may seem linear from designer to licensed architect; however, there are many hidden career paths in this field. Don't let the path define you. Take time to figure out what is important to you, what your strengths are, and create a path that connects you to those things.”
The Power of Storytelling
In addition to running Apostrophe Consulting, I also co-host a podcast called Practice Disrupted. This work enables me to collaborate with diverse professionals with unique perspectives on what architecture is and what it can be. Since starting the show, I've seen personal growth in my public speaking and interview skills and unlocked a creative passion for storytelling.
“A running theme in our podcast Practice Disrupted relates to divergent careers leveraging an education in architecture. These guests all share a common willingness to explore and test out new opportunities in their careers. Don't be afraid to take risks and experiment in pursuit of your dreams, those risks often lead to new discoveries.”
My Inspiration
“Kind, talented, funny, and ambitious people inspire me. I find motivation through studying the careers of individuals who seek out and pursue growth in their careers and personal lives. I'm drawn to creative, unique, and thoughtful people who make me think deeply and laugh loudly. Brené Brown's research on courage, vulnerability, shame, empathy, and leadership has been influential to my work, along with podcasts like Radiolab and This American Life.” - Chastain
