About Dr. Janice Fortman

For over 17 years, I’ve been running JH Fortman & Associates, LLC, right here in Chicago. My work is all about helping people and organizations communicate better, connect more deeply, and lead with confidence. Whether through one-on-one coaching, corporate workshops, powerful keynotes, or my show Relationship Matters TV, I love giving people practical tools to build trust, navigate tough conversations, and strengthen the relationships that matter most.

What drives me? Seeing real change happen—when someone finally understands a family member better or a team starts working together more smoothly. That’s the impact I strive for every day.

My love for helping people with relationships and communication didn’t happen overnight. With a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University, I’ve spent years in education and leadership roles, both here and internationally.

Along the way, life threw some challenges my way that made me rethink “retirement.” Instead of slowing down, I poured my energy into this work—coaching, speaking, and creating media that inspires better connections. It’s been incredibly rewarding to turn my experiences into something that helps others thrive.

• Founded JH Fortman & Associates, LLC in 2008 and have been growing it ever since
• Shifted from traditional education and corporate roles to focus full-time on coaching and speaking
• Developed motivational workshops like “Independent Thinking Skills” and keynotes such as “Are You Listening?”
• Proud Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM), always honing my own communication skills

I’ve worn a lot of hats over the years, but they’ve all led me to where I am today—helping people transform their relationships through better communication.

Here’s a glimpse of my path:

• Founder and CEO of JH Fortman & Associates, LLC (2008–present): Delivering personalized coaching, group programs, corporate training, and consulting in Chicago
• International keynote speaker and trainer: Sharing stages and workshops worldwide on leadership, emotional intelligence, and relationship dynamics
• Host and producer of Relationship Matters TV: Creating weekly content that reaches thousands with real, honest conversations
• Author and resource creator: Writing books and tools focused on caregiving, personal growth, and professional success

I focus on the kinds of relationships we all deal with every day—the ones that can make or break our happiness and success.

Here’s where I spend most of my time helping clients:

• Navigating adult daughter and aging mother relationships, plus the realities of caregiving and eldercare
• Improving workplace connections, from team communication to leadership challenges
• Building strong communication habits for conflict resolution, trust, and everyday interactions
• Supporting healthier dating, romance, and family dynamics
• Boosting emotional intelligence and motivation for both individuals and teams

My approach is rooted in solid education, real-world experience, and some wonderful acknowledgments along the way.

A few highlights:

• Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership and Administration – Nova Southeastern University
• Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) – Toastmasters International
• Named Professional Woman of the Year (2013–2014) by the National Association of Professional Women
• Member of Phi Delta Kappa, Chicago Writers Association, and Women’s Speakers Association
• Featured in publications like Courageous Woman Magazine and Woman Entrepreneur Magazine

Lately, I’ve been getting more and more invitations to speak at conferences, corporate events, and workshops—and I absolutely love it! There’s something magical about standing in front of an audience and sharing practical ideas that they can use right away.

My talks are energetic, relatable, and full of real stories (plus a bit of humor) to make the messages stick.

• Favorite topics: Leadership communication, caregiving and family challenges, building team trust, emotional intelligence in action
• What’s new: A real surge in speaking requests, taking me to more stages and virtual events around the world
• My style: Warm, authentic, and focused on actionable steps—not just inspiration, but real tools
• The best part: Hearing from attendees afterward about how they’ve applied what they learned

One of my favorite roles is hosting Relationship Matters TV—”Where Relationships Thrive.” Every week, I sit down with amazing guests for open, heartfelt conversations about how relationships shape our lives.

It’s more than a show; it’s a space for real insights and stories that resonate.

• Hundreds of episodes (over 300 now!), streamed live and available on YouTube, e360tv, Roku, podcasts, and more
• Weekly episodes around 45–60 minutes: Deep-dive interviews, audience questions, and practical takeaways
• Why I do it: To show that better communication can change everything—one conversation at a time

Everything I do comes back to one simple truth: Relationships truly matter.

That’s the heart of JH Fortman & Associates and Relationship Matters TV.

My mission is straightforward:

• Help people and organizations communicate openly, build genuine trust, and lead with heart
• Create understanding in families, romances, workplaces—wherever connections happen
• Share tools, stories, and inspiration that make relationships stronger and lives richer
• Live by values like authenticity, compassion, growth, inclusivity, and a little motivation to keep moving forward