ABOUT
“Losing my worth was the ultimate betrayal to myself because it created an impostor, made me needy, had me looking for attention in all the wrong places, forced me to become insecure and self-destructive, and pushed me to outsource my worth to others. At the end of the day, it caused me to become worthless and invisible—and positioned me to be preyed upon.” ~ Jean Ibañez Payne
Reclaiming Her Worth: A Story of Resilience, Empowerment, and Triumph
Jean Ibañez Payne is fiercely dedicated to uplifting women who have experienced a loss of self-worth or who find themselves feeling lost or trapped in the aftermath of trauma.
From an early age, Jean faced unimaginable challenges, including childhood abuse that cast a shadow over her developing years. Despite these beginnings, and even more horrific trauma as an adult, she emerged determined to reclaim her power, rewrite her story, and build a new life on her own terms.
Now, she is helping others to find their own inner resolve, to bring forth the strength they don’t know they have, and to find their own success. Jean says, “Success is subjective. It’s up to you how to define it.”
At 15 Jean returned to the US from Colombia and was put on a bus that would take her from California to Georgia, where she faced the feeling of not being welcomed and developed an eating disorder. Thinking she could escape it all, Jean joined the Navy, where she encountered further challenges, including repeated sexual assault for almost five years. Reporting it made no difference. Our nation’s military betrayed her and for the next 20 years she would struggle with anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Jean didn’t share what had happened with anyone after she left the military, even her husband.
The eating disorder became her constant companion, until one day she decided it was time to transform her pain into purpose, knowing that if she didn’t, she would die. She used the tools her doctors offered, wrestled back control and won, reclaiming her wellbeing and her worth at the same time.
She learned to wield her voice with authority and assertiveness, advocating not only for herself but for others who had suffered in silence. Her military service taught her discipline and resilience, but it was her spirit that allowed her to rise above the adversity she faced.
In the corporate world, Jean continued to encounter obstacles which included sexual harassment that tested her resolve. The demanding environment often mirrored the difficult experiences of her past, yet she approached each challenge with a boldness that inspired those around her. She became a source of empowerment, lending her strength to colleagues and peers, especially women grappling with their own struggles in the workplace.
Today, Jean stands as a powerful advocate for survivors of abuse, using her voice and her story to ignite hope in others. She embodies the belief that every woman, no matter her past, has the power to reclaim her worth and forge a life filled with purpose and joy. Through coaching, workshops, speaking engagements, and personal storytelling, Jean engages with her audience, imparting valuable lessons learned through her journey.
Her approach is rooted in empathy and understanding, allowing those she interacts with to feel a genuine connection to her experiences. Jean’s story is not merely one of survival; it is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of community. She encourages women, particularly those who have faced similar battles, to embrace their vulnerabilities and see them as gateways to strength.
Born in the United States and raised in Colombia, South America, Jean Ibañez Payne represents a remarkable blend of cultural experiences that shape her impactful narrative. Following her military service, Jean embarked on a 20-year career spanning workforce training, communications, marketing, diversity, program management, and risk management.
As a corporate leader, she excelled in communications, marketing, and diversity efforts, culminating in her role managing the Diversity and Inclusion program for a Fortune 200 utility company with over 14,000 employees, where she launched groundbreaking employee resource groups for veterans and women.
In 2014, she left a successful corporate career, selling their dream home and cashed out savings to start TI Verbatim Consulting (TIVC) with a mission to help people work better together. TIVC rapidly gained trust among corporate clients and government agencies such as, NASA, FDIC, and the Departments of Treasury, Homeland Security, and Defense.
Jean’s impressive credentials include a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, and a Master of Business Administration. She serves on several nonprofit boards and holds multiple professional certifications from accredited institutions in the areas of change management, leadership coaching, resilience, emotional intelligence, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).
Jean’s mission transcends professional achievements; her voice and story ignite hope in others, believing that every woman has the power to reclaim her worth and live a purpose-driven life.
“… How many women or young girls have been abused and feel like they are stuck? That there’s no life left for them? You are proof that abuse does NOT define the woman. In fact, it can be used as fuel to persevere and triumph. Your story is about HOPE and STRENGTH.” ~T.F.
How Jean Can Help You
Jean offers transformational personalized coaching and inspiring keynote speeches to empower women who have experienced a loss of self-worth due to toxic military culture, challenges in navigating corporate environments, or difficulties in finding their place within educational institutions.
If you are feeling stuck, powerless, or alone, whether the challenges you face are big or small, Jean is the coach for you. Her diverse experiences, top-tier training, and remarkable ability to identify and address the core issues will help you rediscover your strength and purpose.