Networking Unleashed: Building Profitable Connections. An Interview with Jane Rolen and Michael A Forman
Welcome to Networking Unleashed, Building Profitable Connections. I'm your host, Michael Forman. We all face adversity, but here's the question: Does the fire simply test us or does it reveal who we really are? Today's guest knows what it means to be forged in the fire, turning grit into gold, adversity into advantage, and personal challenges into a reason to serve others.
We're talking about resilience, relationships, character, and why real success isn't just how high you climb, it's about who you help along the way. This one's gonna get a little personal, so let's just get into it. I'd like to welcome to the podcast today Jane Roland. She is going to give us a little bit about everything I just said, and good morning, Jane.
And how would you give me, let's say, the Cliff Notes of how you got where you are today? Good morning, Michael, and good morning everyone. I don't know where to start, but my life has been a series of challenges from childhood to adulthood that I call it accelerated adulthood, because when I was 17 years old I lost my mom to cancer, and I have five siblings so i- so I immediately became the junior mom.
And not because I was ready, but because somebody had to step up. My father married somebody who didn't care too much about us, so it was up to me to take care of the kids. So many years later... Well, let me get back. I helped send them to school to college, and the way I did that was I was working for the government in the Philippines, and they have a program for employees that when you take out a loan and you pay it for the whole semester, which is interest-free, then you can loan again.
So that's how I sent my brothers to school, and all the way down to the to the youngest one. But anyway, I was already back in the States when when my youngest, my younger sisters went to college. In, many years later in 2015, in January of 2015 I lost my father- Two months later, I lost my husband.
So I was thinking, "How can this level of grief even be allowed?" But I did not have the chance to grieve. I did not give myself the chance to grieve because there is so much, so many things to do. I have a family to take care of. My, my siblings are still young, and I was still helping them. So I guess with all the stress that came the year that my, both my father and my husband fell the same day, and they were in and out of the ICU, and then the same year that they they passed away, in May, I fell and broke my foot.
So I was wearing these orthopedic boots for six months. But I was traveling because I was giving training to the managers. I used to work for Social Security. So I was training managers all over the region, and I was, like, going with my ugly boots. And then in October that year, I, was harassed by somebody close to the family, my stepson.
And I had to fight that too. Then in December, I started having these really heavy headaches, and I thought it was my sinus headaches because I for many years I've been taking this Loratadine for the s- sinus headaches. But it was so massive that I couldn't get up. And my friend took me to the emergency room, and the doctor said, "We have to keep you.
You have a brain tumor. We gotta take it out." It was a slow-growing tumor right behind my right eye socket. So I was ... my friend who took me there was like, "Oh my God." And then I said, I s- I just said, "Let's just do whatever you want to. Just get me out of my misery. It is so painful." And then he was saying, the funniest thing is that he was saying, "Okay.
It's right behind your right eye socket. We can probably cut it here." And I said, "Don't you dare touch my face." My friend was laughing. "You are so vain. You're already under a lot of pain." But I said it's gonna have a scar." And she, he said the reason why I was in so much pain, because it was a slow-growing tumor, and then it was running out of room , to grow.
That's why I was in so much pain. That's why I had... they had to take it out. So they shaved my h- my head, opened my skull, and took it out. And when I- they were taking me out of the operating room, I was awake. I called my sister in California and I said, "Hey, everything's done. Don't worry."
They took me to my room. I was gone. I was in coma for 12 days. And when I woke up I lost 12 days, and everybody ... They said people were crying, people were, like, in my room, and even the hospital said, "You gotta stop coming in because there's too many people in, in my room." So th- that's my story.
And so I went back to work. There, there were more challenges, and I had to ask for a transfer because of the stress. I was gonna die if I was gonna continue in that role. I was a team leader for equal rights and equal opportunity. But so I transferred to a quieter environment, but I had to give up my management position.
At least the title, but it's the same grade, the same pay. So I said, "Y- yeah, sure. I'll do that." That means I, I don't have to take care of adult kids or as a supervisor. So but looking back it's almost like like I said, I did not have a chance to kinda, think of what I'm supposed to do.
It's like instinct. It's like being there for people who need me, and to the point that I sacrifice myself, but it's... The most gratifying thing for me is that I see people succeed because of what I did for them. And it doesn't matter whether I was sleepless or I was- ... tired or whatever. But so I turned that into my leadership because I was already the chair of a lot of organizations anyway.
Yes. And so I started mentoring people because they come to me. I did a keynote in one of an international women's organization, and this lady was crying after the speech, and she came up to me and I said, "Did I offend you? Did I say anything wrong?" And then she said, "No, I am crying because everything you said up there resonated with me."
And so she said, "I wanna talk to you some more." So that's how my speaking business started. Okay. So let's get into this a little bit more with the, the questions, and we'll delve a little bit deeper into what your background. Your keynote is called Forged in Fire. When life puts us through the fire, what does it reveal about our character that success sometimes hides? It's it reveals your strength. It reveals how far you can take yourself. It reveals your character, what's in your soul, and even unintentionally you don't even know that. I didn't know, I didn't know that I was already showing people that I was strong, that I I can do this.
I wasn't thinking of myself, I was thinking of those people who need me. And that's why I put my feelings aside. I put my what I wanted aside because I wanted people around me to ... My family. I wanted my brothers and sisters to succeed. But that kinda also extended into people that I lead, both at, at my work and in my organizations.
So they tell me that do you even sleep?" Because I am not very good at doing nothing. I cannot keep still. I think that's also when I look back at those days that I come home, I still do some work, I go to bed, following morning I get up and do it all over again, it's because I think I did not want myself, I did not want to feel lonesome or depressed, so I kept going.
Okay. Here, networking often encourages us to show confidence and success. Do you think allowing people to see some of our struggles can actually create stronger relationships? I believe that. It does, it really does, because people who know you and people who know your struggles and see where you are now, they get inspired.
I didn't know that I was inspiring a lot of people when they learn about my story, and then they come up to me and ask for a mentorship. And those mentorships become special relations. You become friends, you become mentors, you become a mentee for some people as well, but you're contributing.
You are helping. Somebody told me at one time that "I think your middle name is Service," because you're out there always serving, always helping people. But that's what makes me happy. That... and that, that's a good way to be. It's always good because when you're networking, as we discussed before, you're networking with a servant's heart, and you're halfway there, 'cause you're always looking to see what you can do for others before others can do for you, and that's the name of the game with relationships.
There's a lot of pressure today to turn every relationship into an opportunity. How do we protect the humanity of a relationship when business opportunities are also involved? Honesty and the intent You just have to be honest to yourself and to the people that you're dealing with. It's kinda hard sometimes when you feel like you're being used. It's hard when you feel like people call you only when they need you. But you gotta understand it from their perspective as well.
They need to survive. You gotta understand that, too. But you have to meet halfway. Like for instance I founded this organization, or I... Let me set back. I was the president of the Chamber of Commerce for three years, and some people outside, When I took under the role, there were only 20 member- members, and 11 of whom were board members, and I almost cried because I didn't know this.
And money was, like, under, what? We only had $500, I think. So the first year was just gung ho of membership drives and gung ho of raising funds. So by the end, when I took over in February, that's what I found out. January, I should say. And then by November, we had 94 members. So I was feeling good about that, and I was telling them that we need to be visible to the community, and we need to let them know what's in it for them so that they would join us.
So because people always always say that, "Oh I'm paying membership fee. What can you do for me?" Now, a lot... Some of my friends said that "Do you remember this person, that person? She just joined because she she wants to network to, to make money and for the business and whatever."
And I said that's the point. That's the point. That's the purpose of them being here, so we shouldn't take that against them." At the same time, though, while we're helping them, they can help other people as well, the other members, the networking. We can support each other's businesses. Another, another situation is that recently I founded the Overseas Filipino Workers Foundation, and again, somebody was saying that "She's always she's always talking about her business.
She's e- every single time, every single project, she's always talking about what she can offer." And I said people don't have to bite. She is... It's her prerogative to talk about her business," and she terms it, she calls it, "I can help you." So it's, it comes in a form of I can help you with what you need.
So I said, "I wouldn't really, think badly too much about that." Although, of course, if it gets too much, then we gotta call them to the carpet. If it's the same thing over and over again, and it's, it takes over the purpose of the program or the purpose of the project, then there's a problem.
You have to re- But so far, it's been okay. You have to remember that you can tell her anyway that you're not only speaking to the people But you're speaking to their network of people. So one thing you always learn with networking is that you don't always sell, right? You don't go out there and just say, "This is what I can do for you."
Go there and just have a listen. Just listening is so much more valuable than talking. So if you listen, and you listen to what they're about... Because there's an 80/20 rule. 80% they talk, 20% we talk. Listen. And our, part of our 20% is asking questions about their 80%, so you can find out more about them and fi- figure can I really help them, or do I know of somebody that can help them?
And so it can be very, just as easy as a, as you saying "You know what? I really can't help you, but I know somebody who can. Would you like me to introduce you?" And then if they say, "Yes, absolutely," you start that. Because you have to turn yourself into a connector, right? I'm considered a connector because once a week, or at least once a week, I take two people, I find out what they need, and I connect them.
I've been doing that for four years. So it's very important that they know that they can talk to you and say Sheena may not be able to help me, but she may know of somebody who does- ... or who can." So that's really the button, yeah. Okay. And same thing here. When someone is going through adversity, what separates the people who simply say, "Call me if you need anything," from the people who actually show up?
The sincerity Yeah That's the difference. I've heard a lot of people say "Call me," "Call me if you need, ever need anything." But once you're quiet for a long time, it's those people who call you that really care about you. Yeah. So something that- So talk is cheap yeah. You always have to, yes, call me if you need anything, but if you don't hear from them within- 10 seconds
three weeks, a month, or something else like that, you should say... give, make a call and say, "Hey, I was just thinking about you. How you doing?" Or, something to that, that effect. And I recently did that with one of my work coworkers who I took on as a current client.
But I did that because I haven't heard him or I haven't seen him in the chamber, ... meetings. And I called him up and I said, "Hey, just wanted to know what's going on because you missed a, a meeting and, I miss talking to you." And he goes, "Oh, I'm so glad you called. But I'm i- inundated with work and everything else.
Would you know about this?" And I said, "No, I I don't, but I know somebody who does." I connected them. He called me back, and I got him as a client. So by just me offering somebody else that knew what they were doing, I didn't, but I knew who to call. So- ... that, that helped him right along. Now okay, let me say this.
You place a strong emphasis on service. How do you serve people without secretly keep, secretly keeping score or expecting the favor to come back someday? I don't know. As in I forget. I just do things without e- expecting anything in re- in return. This reminds me, there was one time I went to an event.
I was invited to a, a birthday after service, and I went there, and four people a- approached me, and they were thanking me. I don't even remember them anymore. And they said you helped my father. You helped my parents apply for Social Security. He was paid, and we're thankful. We can never forget this."
And then a brother came in and I'm like, "What, when did I help them?" I was thinking, "When did I help them?" And my friend said about 10 years ago when you did this seminar, and then you, after the seminar, and you helped them actually f- through the process." And I'm thinking, "Why can't I remember?"
And they said you don't remember because you don't expect anything in return." And I said I'm..." Because they remember my face, they remember my name, but I don't. It's because it's been so long ago, and plus I didn't know. I didn't know how many I helped. I don't keep score. That just means that you had that much of an impact on them, so that they would remember you 10 years later and still say I can call Jane because I'll get an answer that way."
And that's 10 years. So you must have made a huge impact on what w- what they were talking about. So that's a very good... And that's a feather in your cap. When a... In a world increasingly shaped by AI, automation, and digital communication, will empathy and genuine human connection become even more valuable leadership qualities?
Yes. Much more valuable. Much more important. Because y- you can plug it in, and then the AI's gonna write it all up for you. But it's different. You can tell when... Because when you don't take a look at the results and tailor it to what you feel, it's gonna sound robotic. And I can always tell when people has wr- wrote me or posted something that's AI, written by AI.
Because there's no em- emotion, and e- emotional quotient is very important. Yes. In relationships. Yeah, but what... AI does not put that emotion into their answers. They give you the technical jargon, and you then have to take it and put your emotional information into it because it's not there yet. AI isn't there yet.
And relational, the... I use the pandemic as a line in the sand. Pre-pandemic was transactional, post-pandemic is relational. And in order for you to keep that relation going- You have to bring in that emotional aspect of it, and you have to be human, be yourself. And that's what AI can't do. Not yet, but for now, the emotional part of being in a relationship, business relationship, is so much more important.
You've worked to create lasting impact in people's work and lives. How do you personally measure impact when there's no revenue number, promotion, or award attached to it? You mean on my part or on their part? On your part. It doesn't matter, as long as I see them succeed. For example, I retired from the federal government last year because of all this turmoil of the reorganization and all that, and I was thinking if I stay, because my position wasn't affected, if I stayed, I'd be doing the work of four people because they really cut us down.
So some of my coworkers are in danger of losing their jobs, and I, number one I was close to retirement anyway. I was gonna retire in three years, and, I looked at my time, my, my time in government and my age, I'm eligible to retire. And so when I went to my supervisor and I said, "I think I'm gonna leave," and she said, "Why?
You're a valuable employee, and your position is not affected." And I said, "Look, I don't have a mortgage to pay. I don't have any kids to raise. Look at one of my coworkers. They have young kids. They were high performance the last years, but because of this, they're making mistakes. They're crying in the hallway."
And I said, "If I left and you gave my position to somebody then I would be happy, 'cause I can always find something else." So it- they said it's very novel, but it's, I don't think about me. I think about people. And, what reward did I get from that? Nothing. But it's the satisfaction knowing that I probably have been able to help somebody, and not just somebody, his family or her family.
So it doesn't matter to me. I'm, it's the gratification that I feel seeing somebody succeed. It's always been like that. I'm not looking for something in return. And you hope that they pass it on. That you did this for them, that they would do something good for somebody else.
So you hope they pass it on. Okay, so let's bring this podcast full circle. If someone listening today is going through their own fire, what would you want them to understand about the relationships they're building and the person they're becoming during the season?
You will eventually realize that You have to ask your question. You don't ask the question, "Why is this happening to me?" You ask the question, "What is this preparing me for?" And if you realize that, then when you become ... when you are beyond that challenge, then you realize that you become stronger person.
You be- you realize that you have had resources during that period that made you survive, and then you realize, "Okay, I want to develop myself into something greater than when I was." It's just the way of th- you just have to change your mindset. You have to change your mindset stop questioning, "Why me?"
Or "Why is this happening to me?" Or blaming somebody. Just start thinking about, what is this making ... what is the purpose of this? What is this developing me into? What is this preparing me for? And then you realize that you have the skills you didn't know. You didn't know that you can grade it, that you can take it, and you can
you become out- come a stronger person Good. Good, great. That's great news. Great information. Here's what I want you to remember. Adversity may shape your story... Oh, wait, before I go into that, Jane, I'm sorry. You were just such a fabulous guest. We got to learn all about what really makes you go and ev- the book you wrote.
If somebody wants to get hold of you, either just to say hello or to be mentored by you, how should they get hold of you? You can just give me a call or find me on Facebook. I also have a website. It's Jan- www.janeroland.com. And there's a contact, there's a message there where you can contact me there and send me a message, and I'll call them right away, as soon as I, as soon as I see it.
Okay. Okay. Okay, and now let me go back. So here's what I want you to remember. Adversity may shape your story, but what you do with your story shapes your impact. Your strongest relationships aren't always the people who celebrate you at the top. They're often the people who stood beside you during the climb, and the people you choose to reach back and help afterwards.
If you enjoyed today's episode follow and subscribe to Networking Unleashed: Building Profitable Connections for more conversations about networking, communication, leadership, and relationships that matter. And share this episode with someone who's going through their own fire right now. They may need to hear it.
I'm Michael Forman. Remember, don't just survive the fire, use what's taught you in the light... I'm sorry. Use what it taught you to light the way for someone else. Jane, I wanna thank you again for coming on the podcast. You were a wonderful guest. Thank you so much, Michael. Thank you so much. I appreciate this
That's a wrap, folks. A huge thank you to our guests for sharing such incredible insights today. And of course, a big shout-out to you, our amazing listeners, for tuning in and spending your time with us. If you're interested in my digital courses, being coached, or having me come and talk to your company, just go to MichaelAForman.com and fill out the request form.
Remember, networking isn't about being perfect. It's about being present. So take what you've learned today, get out there, and make some meaningful connections. If you've enjoyed this episode, please don't forget to subscribe. Leave us a review, and share it with someone who could use a little networking inspiration.
Let's keep the conversation going. You can find me on Apple, Spotify, Pandora, YouTube, or my website, michaelaforman.com/podcast
Jane Rolen
828-507-2563
Please share a brief Bio.*
Mary Jane B. Rolen COMMUNITY LEADER/ PUBLIC SERVANT/CULTURAL ADVOCATE PROFESSIONAL PUBLIC SPEAKER/ CONSULTANT CEO, JBR CONSULTING, LLC/ CEO, LAZY BEAR CABINS, LLC Jane Rolen (Mary Jane Basilio-Rolen) is a recently retired Management and Program Analyst for Social Security Administration (SSA). She began her SSA career as a Claims Representative in 1998, under the Outstanding Scholar Program, and has held a number of responsible positions including Operations Supervisor, Labor Relations Specialist, Executive Assistant to the Regional Commissioner, and Team Leader for Civil Rights & Equal Opportunity Office, prior to her selection as Management and Program Analyst. Jane was the President of the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of GA in 2021-2023, where she led the Chamber to membership drive, and retention, impactful monthly webinars, monthly newsletters and the PACCGA on Wheels Program. During her tenure, she emphasized tangible impact to small business owner members. As Advisor to Board of Directors for the now dissolved Galing Foundation Inc. (2007-2023), she made huge impact to the beneficiary schools in far flung areas of the Philippines. Specifically, she coordinated the completion of the water system in PAWAK Elementary School, sponsored by Makabayan Inc., GA. Galing Foundation was a non-profit organization promoting English literacy in the Philippines. Jane is the first Filipino podcaster in GA, and the southeast. As a service to the Filipino community, she hosts “Usapang Pinoy,” produced by Georgia Asian Times, which is designed for Filipino diaspora community in Metro Atlanta, GA and the Southeast. The maiden episode was released in November of 2021 and to date, Jane has completed 100+ episodes. As a key member of the Volunteer Corps of the Office of the Honorary Consul General of the Philippines, Jane represents the Honorary Consul General (HCG) of Atlanta, Raoul “Ray” Donato in various events and functions in the absence of the HCG. She leads the Philippine team in the yearly “Beloved Community International Expo” hosted by the Martin Luther King Center, held in September of each year. She leads the Philippine team in the “World Migrant’s Day,” hosted by the Mayor’s Office of Atlanta in December of each year. She also represents the HCG at the Cobb County Consular Breakfast and Cobb County International Festival. In addition, Jane assists the HCG in many Attention to Nationals (ATN) cases in Georgia. Jane is the Chair of the Filipino American History Month GA (FAHMGA) celebrations in GA, which she started in 2019. Every year, FAHM conducts a series of events throughout the month of October to celebrate FAHM. In 2025 FAHM conducted 10 events, significantly more than the 2 events in 2019. FAHM celebrations are in coordination with the Honorary Consulate Office of Georgia. Jane is a Keynote Speaker, Consultant, Project Manager, and Entrepreneur. She is the Founder of JBR Consulting, LLC and the CEO of Lazy Bear Cabins, LLC. Jane is the recipient of numerous awards in her career at Social Security Administration, including but not limited to the following: • 2023, 2024 Regional Commissioner’s Citation Award • 2019 Regional Commissioner’s Citation Award • 2014 Regional Commissioner’s Citation Team Award • 2011 Commissioner’s Citation, SSA’s highest honor award In her community work, Jane is the recipient of the following recognitions: • 2025 Consular Awardee, Philippine Honorary Consulate • 2024 Marquis Who’s Who Women of Influence Award • 2024 Marquis Who’s Who Distinguish Humanitarian Award • 2023-2024 Marquis Who’s Who Honoree • 2023 Every Day Heroes, Atlanta Journal Constitution • 2022 Georgia Asian Times (GAT) Most Influential Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in GA; • 2021 Georgia Asian Times (GAT) Most Influential Asian Americans in GA; • 2017 Empowered Women Honoree - National Federation of Filipino American Association (NaFFAA). • 2013 APAs Making Waves Preservation Award from the Asian Pacific American Historical Society. • 2012 APA Community Leadership Award from OCA-Georgia. • 2007 “Who’s Who in the Asian Communities” from the WWAC Alliance Foundation . Jane was born and raised in the Philippines. She graduated with honors from St. Joseph’s College in Quezon City, Philippines, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree, major in Economics. Jane was married for 27 years to the late William (Bill) T. Rolen, Jr.
What are 2-3 things you would love to talk about?*
1. My keynote - "Forged in the Fire" - From Grit to Gold -- turning Adversity into Advantage
2. Service to my community - creating lasting impact in people's work and lives
3. My dream project
What are 2-3 things you would like to gain as a result of being on this podcast?*
Get booked and paid To help more people to meet people for lasting friendships
Any website you wish to share with the audience?
Any social media links you wish to share with the audience?
Michael is a business networking expert specializing in enhancing professionals' networking and communication skills to drive profitability. As a leading authority in this field, he is highly sought after for his dynamic presentations and workshops. His extensive experience has consistently led to significant improvements in corporate profitability by empowering individuals and organizations to connect more effectively and efficiently.
Digital Courses
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