International Women’s Day: Interview with Jennifer Deutsch

Happy International Women’s Day! A global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. Gardenuity is a business founded by women, and today we are introducing you to a woman who mentors us at Gardenuity and who has supported women globally throughout her career- Jennifer Deutsch.

We sat down with Jennifer Deutsch, the Chief Marketing Officer at Park Place Technologies and an avid gardener. As a successful woman in business, we wanted to get some inspiration and wisdom on her career path, the wellness practices that got her to where she is today, and what it means to be a woman in a position of power.

Check out her interview below for more information about her business, how she creates a positive mindset that has fostered her growth, challenged her, and what advice she has for other women looking to expand their horizons. 

Tell us about your career path.

Jennifer started her journey at Columbia University in New York City. From there, she began her career with a training program at Nestlé USA and Stouffer Foods in Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio. She was a part of the management training program that covered everything from sales to management to marketing. 

In just 16 years, she has been promoted 11 times. Nestlé eventually led to her becoming the Director of New Ventures for the Nestle Ice Cream Division. Additionally, Jennifer was on the marketing team that launched Lean Cuisine in the United States and also worked in Switzerland to continue the launch and expansion of Lean Cuisine. 

Thereafter, she left the food industry behind and began to place her roots in the hospitality industry.  She served as the Vice President of Marketing for Marriott International where she repositioned and optimized the Marriott brand portfolio and focused on Global Brand Management. 

Jennifer also spent time in the advertising world, managing an agency that had major clients from Chrysler to a number of healthcare clients and accounts. Finally, she made the plunge into technology, and from business to consumer to business to business offerings when joining Park Place Technology. 

What advice would you give to women to move up in their work?

Jennifer encourages women to reach high. She believes that no one, no matter their gender, should ever feel limited. She told me, “the sky is the limit.” With hard work and determination, anything is possible. One of the best pieces of advice she has to offer is to work on continuing to be the first one in, be the last one out, be the hardest worker, think creatively, and partner with coworkers to become a unified team. 

Jennifer is a mentor and advisor who has become a good friend. She makes herself available with all of my questions as an entrepreneur, has opened up her network to me, and brings a roll up your sleeve approach to every day. I am blessed to have her part of Gardenuity and as a friend.” Donna Letier

What is your current role at Park Place Technology?

Jennifer is the Chief Marketing Officer at Park Place Technology. She has built and continues to manage a team of global marketers, with 22,000 clients all over the world. This team has overseen 20 acquisitions over the past 5 years Jennifer has people that she manages all over the world, including in Brazil, Singapore, and the United States. 

She leads the company’s global marketing and communication teams, where she is focused on reinforcing Park Place’s leadership position and driving awareness of the innovations Park Place continues to bring to the global IT marketplace. 

What is a self-care practice that helps you through stressful times?

Jennifer believes that work-life balance and cultivating passions outside of work is vital to success at all levels of life. 

One of Jennifer’s passions is gardening. She said that “nothing is more relaxing and fulfilling than gardening.” Every day, she starts her day at 6 am to water her garden, and by 7 am she is sitting in her chair ready to work. 

In addition to gardening, she usually ends her day with a one to two-hour workout. She is very active and an avid bike rider. Jennifer has ridden her bike in almost every state, as well as in many countries throughout the world. 

In March 2020, she was diagnosed with lymphoma, which has cultivated a passion for supporting and uplifting people going through cancer treatment, as well as helping to find the cure. Her next big ride is The Pan-Florida Challenge, where she will be riding a bike 62 miles in an effort to support and raise awareness for cancer research.