Who It’s For: Entrepreneurs, Senior Business Leaders, Managers, Sales Professionals, Female Leaders, and R&D, Innovation, DEI, and Other Critical Teams
17 Years in Business as a Coach
The journey to starting and growing my business has been challenging. During the first two years in my business, I helped a handful of business owners to build their businesses. (I even coach a few of them still today.)
I love that Sarah Dupree of Dream Weaver Media captured some of my magic with this amazing photo!
August marks being in business as a coach for 17 years.
The journey to starting and growing my business has been challenging.
During the first two years in my business, I helped a handful of business owners to build their businesses. (I even coach a few of them still today.)
I struggled, though.
Clients were sporadic and far from consistent.
I wasn't clearly communicating my message and allowing others to get to know me truly. After nearly losing everything, I broke down, almost quit, and considered returning to a J-O-B.
Luckily for me, that rock bottom was precisely what I needed to gain clarity on what it's like to struggle with starting a business. I was able to rebrand, rebuild my framework and core messaging, and finally figure out my secret sauce and run my business on my terms.
For the past 17 years, my journey as a business leader has been one of continuous growth and evolution. As I reflect on this remarkable accomplishment, I am reminded of the lessons I have learned about using my voice, speaking up, standing out, and making an impact in the work that I get to do.
These lessons have shaped not only the trajectory of my business but also my role as a facilitator who leads, empowers, motivates, and listens.
Here are 17 insights I've learned about harnessing the power of my voice to lead effectively.
- Clarity Matters: Communicate your message, vision, and goals clearly. Otherwise, as Donald Miller says, "When you confuse, you lose."
- Get Curious: Listen Intently and seek to understand your clients and team's concerns and ideas before making decisions.
- Empathy Is Key: Show understanding and compassion towards others. Empathetic leaders build stronger connections and trust.
- Authenticity Builds Trust: Be genuine in your communication. Authenticity fosters credibility and trust among others. People want to connect with you, not who you think you "should" be.
- Adaptability Is Crucial: Business landscapes change. Being adaptable in your communication style helps you navigate these shifts more effectively.
- Transparency Builds Confidence: Openness about challenges, successes, and decisions builds a culture of trust within your organization and with your community.
- Lead by Example: Demonstrate the values and work ethic you expect from others. Actions often speak louder than words. I will never ask someone to do something I'm unwilling to do.
- Positive Reinforcement Motivates: Recognize and appreciate people's efforts. Positive reinforcement encourages higher performance.
- Constructive Feedback Drives Growth: Provide feedback that helps others to improve. It should be specific, actionable, and geared towards growth and goals.
- Clear Delegation Is Vital: Delegate tasks clearly, outlining expectations and desired outcomes. Always have a plan for following up and ensuring everyone is on the same page.
- Conflict Resolution Skills Are Necessary: Address conflicts promptly and professionally, fostering a harmonious work environment.
- Inspire and Motivate: Use your voice to inspire and pursue excellence. Motivated teams are more productive and creative.
- Effective Communication Channels Are Needed: Establish efficient communication channels to ensure information flows seamlessly throughout the organization.
- Crisis Communication Requires Calmness: During challenging times, your voice as a leader should convey reassurance and a steady approach.
- Continuous Learning Is a Must: Be open to learning new communication techniques. Evolving leadership strategies keep your approach fresh.
- Recognize Achievements Publicly: Celebrate wins and acknowledge individual and team achievements openly.
- Strategic Communication is Essential: Tailor your communication to different audiences - employees, stakeholders, clients - for maximum impact.
Bonus Tip:
18. Roleplay: Use roleplay to embody your communication as a leader before you have a difficult conversation.
Leadership is something that is cultivated in everyone, not just those who hold a title. This is why part of my mission as a communication trainer is to work with the entire team inside of organizations so that we can all rise together.
I learned a long time ago if we only work with those at the top of the organization, it doesn't trickle down to the team and the impact is small.
Let’s play all in and play big!
As I continue to navigate the ever-changing landscape of business and executive leadership, these lessons remain top of mind. They remind me that each of us has leadership inside us; it's about using one's voice to inspire, guide, and uplift.
If we want to be better communicators when speaking to a group, when navigating difficult conversations, or when we are looking to close more business, then it's time to use our voices to ask for what we want and support others around us to build the confidence to speak up as well.
Remember, every time we speak up for the ideas and issues that mean the most to us, it gives permission to others to speak up, too!
Cheers to the next 17+ years of success!
xoxo,
Darlene Hawley
✨Ready to Own Your Story and Attract Your Dream Clients?✨
If you’re ready to stop second-guessing your message and start using storytelling as a powerful tool to connect, inspire, and sell—then I’d love to invite you to my It’s Time to Own Your Story: Mini-Course.
In this self-paced course, you’ll learn how to:
✔️ Identify the key moments in your story that captivate your audience.
✔️ Share your story in a way that builds trust and positions you as the go-to expert.
✔️ Use storytelling across your website, social media, and sales conversations to attract and convert more clients.
Plus, you’ll get a
step-by-step workbook and
personal feedback on your brand story—so you can start sharing with confidence.
Hey There!
I'm Darlene
As a mother, wife, connector, and dream builder, I’m Darlene Hawley, the founder of DarleneHawley.com and an Executive Leadership & Businesss Coach dedicated to empowering leaders like you.
My passion lies in helping ambitious professionals cultivate their unique leadership style while crafting an authentic and impactful personal brand. Through my coaching, we’ll work together to build a solid foundation that not only inspires your team but also drives results and growth within your organization.
Since 2007, I have been committed to guiding leaders and entrepreneurs in launching and scaling their businesses with confidence and clarity.
Today, I focus on supporting women in reaching their leadership goals and living their dream lives—all while balancing the joys of raising my family and creating meaningful memories each day.
Together, we’ll transform your challenges into opportunities, allowing you to lead with authenticity and inspire those around you.
