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Grab the Communication Guide

I am a cat, showing you my belly. Feel free, to pet me.

Darlene Hawley

I'm sharing her story with you today because she needs your help. And I'm feeling called to help her in a big way by offering to coach you, when you donate to help her with her brain surgery.

Meet Isis. (I have her permission to share her story and ask for your help)

Isis is one of the amazing clients that I've been blessed to work with over the past three years.

I'm sharing her story with you today because she needs your help. And I'm feeling called to help her in a big way by offering to coach you when you donate to help her with her brain surgery.

>>>MAKE A DONATION HERE<<<


Once you make a donation... 100% of the money collected will be donated to Isis to support her with her upcoming surgery and care.

Read a bit of her story copied from a FB post on her page:

Brain surgery.” The words for me, used to elicit visions of Frankenstein, with his sewed up mismatched head. They aren’t words I thought I would ever need to say. It never occurred to me, that with great urgency, I would be looking for a stranger to reach into the center of my brain. My world. To touch, what is esoterically referred to, as the seat of my soul.
There is a lot of dark humor, in needing to be in the USA for an expensive and rare brain surgery quickly, because this is where the qualified specialists are. I left the USA in 2016 after being bankrupted by medical malpractice. I left angry, beat up, and exhausted.
After living in Mexico, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Italy, France, and then for the last 5 years in Spain, I had more compassion for my experience. The USA is one of the most expensive places to have a health crisis, and unlike many European countries, the system can quickly drag you into undeserved poverty.
But I missed my friends and community here in Portland, OR. The woods called to me. And I followed the call, having been told that the “incidental finding” in my head, while freakishly large, was unlikely the culprit for the neurological symptoms I was having. I was told it was likely I would most likely die, happy and old, with a cyst in my head.
I have read on forums now, that everyone who has a debilitating pineal cyst has been told that.
Within a few weeks of being in the USA, the pain was so severe, I found myself in the ER being prepped for surgery. I pleaded for them to wait, so I could fly out to a surgeon experienced in this surgery. I'm here now, in Wisconsin.
I am sad that this is happening. Scared. And in my better moments, curious.
What is this initiation? What is this profound invitation to show up like this and ask for help? Why has the spiral of life, brought me back to another unplanned for medical crisis in the USA? Again, without health insurance?
Who could I be on the other side of this?
Perhaps, someone with much more to offer. Someone more human.

So, my beloved friends, and worldwide community…I am inviting you on this profoundly vulnerable journey with me. I will post where I can, even if it is dictated.
Today, I saw one of the the two neurosurgeons most talked about in pineal cyst forums and he approved me for surgery the same visit. He is rushing this surgery. It's in ONE WEEK.
Given how quickly both the symptoms and surgery have moved, I can feel it's time to open myself to receive. To welcome your support and love.
I won't lie. I didn't want to. I am still taking down the John Wayne ideals of "independence" and trading them for a much healthier "interconnectedness."
But I did it. And now I am a cat, showing you my belly.
Feel free, to pet me.

Isis, surgery was scheduled for last week and the hospital canceled as she didn't have enough money to make the deposit. Your support will allow her the surgery she needs.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Another option to support Isis is by donating to her go fund me account.

https://gofund.me/17877b09
 (Even a little is a lot!)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I'm offering 2 Group Coaching Sessions (April & May) for anyone that donates, feel free to show up to one or both of them to get the support you need to move forward in your business or life. 

Coaching topics can be Mindset, Business Growth, Personal Branding, Visibility & Marketing, Systems, Workflow, etc. 


>>>DONATE AND GET COACHING HERE<<<


If you make a donation of $250 or more you'll be invited to a special 30 min 1:1 session in addition to the group calls.


Please email me at 
darlene@darlenehawley.com so I can make sure you get all of the coaching opportunities as a thank you for your donation.

Please feel free to share with your community as well.

Thank you for helping me, help Isis! Your support means the world to both of us.

Cheers,

Darlene

PS. Did you skip to the bottom? I'm asking for your help to support Isis on her journey to brain surgery and recovery. You donate and I'll coach you as a special thank you. 
DONATE HERE



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10 Effective Communication Tips
Darlene Hawley, Personal Branding & Business Coach for service based entrepreneurs

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.

By Darlene Hawley March 25, 2025
The Day I Learned That Selling Isn’t About Selling Ten years ago, I was on a sales call with someone who I knew would benefit from working with me. I had all my points prepared, I knew the value of my offer, and the moment I started “explaining” the coaching package, I could feel her pulling back. She went quiet. Her energy shifted. You know that moment when you can tell someone is already backing away even though you're still mid-sentence? I paused, smiled and took a deep breath and said, “Can I tell you a quick story?” I shared how I’d once been in her exact shoes... unsure, overwhelmed, and wondering if investing in myself was really the right move. I told her how I’d made that leap anyway… and shared what had changed for me during that process. That’s when she leaned in. She wasn’t sold by my offer. She was moved by the story. And that’s when I realized: Storytelling sells—without the “salesy used car salesman” vibe. Why Storytelling Works So Well in Sales Let’s be honest...no one wants to feel sold to, yet we all love to buy. What people do want is to feel seen, heard and valued. And storytelling does exactly that. In fact, studies show that people remember stories up to 22x more than facts alone. And even more powerful? A story creates emotion... and emotion drives action. If you’re struggling to convert prospects into clients, it’s not that your offer isn’t good. It’s that you might not be telling the right story to make someone feel why it matters. 3 Types of Stories That Sell (Without Feeling Pushy) 1. The “I’ve Been Where You Are” Story This is your empathy bridge. When you share a relatable story from your own experience, your audience sees themselves in you. You’re not just a coach, consultant, or expert.... you’re a human being who gets it. Example: “I used to feel invisible online. I would write a post, hit publish, and hear crickets. It wasn’t until I started sharing my story that people began engaging, reaching out, and eventually becoming a client.” This story builds trust and shows them, “If she figured this out, maybe I can too.” 2. The Client Success Story People like proof, evidence of how it will work. And no, this doesn’t mean sharing stats or results in bullet points. It means telling the transformation journey. Example: “Jackie, a life coach, came to me unsure of what to say in her content. After taking my storytelling course, she started sharing her story in her newsletter and during conversations and landed three new clients within the first month. Why? Because her audience felt connected to her.” It’s not about showing off, it’s about showing what’s possible. 3. The Vision Story Paint the picture of what life could look like for them if they take action. The power of this story lies in aspiration. Example: “Imagine waking up with clarity around your message. You open your laptop, write a post with confidence, and get a message from someone who says, ‘I felt like you were speaking directly to me.’ That’s what happens when your story connects.” When people can see their future selves in the story you tell, they want more of what you have to offer. How to Start Using These Stories in Your Sales Process Now that you’ve got the story types, here’s where to use them: On your website – especially your About page and sales pages In your emails – every time you’re adding value or selling connect with a story On strategy calls – as a way to shift from pressure to connection On social media – to build relationships and nurture your community Tip: Start building a Story Bank. Open a notes tab or a doc and jot down 2–3 small moments from your life or business each day. That way, when it’s time to write content or show up for a launch... you’re never starting from scratch. Selling Through Story Isn’t Manipulative—It’s Meaningful When you tell stories with heart and authenticity, you’re not convincing people to buy, you’re helping them see that they’re not alone. You’re offering a way to move forward. And when you do that? Selling doesn’t feel awkward, It feels like service. One of my mentors, Kendrick Shope, always says: “Selling is helping.” And she’s absolutely right. Because when you sell through storytelling, you’re not pushing, you’re guiding. You’re inviting people into a transformation that you know is possible. When you lead with your heart and with empathy and share your truth, you're not just building a business... you’re building trust What might shift for you if you started weaving more of your story into how you connect with your team, clients and community?
By Darlene Hawley March 21, 2025
Women leaders with chronic illness face unique challenges in business. Learn how to manage energy, set boundaries, and build sustainable success.
By Darlene Hawley March 19, 2025
The 3 Biggest Storytelling Mistakes Entrepreneurs & Leaders Make (And How to Fix Them)
By Darlene Hawley February 18, 2025
Welcome back to the Attract and Stand Out Podcast! In this inspiring episode, host Darlene Hawley chats with her long-time friend Danielle Hawthorne, a compassionate disruptor and truth teller devoted to honoring her worth and supporting others on their journey. Danielle shares her path to founding 'Worthy of Dignity,' a company dedicated to teaching leaders to recognize and elevate their teams based on their core values and holistic well-being. Discover how Danielle's experiences in toxic work environments led her to prioritize health and wellness, reducing burnout, and increasing team morale. Learn actionable insights on how leaders can foster inclusive and compassionate workplaces. Don't miss exciting details about Danielle's upcoming women's conference, 'Enough 2025,' aimed at empowering women to embrace their worth without having to earn it. Tune in for powerful stories, practical tips, and much more! 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:16 Danielle's Journey to Worthy of Dignity 03:09 Impact of Leadership and Wellness 05:45 Creating a Culture of Value and Respect 13:23 Leading with Curiosity and Human Connection 16:55 Challenges and Changes in Leadership 17:36 The Power of Sharing Personal Stories 18:48 Self-Reflection and Personal Growth 19:21 The Importance of Rest and Setting Boundaries 21:46 Practical Tips for Slowing Down 25:47 Upcoming Women's Conference: Enough 2025 29:04 Ways to Work with Danielle 30:06 Rapid Fire Questions: Getting to Know Danielle 35:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
By Darlene Hawley February 4, 2025
Welcome back to the Attract and Stand Out Podcast! In this inspiring episode, host Darlene Hawley sits down with transformational coach and author Lenore Kantor. They dive into Lenore's journey from corporate executive to transformational coach, where she now helps high achievers unlock greater personal growth, professional fulfillment, and higher income. Lenore discusses the importance of authenticity, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and her new book, 'So What Do You Do? The Authentic Alchemy Path to Find Who You Are'. Whether you're a leader looking to navigate career transitions or an entrepreneur seeking authentic alignment in your work, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice. Tune in to discover how to embrace change, align with your true self, and show up authentically in your professional and personal life. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:51 Lenore's Background and Journey 03:12 Navigating Career Transitions 06:36 Challenges of Entrepreneurship 09:11 Adapting to Change 14:50 Authenticity and Leadership 23:52 Future Plans and Projects 26:59 Rapid Fire Questions 30:14 Conclusion and Farewell ------- Lenore Kantor is a transformational coach, author, mentor, career advisor and inspirational speaker who guides smart high-achievers to greater personal growth, professional fulfillment and higher income by overcoming their blocks to creating soul-aligned work. She is the author of So, What Do You Do? The Authentic Alchemy Path to Find Who You Are, an unconventional guidebook and eight-step path for conscious leaders to discover their work in the world (launching February ’25). Lenore's holistic multi-disciplinary approach evolved over 30+ years as a former corporate marketing executive, soulpreneur and founder of Growth Warrior. Lenore integrates empathy with no BS, business strategy, marketing and product launch expertise with intuitive insight and multiple healing modalities. She's a former corporate marketing executive and has been a strategic advisor and outsourced CMO to high-growth businesses, mentored founders across multiple startup accelerators, and is a Capstone and Career Advisor to Bard’s MBA in Sustainability and part of Columbia’s Career Coaching Network. www.growthwarrior.co https://www.linkedin.com/in/lenorekantor https://www.instagram.com/lenorekantor/ https://www.facebook.com/growthcoach/ ---- Hi I'm Darlene Hawley, and I help entrepreneurs and executive leaders find their voice and mastering communication in high-stakes conversations and presentations, whether in the boardroom, on a sales call, or around the dinner table. Grab my 10 Do's and Don't for Effective Daring Conversations: https://mailchi.mp/297e8105e904/communicationguide Grab my 6 Steps To Attract & Stand Out digital guide, a free roadmap to create a successful business with less hustle and more ease: https://bit.ly/attractandstandoutonline Grab a Chai and let's Connect: https://darlenehawley.com https://linkedin.com/in/darlenehawley
By Darlene Hawley January 20, 2025
Discover the transformative journey of overcoming fear with Kori Myka, founder of Calm Within Adult Swim, on the latest episode of the "Attract and Stand Out" podcast. Dive into how adults can conquer their fear of water through tailored mental and physical training. Learn how the life lessons from swimming extend beyond the pool, helping individuals build confidence and personal growth. Perfect for anyone interested in personal development, adult swim education, and the psychology of overcoming fear. Listen now to uncover powerful insights and strategies for embracing your unique path.
By Darlene Hawley January 6, 2025
Reflect on 2025, choose a transformative Word of the Year, and unlock success in the new year. Discover how 'Trust' fuels growth, leadership, and your personal brand.
By Darlene Hawley December 6, 2024
Struggling with imposter syndrome even after years of success? Discover how leaders, executives, and entrepreneurs overcome self-doubt and confidently share their expertise, personal brand, and client results. In this post, learn proven strategies to showcase your achievements without feeling like you’re bragging, transform testimonials into credibility boosters, and establish yourself as a trusted authority in your industry. By embracing your unique value, you’ll strengthen your personal brand, inspire trust, and drive sustainable business growth—proving that your “big brain” belongs front and center in your leadership journey.
By Darlene Hawley November 26, 2024
How Practicing Gratitude Can Recharge Leaders and Strengthen Business Connections
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