VANCOUVER EXECUTIVE BUSINESS COACH
Deborah's Story
ENTREPRENEUR. ARTIST. BUSINESS STRATEGIST.
I have always had a thirst for new concepts and a diverse set of interests, which has made the world of business the perfect playground for my career. Entrepreneurship has served me well in every aspect of my life, giving mea flexible lifestyle, professional diversity and constant creativity.
Through running my own companies (and there have been many) or coaching entrepreneurs in numerous industries, I have a strong background to clearly see insights and strategies for building thriving business ventures.
As a serial entrepreneur, I’ve always had side-hustles on the go and many of them have turned into full time business ventures.
Intrigued by a world of exciting possibilities, I spend much of my time connecting to new concepts and discovering new adventures, both in business and in my personal life. I live and work both in Vancouver and the Okanagan Valley.
I am a design-focused enthusiast and enjoy exploring positive psychology. When I’m not experiencing the wonders of entrepreneurship and business strategy, you can find me exploring the science of happiness, culinary arts and fine art.
This is the fuel that drives my life and the work I do.
SMALL BUSINESS ENTREPRENEUR.
Prior to consulting and coaching, I founded and owned a number of successful businesses, including a chain of winemaking stores, an advertising/publishing company, an in-home housekeeping service business and a fashion boutique, featuring Canadian-made products with our own successful in-house accessory line.
My first big business venture was Winemaster, a chain of winemaking stores founded in Vancouver which quickly grew to three stores, including one in the Okanagan. We had a very unique business model and because of that we were asked by a leading Wine Producer—Niagara Wines—to write a business start-up program for new entrepreneurs in the industry.
The process of creating this program sparked my inner mentor and marked the beginning of a cross-over between entrepreneur and consultant. During the 6 years in the winemaking industry, I helped four other entrepreneurs open successful wine-making stores in non-competing businesses with their own unique concepts (I was coaching without knowing it was called coaching!) I also created a community newspaper that ran in the Okanagan for 8 years. It was a very successful business that spanned the Okanagan valley with over 60,000 copies distributed each week.
From then on, I loved mentoring new creative entrepreneurs to build a business they thrived in and one that would support their financial needs.
My coaching style has an element of both consulting and mentoring.
I LOVE TO EMPOWER PEOPLE TO LIVE THE LIFE THEY LOVE.
MY COACHING PHILOSOPHY
At the core of my work is the first-hand knowledge that leaning into your values, strengths, and purpose will always serve as a strong compass for decisions, direction, and strategy. These are the pillars to an engaging and rewarding life.
My coaching style is a combination of life, business and career development. Where I shine is the ability to see what others don’t see and make valuable strategic connections and insights that will drive the vision into the future.
As a lifelong learner with over 2000 hours of coaching experience, In 2012 I attended Royal Roads University, taking their graduate Executive Coaching program, and in 2018 became a Designing Your Life Coach, a program that was originally developed at Stanford University. In addition, I hold the (PCC) Professional Coach Certification from the International Coach Federation. I continue to be involved with these professional organizations as a board member, adjudicator and mentor coach.
COMMUNITY PARTNERING
My work as a mentor and coach has been recognized by several organizations that support entrepreneurs and small businesses. I am grateful to lead business and entrepreneurial development programs; guest blogs, speaking engagements and participate in mentor development programs.
This opportunity has allowed me to keep a close eye on what’s available in terms of funding, grants, and professional development programs.
By partnering and volunteering my time with these organizations, I continue to receive the latest information and support offerings for my clients:
- Community Futures
- Forum for Women Entrepreneurs
- Women’s Enterprise Center
- Start up Canada
- Small Business BC
- Accelerate Okanagan –
- Futurpreneur
IF YOU ARE READY TO MAKE IT HAPPEN LETS’ GET STARTED
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR STRATEGY FOCUSED COACHING PROGRAMS