This article was originally published here: Deb Chisholm – Founder & CEO Deb Chisholm
Deb Chisholm has taken a childhood belief that everyone should be included and turned it into a business empowering people.
What’s your story?
My story begins on the playground of my elementary school. I was the kid who made sure everyone got to play in a game. I didn’t want anyone to feel left out , and I believed everyone deserved to be included. Fast forward to my career as an educator and middle school counsellor, and now an empowerment coach, those heartfelt beliefs remain at my core.
What excites you most about your industry?
Life coaching excites me because the uniqueness and value of every person is recognized and encouraged. Meaningful changes happen, in part because accountability is built into the coaching process. Clients grow to trust themselves, and they confidently live authentically in their personal and professional lives. Now that’s exciting!
What drives you in business to push beyond what other people consider normal?
Though I am not a rebellious kind of rebel, I have often challenged the status quo, believing there may be a better way…to teach or coach students, parents, fellow educators, and now my clients. I didn’t have a mandated curriculum for years and loved being in charge of what I taught, and how I delivered it. Similarly as an empowerment coach, a program I created is at the center of my work, providing my clients with the concepts and skills to understand and use their personal power. Every coaching session is designed specifically to meet the client’s immediate needs.
What have been the most useful skills you have learnt and applied in your journey?
Coincidentally, the most useful skills have been those I teach and use in coaching my clients. As a counselor/educator turned businesswoman, I was often reminded of how much I didn’t know, made mistakes along the way, and had to learn how to be resilient and confident in my businesswoman role. I had to empower myself, challenging my inner critic and recognize my strengths as an entrepreneur.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
I worked from home much of the time right from the start. I found that incredibly challenging (I get distracted easily!) and was told to create a boundary at the door of my office that represented my work space and business. I added lighting a candle that meant I was in work mode. Creating that definition provided clarity and focus as I stepped into my office. It worked for me!
Who inspires you?
As with many other people, Brene Brown. Her tenacity, openness, and honesty inspire me and help me savor my being human. I love her storytelling teaching style, and her humor. Whenever I read or listen to her, I learn. I believe she is challenging the status quo, also – seeking better understandings of so many human experiences. I appreciate that.
What have you learnt recently that blew you away?
I began taking watercolor classes a few months ago. With a better understanding and deeper appreciation of what is involved, I am blown away by what some amazing watercolorists have done! Truly awesome…
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
I would have reached out to local resources much earlier for support and education on how to manage a business.
How do you unwind?
I thrive with physical activity – so, I swim regularly, walk our dog daily in our woods, do Chi Kung and Tai Chi every day. Depending on the season, I hike, cross country ski, snowshoe, kayak – you get the picture!
What is a major mindset change, belief shift or ‘ah ha’ moment that you’ve experienced in relation to your business?
The day I went to a networking event and walked into the room with the belief that I belonged there with everyone else. No more comparing, judging, feeling not good enough…I was done with that! It was liberating and empowering.
Everyone in business should read this book:
Daring Greatly (Brene Brown)
Shameless plug for your business:
Unleash Your MePower®!
When you are living a life that aligns with your core values you’re more confident, effective, and at ease with your place in the world. Whether it’s work, family, or other stressors, you’ve spent a lifetime answering to other people’s expectations and needs. Can you change how you interact and move through it? You absolutely can. With my strengths-based and heart-centered MePower® program we can discover your strengths and values. I can guide you on how to harness them. You can change how you show up in the world. You can live more authentically.
How can people connect with you?
[email protected]
https://www.linkedin.com/in/debchisholm/
Social Media Links?
https://www.linkedin.com/in/debchisholm/
This interview is part of the CallumConnects series.
Deb Chisholm – Founder & CEO Deb Chisholm
The EnterpriseZone Writing Team
