Embracing the CEO Mindset: Insights from Dena Patton
I am thrilled to share with you some transformative insights from our recent conversation with the incredible Dena Patton. Dena is not just an inspirational speaker and distinguished business coach; she is a beacon of wisdom for purpose-driven entrepreneurs around the globe. With over 22 years of experience, Dena has dedicated her life to guiding leaders to build remarkable companies while maintaining personal sustainability.
The Journey of a Visionary Leader
Dena's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Starting her first business at the young age of 21, she quickly learned the ropes of entrepreneurship through both triumphs and challenges. Her story took a pivotal turn at 27 when she experienced a minor stroke, which she describes as a "blessed interruption." This life-altering event led her to reassess her life and gifts, ultimately steering her toward making a significant impact in the world.
The CEO Mindset vs. The Entrepreneur Mindset
One of the key takeaways from our conversation was the distinction between the CEO mindset and the entrepreneur mindset. While the entrepreneur mindset often focuses on survival, multitasking, and reactive decision-making, the CEO mindset is all about vision, strategy, and leadership. Dena emphasizes that adopting a CEO mindset allows for proactive decision-making and long-term planning, which are crucial for sustainable growth.
Leading with Values
Dena's leadership philosophy is grounded in six core values: courage, accountability, authenticity, faith, integrity, and fun. She believes that hiring, firing, and decision-making should always align with these core values to keep the business on track. This alignment not only fosters a positive work environment but also ensures that the business remains true to its mission and vision.
Systems and Processes: The Backbone of Success
Another critical aspect of Dena's approach is the implementation of efficient systems and processes. She identifies three essential systems for entrepreneurs: a sales system, an onboarding system, and a calendar system. These systems help streamline operations, allowing entrepreneurs to focus on their strengths and strategic vision. Dena also highlights the importance of delegation, encouraging entrepreneurs to write down processes to make them delegatable.
The Importance of Self-Care
Dena's personal experience with a health scare taught her the invaluable lesson of self-care. She stresses that self-care cannot be delegated and must be a priority for every entrepreneur. By scheduling activities that recharge her, such as personal training sessions, massages, and time with friends, Dena maintains a balanced life while running two businesses. Her mantra, "Success is scheduled," serves as a powerful reminder that taking care of our mental, physical, and emotional well-being is essential for long-term success.
Looking Ahead: Dena's Vision for the Future
Dena's vision for the future is as inspiring as her journey. With her husband recently retired, she plans to transition from one-on-one coaching to conducting retreats in Scottsdale, Arizona, and potentially Italy. She also aspires to write a second book, deliver a TED Talk, and expand her afterschool program for teen girls through the Girls Rule Foundation. Her goal is to transform the lives of 100,000 girls annually, empowering them to lead purposeful lives.
Final Thoughts
Our conversation with Dena Patton was a treasure trove of insights and inspiration. Her journey, wisdom, and vision serve as a guiding light for all of us striving to create impactful and sustainable social enterprises. I encourage you to embrace the CEO mindset, implement effective systems, and prioritize self-care as you continue on your entrepreneurial journey.
Stay inspired, stay focused, and remember that success is scheduled.
You can watch or simply listen to the full episode with Dena Patton here: https://www.trishabaileyphd.com/ep-58
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