Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Debrah Stellato, president of The Think Good Company, located in Bethlehem, PA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am a leadership ignitor. I coach individuals, teams, and organizations to build courageous and compassionate teams.
Tell us about yourself
I learned to be an ally and champion for others when I was a tot from my parents. I coordinated a fundraiser when I was in elementary school for Easter Seals by planning a massive carnival in my backyard. I was the founder of the KIND club...Kindness In Nature's Defense.
Fast forward. College. I became fascinated by the intersection of people and systems. Sociology + Psychology=Social Work. The empath in me, as a young professional, couldn't let go of other people's stories. I decided I wanted to make a difference by inspiring others through change. So, I got my Master's in Organizational Development.
I won't bore you with the details, but I divide my career into a few chapters. Higher education, where I had the opportunity to work with high-potential student leaders. Corporate consulting around diversity, equity, and inclusion. Fundraising for organizations that I was passionate about. And non-profit leadership.
I served as the CEO of Habitat for Humanity of the Lehigh Valley for almost seven years. Although I couldn't frame a house, I could frame an organizational vision. And, with an amazing team, we did just that. But I was tired and was ready for a new challenge.
I launched The Think Good Company as a full-fledged business in 2018. I also thought I needed a few extra tools in my leadership toolbox. "Coach" was a descriptor I used frequently. I committed myself to become a professional coach.
As life would have it, my coaching certification process collided in a cosmic way with massive life events over a nine-month period: I signed on the dotted line for my coaching program a month after unexpectedly losing my mom. I did my last live training module just three weeks after losing my dad. I lost two of my pups during these nine months. I had a spinal fusion in February. I literally had every reason not to finish my program … but I did! And that's how the best iteration of The Think Good Company was born. I lead my work with coaching first. My expertise and education are always there to support the coaching process for individuals, teams, and organizations. My mission now...to ignite potential in people, teams, and organizations so that they can leave the world better than they found it.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I have had the courage to pivot my business for the last three years despite experiencing cumulative grief and a global pandemic. I have not just survived...I have thrived. At 59, I am continuing to build my 6-figure business so that I can continue to meet the evolving needs of my clients.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things for me as a business owner is to systemize my business so that it can continue to grow. I am a right-brain thinker who loves to innovate and create new programs and content. Paying attention to processes and details always requires more from me!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Get crystal clear about your personal values and vision before you start to build your business. Do the heavy lifting required to get clear about where you are going.
- Invest in yourself. Get yourself a great coach. Find the best technology. Get the support you need to grow your business.
- Always remember why you started on this adventure. I am so grateful to have found this niche of mine and to serve the world with my "unique brilliance."
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.thethinkgoodcompany.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thethinkgoodcompany/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_think_good_company/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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