Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alexis Duehren. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alexis, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What do you think it takes to be successful?

My Recipe for Success: Embracing Change, Leading with Purpose, and Never Stop Learning

Success is such a complex and personal journey that encompasses various aspects of growth, both personally and professionally. While there’s no one-size-fits-all formula for achieving success, I believe there are fundamental principles that can significantly contribute to our individual paths. In this article, I want to share some key ideas that have helped me pave the way for success. Let’s talk about the importance of continuous learning, strategic planning, embracing change, and finding your people (with a personal story I think you’ll love).

Continuous Learning and Skill Development: To stay competitive in today’s dynamic world, I believe having a learning mindset is essential. I’m committed to continuously learning and growing personally and professionally. Actively seeking out opportunities to acquire new knowledge, develop new skills, and expand our horizons is crucial. By intentionally seeking complimentary skillsets that set us apart or enable us to better serve others, we can position ourselves for success in our chosen fields.

Strategic Planning and Goal Alignment: Success requires a clear vision and a well-defined roadmap. How I practice strategic planning is by reverse engineering my values-driven desires and aligning my goals accordingly. By employing specific strategies and disciplines today, I can create gains tomorrow. Furthermore, assessing strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (or SWOT analysis) helps me identify areas for improvement and capitalize on opportunities for myself and for my clients. This enables me to make informed decisions and take calculated risks on the road to my goals.

Embracing Change: For me, one of the essential qualities for success is having a philosophy of change. In today’s fast-paced world, being open to change and adaptable to new circumstances is crucial. Stepping out of our comfort zones, challenging the status quo, and seeking innovative solutions are all part of embracing change. By adopting a change mindset, we can seize opportunities, overcome obstacles, and stay ahead of the curve.

Finding Your People: Success is rarely achieved alone. As I’ve learned, finding your people is vital for accomplishing goals and driving collective success. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses, delegating tasks effectively, and fostering a collaborative and supportive environment are key. By empowering and inspiring our people, we can maximize productivity and achieve exceptional results together. Who do you need in your corner?

One of my favorite stories about the power of having others in your corner is the night I won a stein-holding contest. It was Ocktoberfest in Las Vegas and we were at the Hofbrauhaus.

We were drinking lots of beer (obviously) and I hear them announce a co-ed stein-holding competition. Of course I’m IN for THAT. Sounds like a blast. The rules were whoever could hold a full liter beer stein the longest, with an outstretched arm shoulder high, would win. There was about 15-20 competitors including my sister-in-law and myself. So we all get lined up and they go down the line, filling up the steins with beer. They shout “GO” and all at once we raise our arms straight out allll the way up to shoulder height. It feels SO heavy and so uncomfortable. After a few minutes the arms slowly start dropping one by one. Until…there were two; in the words of my husband, a 6’5″ roided out gym bro (before sterioids were cool) and ME!!. The roided out gym bro happened to be standing right next to me and, as the story goes, starts shaking from his failing muscles, beer sloshing from his liter mug. After what seemed like 20 minutes of him and I toe to toe, he finally drops and I WIN!!

But there is a piece to this story missing…after my SIL dropped her arm she came over and started yelling in my ear, DO NOT DROP THAT ARM!! And she stayed there, right in my ear, the entire time. There was no way I was dropping my arm. She believed I could do it and that helped me to believe I could too. We tell that story still, such a good one for the kids you know (lol). The lesson is, sometimes all you need is someone at your back and in your corner telling you YOU CAN!!

Continuous Learning and Skill Development: To stay competitive in today’s dynamic world, I believe having a learning mindset is essential. I’m committed to continuously learning and growing personally and professionally. Actively seeking out opportunities to acquire new knowledge, develop new skills, and expand our horizons is crucial. By intentionally seeking skills that set us apart or enable us to better serve others, we position ourselves for success in our chosen fields.

Strategic Planning and Goal Alignment: Success requires a clear vision and a well-defined roadmap. I engage in strategic planning by reverse engineering my desired outcomes and aligning my goals and values accordingly. By employing strategies and discipline today, I can achieve tomorrow’s gains. Furthermore, assessing strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (or SWOT analysis) helps me identify areas for improvement and capitalize on opportunities for myself and for my clients. This enables me to make informed decisions and take calculated risks on the road to my goals.

While success is subjective and unique to each of us, I believe that embracing change, leading with purpose, continuous learning, and strategic planning are key ingredients for achieving our goals. By cultivating a change mindset, managing teams effectively, continuously learning and developing skills, prioritizing morale, and aligning our goals strategically, we can position ourselves for success in both our personal and professional lives. Remember, success is a journey, and by incorporating these principles into our lives, we can pave the way for a fulfilling and prosperous future.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hi I’m Alexis, the founder of a coaching business for mom entrepreneurs. My journey into entrepreneurship was shaped by my unique and diverse background in engineering, parenting, business, and entrepreneurship. This combination of skills and experiences has made me an expert at finding solutions and helping mom entrepreneurs make connections and overcome challenges.

My empathetic nature allows me to connect deeply with my clients and understand their needs on a personal level. I specialize in helping mom entrepreneurs problem-solve, simplify, and move forward with intention, enabling them to re-ignite their businesses while staying present and eliminating the high-stress environment that often accompanies entrepreneurship.

What sets me apart is my ability to make connections and view situations from a broad perspective. I believe much like us, the world is not black and white but rather full of vibrant colors. By offering different ideas aligned with my clients’ specific needs and unique situations, I help them get to the root of any challenge. I provide another perspective and the support needed to navigate through obstacles.

My approach is grounded in sustainability, trust, strategy, and common sense. It helps my clients create win-win situations for both their personal and professional lives, so they see what’s possible and make their dreams come true. My own journey has been marked by significant life changes, including leaving the Air Force, losing a parent, becoming a stay-at-home mom, and my own health challenges. These experiences have given me a deep appreciation for the importance of balance and well-being.

As a coach, I offer tailored guidance through one-on-one coaching sessions. I like to offer different ideas, aligned with stages of business and life, specific needs, and unique situations to help get to the root of any challenge. From the root (and from the heart too), is where it all starts to make sense and things start to flow with ease. Whether my clients feel stuck or simply need direction, I provide a clear plan of action. I take a flexible approach, offering support as needed, without rigid schedules. Each coaching session is client-centric, focusing on their unique preferences and areas of focus.

My mission is to help moms start or grow businesses that align with their desired lifestyle. I aim to empower women to feel confident and independent while still being present and patient mothers. By investing in my coaching services, clients can discover their own fire for life and find solace, beauty, and fun along the way.

My story is one of resilience, adaptability, and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by mom entrepreneurs. Through my coaching business, I provide tailored guidance, a flexible approach, and a client-centric focus. My ultimate goal is to help moms build businesses that allow them to thrive both personally and professionally. I have a passion for wellness, sustainability, education, and seeing and honoring kids’ essence. I love quality time, books, podcasts, and deep dives into just about anything worth sharing.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Answering the Call of Service: After graduating with a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of MO-Rolla (now Missouri S & T), I felt a strong urge to join the Air Force. As a woman, I wanted to challenge stereotypes and make a meaningful impact. So, after 9/11, I took the leap and became an officer and leader in Air Force Civil Engineering. Embracing values like “Service before Self,” “Integrity First,” and “Excellence in all we do,” I managed significant assets, deployed to Iraq, and even trained alongside Navy Seals. Little did I know, the toughest challenges were yet to come.

Life’s Unexpected Turns: After a decade of service that took me from Officer Training School to various locations, including Baghdad. We finally Las Vegas, my husband and I settled into the joy of parenthood. But on that fateful day, November 6, 2012, a phone call turned our world upside down. My dad shared the heartbreaking news that he had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer.

A New Chapter Begins: In the face of my father’s illness, my husband and I made the difficult decision to leave the Air Force and move back to Missouri to be closer to our family. Suddenly, I transitioned from an Air Force Civil Engineer to what I affectionately call “Domestic Engineer.” Embracing the challenges and joys of being a stay-at-home mom of 4 opened up a whole new world for me.

The Loss of a Guiding Light: In November 2018, after six years of navigating the ups and downs of my father’s illness, he passed away. Losing him felt like losing my guiding light. From the moment I was born, he had been there for me, supporting me through every milestone. As an Air Force veteran himself, he even had the honor of giving me my first salute at my officer commencement ceremony. His passing was a profound loss for our entire family.

Resilience in the Face of Adversity: Despite the immense grief and heartache, I found the strength to keep moving forward. I channeled my resilience into honoring my father’s memory and embracing the valuable lessons he taught me. Family, health, and personal growth became my top priorities. I knew that life would always throw challenges my way, but I was determined to overcome them. So the next month after he passed, I applied for a Master in Business Administration.

Since his passing, and with 4 kids in tow, I received my MBA degree, started an e-commerce business, founded a Mastermind group for Mompreneurs, launched my coaching business and started actively building wealth through investments.

I know my own experiences can be a testament to the power of resilience and the strength we can find within ourselves. From my time in the Air Force, my own health decline, and the loss of my father, I’ve faced chronic pain and suffering for decades and have found my way to real transformation. Today, as a parent-entrepreneur and business coach, my journey continues. I’m committed to inspiring others to tap into their own resilience, embrace change, and create a fulfilling life. Together, we can overcome any adversity and find the strength to keep moving forward.

Any advice for managing a team?

I am a big fan of building and leading teams and I loved that part of being an officer in the Air Force. I feel strongly that managing a team and keeping morale high are crucial aspects of effective leadership. And let me tell you, it’s not always easy, but with the right strategies, you can create a work environment where everyone feels valued and motivated to work for a shared purpose. Let me give what I feel are the most valuable pieces of advice from my own experience:

First things first, it’s important to get the right skillsets in the right place. As a leader, you need to understand the unique abilities and strengths of each team member. By doing so, you can assign tasks that align with their skills, which not only maximizes productivity but also makes them feel appreciated. Regularly assess their skills and interests, and make adjustments as needed to optimize their performance and job satisfaction.

Next up, managing morale is essential. You want to create a positive work environment where team members feel motivated, supported, and appreciated. Celebrate their achievements, provide constructive feedback, and offer opportunities for growth and development. Encourage open communication, collaboration, and teamwork. By fostering a culture of positivity and support, you’ll enhance morale and create a cohesive and engaged team.

But here’s the thing, effective communication is the glue that holds it all together. Actively listen to your team members. When you engage in conversations, really listen without interrupting or jumping to conclusions. Seek to understand their perspectives, concerns, and ideas. By showing genuine interest and empathy, you create an environment where team members feel heard and valued. This boosts morale and encourages open and honest communication.

And lastly, when team members express their thoughts or concerns, please do respond with empathy and support. Acknowledge their feelings and validate their experiences. Offer guidance, resources, or solutions to address the challenges they may be facing. By showing that you genuinely care about their well-being and success, you build trust and loyalty within the team. f you can simply focus on listening to understand versus to respond, this can literally make all the difference in a partnership and/or a team dynamic.

In conclusion, effective team management and maintaining high morale requires a combination of getting the right skillsets in the right place, managing morale, and practicing active listening. By implementing these strategies, you can create a positive and productive work environment where team members feel valued, motivated, and empowered to achieve their best. And trust me, it’s worth the extra effort!!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.alexiscduehren.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexiscduehren
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/alexiscduehren

Image Credits
Sarah Bowlin Photography