We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Denola Burton a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Denola, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?

My legacy is intricately woven into the fabric of my life’s journey, captured in the essence of my first book, “IF YOU REALLY KNEW ME: The Life, The Lessons and The Legacy”. Throughout its pages, I delve into the depths of my experiences, the wisdom gained from life’s lessons, and the lasting impact I’ve had on those around me. Recognized as a “natural nurturer” throughout my lifetime, I am steadfast in my desire for this to be my enduring legacy. Whether in my early career as a scientist, my transition to the Human Resources field, my tenure of over two decades as an HR professional, my leadership as Founder/CEO of my HR Consulting business, or my role as a publisher, my driving force has always been to champion the well-being of those I collaborate with. My journey has been guided by a relentless commitment to not only achieve my own goals but to uplift others in their pursuit of success.

Denola, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I currently serve as the Founder/CEO of Enhanced DNA: Develop Nurture Achieve, LLC, a company dedicated to DEVELOPING and NURTURING individuals and organizations toward ACHIEVING their leadership, communication, and performance objectives.

Under the umbrella of Enhanced DNA “HR,” we specialize in tailored solutions designed to address the unique challenges encountered by social impact organizations. From strategic planning to talent retention and performance management, our services are meticulously curated to support every aspect of the employee lifecycle. Grounded in principles of equity and informed by HR best practices, our consultancy transcends mere advisory, establishing enduring partnerships with our clients. Our commitment to accessibility, inclusivity, and results-driven methodologies ensures the sustainable growth and prosperity of your organization through its people.

Through our HR component, we specialize in enhancing leadership capabilities, refining communication dynamics, and boosting performance levels through our comprehensive HR services and workshops. Our aim is to foster sustained success both at the individual and organizational levels.

In 2019, recognizing a need within the industry, I established Enhanced DNA Publishing as an integral component of my company following my own authorship journey and subsequent affiliation with the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA). This expansion aimed to bridge the gap for individuals seeking professional book publishing services, offering accessibility to those who previously deemed it unattainable.

Enhanced DNA Publishing serves as an integral arm of Enhanced DNA: Develop, Nurture, and Achieve, LLC, focusing on empowering thought leaders, storytellers, and knowledge-sharers to publish their works to the standards set by the Independent Book Publishing Association. We collaborate closely with our authors throughout the publishing journey, from conceptualization to marketing and distribution, ensuring their creations reach a broader audience.

Whether providing guidance, editing services, or facilitating marketing efforts, Enhanced DNA Publishing leverages its network and expertise to support authors on their path to success. Through our Enhanced DNA Publishing Academy, we offer comprehensive training to authors, equipping them with the skills needed to navigate the writing, publishing, and marketing processes effectively. Our guiding principle is encapsulated in the motto: “We publish authors, not books.”

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I often emphasize the lessons I’ve learned, yet it’s equally important to address the lessons I’ve had to unlearn. One crucial realization in my career, particularly as I transitioned into entrepreneurship, was the impossibility of being everything to everyone. In my early days in HR within a corporate setting, I offered support across all employee levels, including coaching on performance and success strategies. However, I soon realized that investing excessive effort into individuals lacking intrinsic motivation was counterproductive. I had to remind myself, “Denola, you can’t work harder than the employee for them to succeed.” This lesson has stayed with me throughout my journey, even as I assumed the role of CEO. It’s essential to acknowledge that success requires mutual investment; otherwise, burnout becomes inevitable. In any endeavor, I recognize that both parties must commit equally for genuine success to flourish.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I attribute the retention of my reputation in the market to the establishment of a distinct brand that resonates with both my target audience and the broader market. When reflecting on my brand and the reputation it embodies, my focus often turns to my social media presence. There was a notable instance where someone contacted me regarding inappropriate content posted on my social media page. Their immediate recognition that such content was inconsistent with my character affirmed the brand image I strive to uphold – one of trustworthiness and integrity. This incident epitomizes the brand I aim to cultivate, where individuals know, trust, and believe in my commitment to positivity and professionalism.

In terms of my services, a significant portion of my clientele, spanning both HR and publishing domains, comes through referrals. This serves as a testament to the recognized quality of my work and the integrity with which I conduct business. I operate under the ethos of a “high touch, high excellence” approach, demanding nothing less than exemplary standards from myself and all collaborators, be they HR consultants or Publishing Partners.

The cornerstone of building and maintaining this reputation lies in my unwavering commitment to authenticity and ethical conduct in every facet of my work.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.enhancedDNApublishing.com and www.developnurtureachieve.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/enhanced_dna
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/EDNApublishing
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/denolaburton

Image Credits
NPInspired Photography – Nicole Powell