We recently connected with Denise Castille and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Denise thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?
At Any Day CPR Training, we strive to build a legacy that goes beyond the services we provide. Our ultimate goal is to make a lasting impact on individuals and communities, saving lives and empowering people with life-saving skills. When people think of us, we want them to remember the following:
Dedication to Life-Saving Education: We hope to be remembered as passionate educators who made CPR and first aid training accessible to all. By equipping individuals with these vital skills, we aim to empower them to respond confidently and effectively in emergency situations, ultimately saving lives.
Commitment to Safety and Preparedness: We want to be known for our unwavering commitment to promoting safety and emergency preparedness. Through our training programs, we instill a culture of safety, ensuring that individuals and organizations are well-prepared to handle unexpected situations and protect the well-being of others.
Trusted and Reliable Partner: We aspire to build a reputation as a trusted and reliable partner in the field of CPR and first aid training. Our commitment to quality instruction, up-to-date techniques, and industry standards ensures that our clients receive the highest level of training and support.
Positive Impact on Communities: We hope to be recognized for the positive impact we make in the communities we serve. By training individuals in CPR and first aid, we contribute to safer environments and healthier communities. We believe that by empowering individuals with life-saving skills, we can create a ripple effect of positive change.
Empowering Others: Our legacy would not be complete without mentioning our dedication to empowering others. We strive to inspire individuals to take charge of their own well-being and the well-being of those around them. Through our training programs, we aim to build confidence, resilience, and a sense of empowerment in each person we teach.
Ultimately, we aim to leave a legacy of lives saved, communities empowered, and a safer world. We hope that people will remember us as passionate educators, dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Welcome to the story of how Any Day CPR Training, LLC got its name! It all started with a little bit of TV inspiration from none other than Dr. McDreamy himself. You see, I was an avid watcher of Grey’s Anatomy and was always struck by how Dr. Shepherd would start his surgeries with the iconic line, “‘folks it’s a great day to save a life”.
One day, as I was brainstorming names for my new CPR training business, that line popped into her head. I thought, “if it’s a great day to save a life, then any day is a good day to learn lifesaving skills!” And that’s how the name Any Day CPR Training, LLC was born.
It just goes to show that inspiration can come from the most unexpected places – even a TV show about doctors! And we think Dr. Shepherd (well, and Shonda Rhimes since she’s the show creator/writer) would be proud to know that his words have inspired a business dedicated to helping people learn the skills they need to save lives any day of the week.
What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?
Thank you for asking about my journey from a side hustle to a full-time career with my CPR training business. It’s been quite an incredible adventure, filled with pivotal moments and unexpected turns.
It all started after I experienced a life-altering event – a widow maker heart attack – in the workplace. Fortunately, there was one person present who knew exactly what to do and took immediate action, saving my life. This eye-opening experience made me realize the critical importance of CPR and first aid training and the impact it can have on saving lives.
Two years after my heart attack, I decided to start a CPR training business on the side. Initially, it was just a passion project, a way for me to share my story and empower others with life-saving skills. Little did I know that fate had other plans in store for me.
The pandemic hit, and like many others, I found myself furloughed from my job for four months. During that time, I reflected on the fragility of the job market and the need for a backup plan. It was during this period of uncertainty that I saw an opportunity to take my CPR training business to the next level.
Even though I eventually returned to work, my side hustle had ignited a fire within me. I realized that I wanted to dedicate myself fully to this endeavor. I made the bold decision to leave my job about a year later, choosing to pursue my CPR training business as a full-time career.
One of the key milestones that accelerated my business’s growth was when we started applying for requests for proposals (RFPs). Soon after, my efforts paid off, and I began receiving RFP awards from prestigious organizations such as Metro Water Recovery in Denver, CO, Virginia Department of Education, and Wisconsin Department of Transportation. These milestones not only validated the value of my training services but also propelled my business to new heights.
Today, I’m proud to say that my CPR training business has become my main focus and career. It’s deeply fulfilling to witness the impact of my training programs on individuals and organizations, empowering them with life-saving skills that can make a difference in critical situations.
My journey from a side hustle to a full-time career has been both challenging and rewarding. It’s a testament to the power of pursuing one’s passion and being open to unexpected opportunities. I’m grateful for the support I’ve received along the way and excited about the future as I continue to make a positive impact through CPR training.
Thank you for allowing me to share my story, and I hope it inspires others to follow their dreams and pursue their passions, no matter where they may lead.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
As an entrepreneur and manager, I have been fortunate to come across several resources that have had a significant impact on my thinking and philosophy. Here are a few that have made a lasting impression:
“The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries: This book revolutionized my approach to entrepreneurship by emphasizing the importance of continuous innovation, customer feedback, and rapid iteration. It taught me the value of embracing uncertainty and using validated learning to build successful businesses.
Good to Great by Jim Collins: This timeless classic explores what separates good companies from truly great ones. Through in-depth research, Collins uncovers the principles that drive exceptional performance and sustainable success. It taught me the significance of disciplined thinking, level 5 leadership, and the importance of a strong company culture.
Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel H. Pink: This book explores the science behind motivation and reveals that traditional notions of rewards and punishments may not be as effective as we think. It introduced me to the concept of intrinsic motivation and the importance of autonomy, mastery, and purpose in driving individual and team performance.
The Innovator’s Dilemma by Clayton M. Christensen: This book delves into the challenges faced by established companies when disruptive innovations emerge. It highlights the need for organizations to embrace disruption, continuously innovate, and adapt to changing market dynamics. It inspired me to always be open to new ideas and embrace a culture of innovation.
These resources have shaped my management and entrepreneurial thinking by challenging my assumptions, expanding my knowledge, and providing practical strategies for success. They have influenced my decision-making, leadership style, and overall approach to business.
I believe that continuous learning and exposure to new ideas are essential for personal and professional growth. These resources have been invaluable in shaping my management philosophy and guiding my entrepreneurial journey. I highly recommend exploring them to gain fresh perspectives and unlock new possibilities in your own career and business endeavors.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.anydaycpr.com
- Instagram: @anydaycpr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anydaycpr
Image Credits
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