We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Deborah G (Gardner) a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Deborah thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Parents can play a significant role in affecting how our lives and careers turn out – and so we think it’s important to look back and have conversations about what our parents did that affected us positive (or negatively) so that we can learn from the billions of experiences in each generation. What’s something you feel your parents did right that impacted you positively.

Indeed, parents hold a significant role and wield substantial influence over the individual you develop into throughout your life. Born into a military lifestyle, my family of five lived a nomadic existence, constantly on the move from one military base to another. We never had the chance to grow up with familiar faces or create lasting friendships with the kids next door. Our lives resembled the never-ending ride of “It’s A Small World” at Disney World – a whirlwind of new places, schools, and cultures without ever getting off the ride. Ever!

My father, a brave fighter pilot in the Vietnam War, earned the title “Major Dad” with his dedication and valor. But as the military chapter of our lives came to an end when I was just seven years old, uncertainty loomed over our family. We had no home, no jobs, and the financial struggles meant we could only afford one meal a day. It was like being on an involuntary Weight Watchers plan but without paying for it.

However, Major Dad was not one to back down from a challenge. He took it upon himself to change our circumstances drastically. Despite the constraints, he managed to purchase a brand-new home for us. Our excitement was undeniable, but the reality turned out to be a tiny 16 ft. aristocrat trailer. The trailer was so small that I did not have my own bedroom because there were no bedrooms or a closet for my school clothes because there were no closets. Even the refrigerator was on the outside and thank goodness the swimming pool was nearby because we did not have a bathroom inside. LOL!

Though it was tough, I cherish these memories because they taught me invaluable lessons. As a military family, change was a constant companion, and we learned to navigate it with resilience and adaptability. Every new posting meant a fresh start – an opportunity to experience something new and embrace the unknown. My parents might have felt guilty for uprooting us repeatedly, but those experiences shaped who I am today.

Now, as I reflect on my life journey, I can proudly say that I welcome and embrace change with open arms. The mindset of growth and the tools I gained through those challenging times have made me successful in navigating life’s twists and turns. In today’s chaotic world, change is everyone’s greatest window of opportunity.

So, let my story stand as a testament to the power of embracing change. No matter how uncertain or daunting it may seem, it brings new perspectives, growth, and a chance to create a better future. Embrace change, and you’ll find yourself thriving in the face of life’s unpredictable adventures. Remember, change is not the enemy; it’s a catalyst for progress and a path to greatness.

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?

Oh boy, talking about myself is like trying to teach a cat to do the Macarena – entertaining, but oh-so awkward. LOL! As many Fortune 500 companies call me, the “PIT BULL IN A SKIRT,” I went from squeezing into a 16-foot trailer with my family of five to being a swimming champ to tackling the business world. And not only am I running three businesses (because why stop at one, right?), but I’m also a self-proclaimed author, globe-trotting keynote speaker, researcher (Google’s got nothing on me), podcaster (yep, I talk into a mic like a pro), and I even fancy myself a competitive performance expert.

I’ve broken more barriers than a runaway bulldozer. My claim to fame for failing to qualify for the ’80 Olympics, thanks to a boycott. But guess what? I bounced back and nabbed two National Swimming Champion titles. Take that, hurdles! I rocked the airwaves on CBS, NBC Sports, and WHO-Sports Radio when being a female broadcaster was practically a world wonder. And hey, I’ve also worn crowns – Mrs. Arizona 2021 and Mrs. America 2022. No biggie. Ha!

As a meetings and events 30-year veteran and Certified Meeting Professional, turning real results for clients across the globe has always been a joy. My secret? Goal refinement for maximum awesomeness. How? STREAMLINE – now today, I’m spreading the STREAMLINE METHOD worldwide for associations and corporate teams who want to rule the world (or their boardroom, at least).

When the whirlwind of life slows down, you’ll find me chilling in Arizona with a glass of fine red wine, my hubby Jerry and my rumbustious Bear, the furry tornado of excitement.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Ah, we know talking about pivoting these days is like trying to juggle water balloons – you never know when one’s going to burst and soak you with emotions. In the midst of the relentless Covid ordeal, I found myself facing an unprecedented challenge. My thriving professional speaking business, boasting over 60 confirmed engagements, plummeted to a discouraging flat zero as soon as the pandemic hit. Panic gripped me as I wrestled with the sudden halt, trying to salvage some contracts by turning them into virtual programs, but not all clients were on board. The financial blow was severe, and my patience was tested like never before. As a determined and driven businesswoman, I knew I couldn’t sit on the sidelines waiting for things to miraculously improve.

With resilience and a fiery spirit, I decided to take charge of my destiny. While honing my speaking craft and exploring potential opportunities, I noticed a unique demand caused by the lockdown. Numerous people with second homes in Arizona were unable to reach their properties, leaving them unattended and vulnerable. That’s when I had an audacious idea – I started marketing my services to the community, offering to be the one to check on and maintain their homes.

But here’s the kicker: I didn’t just offer to do basic maintenance. No, I went all in. I fearlessly asked if anyone needed their toilets flushed. Yep, you heard me right – I fearlessly flush toilets! The absent homeowners were not just grateful; they were ecstatic to have someone nearby who could take care of their precious abodes during these trying times.

And so, in the face of adversity, my ingenious pivot became the catalyst for a remarkable transformation. My new venture, Hospitality Home Watch, and Services was born, and it didn’t just stop at flushing toilets. I offer a comprehensive suite of services to ensure these homes are well-tended and secure. From regular checks to managing household tasks, I became the trusted guardian of these properties.

Three years have passed since that daring pivot and let me tell you – Hospitality Home Watch and Services has not only weathered the storm but thrived. What began as an urgent need to adapt during challenging times has now blossomed into a flourishing business. And you know what? I wouldn’t change a thing. This unexpected turn taught me that even in the darkest of moments, there’s an opportunity to shine and make a difference. My willingness to help others paved the way for success, and I now stand tall as an inspiration to anyone facing daunting challenges.

So, remember, when life throws you curveballs, don’t cower or wait for miracles. Embrace change with boldness, creativity, and determination. It might just lead you down an extraordinary path that you never thought possible. Dare to pivot, and you’ll discover the strength within you to conquer any obstacle that comes your way.

Any advice for managing a team?

I have two pieces of advice:

1. Powerful Message for Companies: Embrace Streamlining for Unleashing Productivity and Morale

As a visionary company leader, you hold the power to unleash the true potential of your high-performing team and foster unwavering morale within your organization. The key to unlocking this potential lies in recognizing that each individual in your team is unique, and aligning them with your vision can present challenges, particularly when it comes to enhancing productivity. But fear not, for there is a powerful solution: streamlining.

Streamlining, when applied to business processes and workflow optimization, is a transformative approach that eliminates and automates unnecessary, repetitive, and redundant tasks. By crafting a design that offers the least resistance, you enable your team to be more effective, agile, and motivated. The results? Your business soars to new heights of success.

Yet, it is disheartening to witness numerous leaders clinging to outdated and irrelevant processes that hinder progress. The path to excellence lies in shedding unnecessary steps and embracing automation. By doing so, you create an environment where errors are minimized, friction and delays are reduced, and productivity skyrockets.

As a leader, it is your responsibility to constantly improve your craft and seek ways to simplify and enhance efficiency. For instance, streamlining invoice creation can ensure a consistently executed process, leaving your team with more time to focus on elevating their skills and talents. Streamlining is about developing lean processes that empower your team without burdening them with excess rules.

By freeing your team from mundane and tiresome tasks, you liberate their creative potential, and in turn, elevate morale across the organization. As their productivity soars, the collective spirit reaches new heights, fostering an atmosphere of enthusiasm and motivation.

So, my fellow leaders, heed this advice: Embrace the power of streamlining. Embrace change and innovation, for in doing so, you pave the way for your team’s success and your company’s continued growth. By empowering your workforce with streamlined processes, you unlock their brilliance and passion, propelling your organization toward a future of unparalleled achievement and lasting greatness.

2. Smart Advice for Companies: Embrace Autonomy to Build High Morale and Success

As a company leader, you hold the key to managing a high-performing team and maintaining unwavering morale within your organization. The secret lies in understanding that people are already unique individuals and getting them to align with your vision can be challenging. However, there’s a powerful solution: autonomy.

Granting your team members autonomy means empowering them with the ability to control their work – when they do it, what they do, and with whom they collaborate. Autonomy is a fundamental motivator for human beings and paves the way for improved performance, creativity, and innovation.

When individuals have the freedom to act on their own values and interests, they are more likely to thrive, leading to a vibrant culture of ideas and growth. By fostering an environment where autonomy is encouraged, you will witness the birth of fresh perspectives and innovative solutions. Such opportunities for new ideas will fuel creativity, drive, and engagement among your workforce.

The impact of autonomy on morale is profound. When team members feel trusted and empowered, they become more invested in the company’s success. Their voices are heard, and they feel valued as unique contributors to the organization’s journey. This sense of ownership leads to a profound boost in morale, resulting in higher job satisfaction and increased loyalty.

As we move forward, the future belongs to a new kind of leader – one who recognizes that people are at the heart of any successful enterprise. Embracing autonomy as a driving force will propel your company toward excellence, innovation, and lasting prosperity. By prioritizing the well-being and individuality of your team, you’ll build a culture that breeds success, attracting and retaining top talent.

So, dear leaders, remember that by offering autonomy to your team, you are sowing the seeds of greatness. Nurture this environment of trust and self-direction and watch your company flourish under the unwavering dedication of empowered individuals. With autonomy as your compass, you’ll navigate the path to success, leaving behind a legacy of inspired minds and a thriving organization.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.DeborahGardner.com or www.IAmDeborahG.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahgardner1
• Youtube: @Deborahgardner1
• Facebook: Deborah G (business) Deborah Gardner (personal)

Image Credits
Tina Celle, Studio No 5 Photography