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

Dena, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

In my view, success is built on a foundation of strong values, clear goals, resiliency in the face of challenges, and a willingness to adapt. These components have shaped my approach to leadership and decision-making as I’ve grown my business.

First and foremost, having a firm grounding in my values has been crucial. These values guide how I hire, fire, and lead daily. They serve as a compass for all my decisions, ensuring that I stay true to myself, my brand, and my goals, even in challenging situations. When something feels ‘off’ in my business, it’s often because I have compromised one of my values. Our core values are our company’s North Star that helps us build a clear brand and a consistent company. When success is measured solely by financial reports, it becomes easy to compromise or ignore your core values. Instead, the implementation of those core values is a crucial measure of success that deserves to be truly recognized and evaluated.

A strong focus on goals is another essential aspect of my success. I’ve learned that clarity around my objectives creates a roadmap for achievement. When I set clear, actionable goals, I’m able to reach nearly all of them. When goals lack clarity and a well-defined plan, the endeavor can struggle and get tangled in ‘vagueville.’

Resiliency has also been a powerful ally in my journey. Over my 24 years of owning a coaching and training company, as well as a nonprofit, I’ve made my fair share of mistakes and faced various challenges. Yet, I’ve come to realize that resiliency is a learned skill. Whether it was an event that didn’t go as planned or navigating my recovery from a minor stroke at 27, each experience taught me the importance of bouncing back and learning from my setbacks.

Perhaps one of the most significant ingredients to my success has been the willingness to adapt along the way. Life isn’t a straight line, and if you cling too tightly to that idea, you risk derailing your progress. I’ve learned to embrace adaptability, recognizing that both internal and external feedback are critical for growth. By being open to change and willing to adjust my approaches, I have not only survived challenging times but have also thrived, ultimately leading to greater achievements.

Dena, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m the founder of Dena Patton Coaching and Training. My journey into this industry began with my own struggles; I had poor self-care practices that led to a minor stroke at age 27 while I was running my first company, a PR and marketing firm in NYC. I hired a coach to help me sell my business, recover, and transform into a CEO who lived a healthy life, ultimately leading to the creation of my new business. In 2001, I built my coaching and training company to help business owners go from good to great in their sales, systems, and mindset. After nearly two decades of building a successful coaching and training company, I’ve garnered extensive experience in empowering individuals and organizations to achieve their most epic goals of income and impact.

At Dena Patton Coaching and Training, we offer a range of services, including one-on-one weekly coaching, VIP days, and luxury CEO retreats designed to support global leaders and business owners in overcoming their biggest challenges and achieving their growth goals. Based in Phoenix, Arizona, we also provide team training programs in person and globally via Zoom, focusing on personal growth, leadership development, and communication training. As a speaker and bestselling author, I frequently present at events, conferences, and retreats on topics such as greatness mindset and mental toughness. We work with clients from various backgrounds—ranging from entrepreneurs to established leaders and celebrities —helping them develop the skills, systems, and mindset necessary to navigate both their biggest challenges and opportunities.

For our coaching clients, we address three important aspects of their business: establishing well-oiled systems, creating a solid sales strategy, and cultivating a greatness mindset, all while promoting greater balance so they don’t burn out. My approach is rooted in my proven framework, and I help my clients implement systems that enable them to become consistent, build sales to achieve new levels of success, and master their greatness mindset so they can become the leaders they were born to be. Most entrepreneurs recognize the need for systems and sales to achieve their ambitious goals, yet they often overlook the leadership skills essential for fulfilling those objectives. I find it incredibly fulfilling to assist people in becoming the leaders they long to be.

What sets me apart is my genuine commitment to my clients’ success. I don’t just offer frameworks and strategies; I create a unique environment where individuals feel supported in their journey while also being pushed outside of their comfort zone. My coaching is highly personalized, and my training programs are carefully customized to ensure results they’ve never seen before. As a coach and consultant for 24 years, I have helped thousands of clients become the great leaders they have only dreamt of becoming.

I am most proud of building a business with authenticity and integrity that has outlasted many fads in the coaching and consulting industry. I love that I can make an impact not only on individuals but also on the economy and businesses around the world.

I want you to know that when you work with me, your life and your business will never be the same. Be ready to be challenged, elevated, empowered, and successful like never before.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Overcoming Adversity After My Stroke

One of the defining moments of my journey occurred when I suffered a minor stroke at the age of 27 while running my first company—a PR and marketing firm in New York City. It was a frightening experience that forced me to reassess not only my health but also my approach to life and work. Instead of allowing this setback to deter me, I chose to see it as a catalyst for change.

I hired a coach to help me navigate the recovery process and redefine what success meant to me. During this journey, I learned the critical importance of self-care and balance. I transformed my daily habits by focusing on nutrition, fitness, and mental health. Additionally, I committed to implementing better systems in my business, which allowed me to feel less overwhelmed and more in control. One of the toughest challenges was undergoing speech therapy to regain my voice, as speaking is central to my profession. Through this recovery, I discovered a profound passion for helping others navigate their own challenges. Today, I share this story with my clients to illustrate that resilience often emerges from hardship and that it’s possible to turn obstacles into opportunities for growth.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

I firmly believe that our authenticity is our greatest currency. One of the most effective ways I do that is through speaking engagements at conferences and events. Additionally, my book, The Greatness Game, has been instrumental in serving others and attracting my ideal clients. I have also integrated podcast guest appearances into my marketing strategy, which has proven to be an incredible way to connect with world-changing CEOs and entrepreneurs. My ideal clients are constantly seeking growth, so you’ll often find them at conferences and engaging with podcasts. This year, my goal is to speak at two TEDx events, with the hope of making a significant impact through my talks and further expanding my clientele.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://denapatton.com/
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/denamariepatton
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DenaPatton
• Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/denampatton

Image Credits

Dena Patton