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

Donica, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Have you ever had an amazing boss, mentor or leader leading you? Can you us a story or anecdote that helps illustrate why this person was such a great leader and the impact they had on you or their team?

One of the most inspiring leaders I’ve ever worked with was my former boss, Mike. From day one, Mike made it clear that he didn’t see our roles as fixed boxes but as starting points for growth. He had an incredible ability to spot potential—often before we saw it ourselves—and then create space for us to stretch into it.

I remember when I was working as a corporate paralegal, but I had a growing interest in commercial contracts. Instead of keeping me siloed, Mike encouraged me to sit in on sales meetings, contribute to brainstorming sessions, and even assist with contract revisions and management. He made it safe to experiment and fail, as long as we were learning.

What stood out about Mike was how he uplifted people by connecting their work to purpose. He never led through control; he led through trust and curiosity. He’d ask questions like, “What would this look like if you had full freedom to solve it your way?” That question alone often led to our team’s most innovative outcomes.

Under his leadership, the team became deeply collaborative, energized, and confident. People didn’t just grow in their jobs—they grew into new versions of themselves. His legacy wasn’t a project or a product; it was the number of people who left his team believing in their own potential.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Donica Forensich, and my journey has been shaped by a deep passion for structure, creativity, and helping others build toward their boldest goals. I began my professional life in the legal world as a corporate paralegal, where I spent six years learning the inner workings of business law — from contracts and compliance to due diligence and corporate governance. That experience sparked a deep respect for how strategy, law, and innovation intersect to support growth — and it ultimately inspired me to become a lawyer.

After 25 years in the legal filed, I now serve as the Economic Development Director of the Cal Poly Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE), running the Small Business Development Center and Startup Incubator Program, where I have the privilege of working alongside visionary founders, mentors, and investors who are building the next generation of businesses on the Central Coast and beyond. In this role, I help startups and small businesses navigate the critical stages of growth — from formation and funding to strategic scaling — connecting them with the resources, expertise, and community they need to thrive.

My work sits at the crossroads of law, entrepreneurship, and innovation. I bring both the precision of legal training and the practical understanding that comes from years spent on the operational side of business. Whether advising on entity structuring, contract strategy, investor relations, or risk management, my focus is on empowering founders to make confident, informed decisions that move their vision forward.

What sets me apart is my dual mindset: legal + entrepreneurial. I don’t see contracts or compliance as constraints — I see them as frameworks that make smart, sustainable growth possible. My clients and founders know that when they work with me, they’re getting someone who not only understands the law, but who also understands how to build, iterate, and scale thoughtfully.

I’m especially proud of the founders and teams I’ve worked with who’ve told me that our collaboration helped them grow their confidence and clarity in decision-making. Helping someone move from uncertainty to strategic momentum — that’s what drives me every day.

If there’s one thing I want people — potential clients, collaborators, or partners — to know, it’s this:

I value transparency, integrity, and continuous learning.

I believe in partnership, not just legal service. Your mission matters to me.

I focus on growth that’s sustainable, not just fast.

I don’t box people (or projects) into rigid roles — I believe in evolving with you as you scale.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I’ve built my reputation by leading with integrity, being highly responsive, and focusing on practical solutions that truly move the needle for clients and founders. People know they can trust me to follow through, communicate clearly, and approach challenges with both strategy and empathy. I don’t just identify problems — I work collaboratively to find actionable, sustainable paths forward. That consistency and authenticity have been the foundation of my relationships and my work.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

The best way to manage a team and maintain high morale is to lead with authenticity and transparency. People respond to leaders who are real — who communicate openly about challenges as well as wins. I’ve found that when you’re honest about what’s happening and why, it builds trust and creates space for collaboration rather than uncertainty.

Equally important is instilling confidence — both in the mission and in each individual’s ability to contribute meaningfully. I make a point to recognize strengths, celebrate progress, and provide clarity so people know where they stand and where they’re headed. When a team feels seen, informed, and trusted, they don’t just stay motivated — they become deeply invested in the shared success.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sbdc.calpoly.edu/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donica-forensich-b13b106/

Image Credits

The podium photo and barrel room photo: “Photo by Ruby Wallau for the Cal Poly SBDC.”