We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Donna Hayes. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Donna below.

Donna, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today One of our favorite things to hear about is stories around the nicest thing someone has done for someone else – what’s the nicest thing someone has ever done for you?

I was 25 years old and I was escaping an abusive husband who had left me and our infant daughter in a dilapidated apartment infested with rats and water bugs to live with his mistress. I packed my one-year-old and everything I could fit into my worn-out Chevy Chevette. With just $50 to my name, no plan, and a car on the brink of breaking down, I drove with no real destination.

Realizing that the car was about to die, I pulled into a service station, where I tearfully shared my story with one of the mechanics. Moved by my situation, he offered to fix my car for free and did just that – enabling our escape. I was taken aback by his kindness; I had never encountered someone so selfless. He had no hidden agenda—he simply wanted to help. That experience sparked my belief in earthly angels.

Donna, 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?

Originally hailing from Jamaica in the West Indies, I immigrated to the United States in the mid-1970s. Until the age of 14, I lived with my grandmother i- we were very poor – no indoor plumbing or electricity kind of poor.

Upon arriving in the U.S., life turned out to be far from the fantasy I had envisioned. I faced bullying in high school and struggled within a constrictive religious environment, all while navigating a tumultuous relationship with my mother, who seemed to particularly resent me.

In my quest for escape, I entered two abusive marriages.

However, at the age of 21, I found employment as a receptionist at a personnel agency, which became the springboard for a successful career spanning over three decades.

As a keynote speaker, my talks are cohesive with my award-winning memoir. My talk, “The Gift of the Setback – How Your Setbacks Can Be The Unlikely Hero in Your Comeback Story,” is dedicated to inspiring audiences to embrace their resilience and repurpose setbacks as stepping stones to epic comebacks.

I am also an International Coach Federation (ICF) certified coach, particularly focused on empowering women. In addition to being an award-winning author, I am a SAG actress and a cabaret singer.

By merging my experience as a performer with the art of storytelling, I share my personal narratives of overcoming trauma and setbacks. My goal is to inspire others to claim their power and seize the proverbial pen, allowing them to write their own comeback stories.

With an immersive narrative style and an authentic, relatable approach, my presentations help audiences reframe their perceptions of setbacks, showing how these challenges can serve as vital stepping stones toward remarkable comebacks.

I take great pride in my memoir, “These Broken Roads, Scammed and Vindicated – One Woman’s Story,” which won the 2023 New York City Big Book Award in the non-fiction category.

Ultimately, I aspire to uplift and inspire my audiences, igniting their readiness to conquer the world. My guiding motto remains: setbacks are merely chapters in your comeback story

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

During my formative teenage years, I received both direct and indirect messages telling me I was worthless and would never achieve anything significant. These messages profoundly affected my self-perception and worldview as an adult. I entered adulthood convinced that I was unworthy of anything good, – and this belief influenced many of my personal decisions.

In my journey of healing, I learned to distinguish between my own thoughts and beliefs and those imposed on me by others—like my mother, bullies, and teachers. I had to unlearn the critical and belittling messages I internalized. Recognizing the difference between my true values and the negative beliefs ingrained in my subconscious was crucial to my growth. Today, I embrace an empowered mindset, firmly believing that I am worthy— always have been.

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

With over 30 years of experience in HR, I’ve honed not just my professional skills but also my understanding of human resilience. Throughout my career, I’ve encountered countless individuals facing their own challenges. Whether navigating workplace conflicts or helping someone rebuild their career after adversity, I draw upon the lessons learned from my own life. Having overcome domestic abuse and abandonment, I bring a unique perspective that resonates with many. I’ve transformed my struggles into strengths, using my experiences to connect with those who feel lost or unheard.

My clients and colleagues often describe me as someone who genuinely cares. This reputation wasn’t built overnight; it’s the result of years spent advocating for others, mentoring individuals seeking guidance, and fostering an environment where everyone feels valued. I approach each interaction with empathy and compassion, understanding that behind every challenge lies a personal story.

Over the years, I’ve learned that authenticity is key. I share my journey not as a tale of triumph over tragedy but as a testament to resilience and hope. By being open about my own struggles, I’ve created a safe space for others to share theirs. This mutual exchange of vulnerability has cultivated trust and respect, essential elements in any professional relationship.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.donnamariehayes.com/published-author
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamdonna_hayes/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/donna.hayes.925
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamdonnamariehayes-author-keynotespeaker
• Other: www.donna-hayes.com

  https://donnamariehayes.substack.com/