Who It’s For: Entrepreneurs, Senior Business Leaders, Managers, Sales Professionals, Female Leaders, and R&D, Innovation, DEI, and Other Critical Teams
19 Things I’ve Learned in 19 years in Business
Darlene Hawley
The Real Truth About Building a Business That Lasts
Nineteen years ago, I was running myself into the ground.
Working in retail management. 60+ hours a week. A single mom.
I honestly didn't know if I was coming or going most days.
I was so tired!
I’d get home late, crash into bed, and wake up already feeling behind.
When I was working, I was thinking about my sons and what I was missing out on.
When I was at home, I was fielding calls from work and feeling stressed.
On the outside, it looked like I was doing it all and was a superhero. Yet inside, I knew I couldn’t keep going the way that I was and that something had to change.
I knew I wanted more.
More freedom.
More purpose.
More time with my family.
More alignment in the work that I was doing.
Then I saw an opportunity to become a business coach and franchise owner.
And I took a leap of faith... and prayed that the net would appear.
And if I'm being honest? I didn’t even really know what a business coach was. But as I read the description, I could feel something in me saying, This is YOU!
Helping people grow. Asking questions. Getting curious. Solving problems. Seeing potential in others before they saw it themselves. That’s what I’d been doing my whole life, as far back as I can remember in middle school. I was always the person people came to.
On my very first call about the opportunity, it hit me in my gut... I’ve been coaching all along. This was my thing. My superpower.
The first two years were a mix of excitement and struggle. I loved the clients I had, but the way I was told to market myself, it felt off to me. I felt like I was playing dress up in my mom's closet, and I just felt so inauthentic to who I am.
Eventually, I stopped trying to be the coach I thought I “should” be and started connecting with people in a way that felt natural... real conversations, building trust, showing up as me. That’s when things started to shift.
The right clients started finding me... people who resonated with my approach, trusted my guidance, and were ready to do the work. And the results were incredible... businesses scaling, leaders stepping up, voices getting stronger and more confident than ever before.
It hasn’t been all rainbows, cupcakes, and rose colored glasses.
I’ve made choices my gut told me were right... and some that cost me A LOT. I’ve had to face the uncomfortable and pivot when things weren’t working (which was way more often than I ever thought would be possible), and keep showing up even when I didn’t have the energy or the desire.
But every challenge, every win, every misstep... It’s all shaped the way I coach and the way I lead today.
So here are the 19 biggest lessons I’ve learned in 19 years of business... the real, school of hard-knock life truths that I hope will inspire and help guide you on your own path as entrepreneurs or executive leaders.
1. Your voice is your most powerful asset.
The years I stayed quiet out of fear cost me many opportunities, things I didn’t even realize I was missing until I started trusting myself more and speaking up in ways I never knew I was capable of.
2. You don’t need to be the loudest to be heard.
You just need to be clear, confident, and have clarity when you speak. The right people that you're meant to connect with will connect with your message.
3. Sometimes the “perfect” client isn’t perfect.
Trust your gut, stop ignoring red flags in the sales process, it has always cost me...time, energy, and joy.
4. Small shifts create big results.
Take baby steps towards your goals every day. Pick 1-3 things each day to move the needle forward. Small consistent tweaks and steps get you to your goal faster.
5. Your story is your superpower.
I hid mine for years, thinking it wasn’t “professional” enough or wondering why anyone would even care. Sharing it brought in my most aligned clients and has people asking more questions and leaning in more.
6. Saying yes to everything is a fast track to burnout.
If I say yes to this, what am I saying no to for myself? The question that I use as a filter for everything in my life. Also, no is a complete sentence. No justification required.
7. The inner voice never fully goes away.
It’s been there before every big stage, new offer, or price raise. I’ve learned to coach myself and get curious with the stories I'm telling myself and shift from negative to finding the positive in everything.
8. Trust your gut.
Trust and listen to what your body is telling you. You know the answers, they live inside of you.
9. Relationships are everything.
Your network is your networth. Who can you serve and connect with today without any strings attached?
10. You and your business will only grow as much as you do.
Invest in yourself, read the books, listen to the podcast, hire the coach, and take the training. You'll thank yourself later.
11. Not everyone will get you... and that’s ok.
Not everyone will like you or understand the type of impact you're making in the world. And that's okay. Those that matter will.
12. Energy is contagious.
Protect your energy before you speak, coach, or lead. Create spaces that fill you up, not break you down. My people love that I'm down to earth, humble and that I make them feel grounded after spending time together.
13. Selling is serving and helping others.
Lead with curiosity and value. The more you focus on how you can help, the easier it will be to slow down and help others. Over time, you build trust. Remember, people buy from people they know, like, and trust.
14. Set clear boundaries and protect your business and your sanity.
Get clear on what matters, what you're willing to commit to, and how you can best make an impact.
15. Your website is your home base.
It's the first place people will go to learn more about you and your story. Make sure they see you for who you truly are, not what you think they want to see.
16. Follow-up is key.
Keep in touch with people, offer value, and stay top of mind. When they're ready, they'll remember who to come back to.
17. Celebrate every win, big or small.
Stop and celebrate the wins, no matter how small. Enjoy your favorite chocolate, pop the champagne, go for a walk, take a trip, but most importantly, acknowledge what you've accomplished.
18. You don’t have to do it alone.
Create a support system of business/work besties, family, friends, and coaches who will cheer you on and keep you motivated and inspired.
19. Your voice matters.
Some of my most impactful moments came from speaking up even when I had giant butterflies in my belly, a raspy voice, and felt like I couldn't find the right words. Do it anyway... because we can all do hard things.
Let’s Celebrate Together 🎉
Whether you’ve been in business or a leadership role for 19 days or 19 years, the lessons keep coming.
To celebrate my 19th business anniversary, I’m offering something special:
✨ A 1:1 private coaching session for just $190.
In our time together, we’ll:
Pinpoint the one or two thing that will make the biggest difference in your visibility or leadership right now
Clear the clutter so you know exactly what to focus on next
Create an action plan you can start implementing immediately
Practice real-life scenarios of hard conversations you need to have so you feel confident when leading them
If you’ve been wanting to work with me but haven’t taken the leap yet, this is the perfect time. One session. No long-term commitment. Just focused, personalized coaching to move you forward... fast.
📅 Book your anniversary session here →https://calendly.com/darlenehawley/60min
Only 10 spots available.
Here’s to using your voice, standing out, and building a life that works for you.
Cheers to the next chapter. 🥂
_____________________________________________________________________
💬 Celebrating 19 years MadLib Prompt
Fill in the blanks ⬇️ and share yours with me
No overthinking... just the first thing that pops into your head.
*After *(number) years of doing (something you love), I’ve learned that (lesson learned).
My favorite thing about working with (type of person) is (what they bring to the table).
And if I could give one piece of advice to my younger self, it would be (short, powerful advice).
Here is mine:
After 19 years of coaching, I’ve learned that clarity changes everything.
My favorite thing about working with women leaders is their courage to speak up even when it feels hard.
And if I could give one piece of advice to my younger self, it would be: “Stop waiting... start now and make all your dreams come true.”
✨Ready to Own Your Story and Attract Your Dream Clients?✨
If you’re ready to stop second-guessing your message and start using storytelling as a powerful tool to connect, inspire, and sell—then I’d love to invite you to my It’s Time to Own Your Story: Mini-Course.
In this self-paced course, you’ll learn how to:
✔️ Identify the key moments in your story that captivate your audience.
✔️ Share your story in a way that builds trust and positions you as the go-to expert.
✔️ Use storytelling across your website, social media, and sales conversations to attract and convert more clients.
Plus, you’ll get a
step-by-step workbook and
personal feedback on your brand story—so you can start sharing with confidence.
Hey There!
I'm Darlene
As a mother, wife, connector, and dream builder, I’m Darlene Hawley, the founder of DarleneHawley.com and an Executive Leadership & Businesss Coach dedicated to empowering leaders like you.
My passion lies in helping ambitious professionals cultivate their unique leadership style while crafting an authentic and impactful personal brand. Through my coaching, we’ll work together to build a solid foundation that not only inspires your team but also drives results and growth within your organization.
Since 2007, I have been committed to guiding leaders and entrepreneurs in launching and scaling their businesses with confidence and clarity.
Today, I focus on supporting women in reaching their leadership goals and living their dream lives—all while balancing the joys of raising my family and creating meaningful memories each day.
Together, we’ll transform your challenges into opportunities, allowing you to lead with authenticity and inspire those around you.
Learn how creating a visual or signature framework makes your business easier to understand, builds client trust, and turns your offers into an easy yes.
Carolyn Bennett-Sullivan, a seasoned keynote speaker, TEDx presenter, and change strategist, shares her incredible journey from a challenging career in pharma sales to becoming a transformational catalyst. She discusses overcoming fear-based thinking, navigating major business disruptions, and building trust in organizations. Whether you're a heart-centered entrepreneur or an executive leader, this conversation is packed with valuable insights on how to lead confidently, handle major transitions, and create a business that thrives. Curious to learn more? Visit darlenehawley.com/workwithme. 00:41 Meet Carolyn Bennett Sullivan 01:48 Carolyn's Journey and Overcoming Fear 04:15 Navigating Workplace Disruptions 07:21 Tools for Leaders and Employees 15:03 The Importance of Communication and Engagement 21:19 The Importance of Team Buy-In 22:49 Building Relationships in Sales 27:21 Future Plans and Goals 29:26 Rapid Fire Questions 35:09 Conclusion and Contact Information Carolyn is an inspiring keynote speaker, transformational catalyst, and change strategist. As a TEDx speaker, author, and consultant, she leverages her corporate sales and small business expertise to help organizations create strategies for navigating business disruptions through mindset mastery. Her deep understanding of psychology, neuroscience, and business uncovers barriers to change and guides individuals to overcome obstacles, build resilience and unlock their highest capabilities. You can engage with Carolyn at: https://linkedin.com/in/carolynbennettsullivan https:instagram.com/cbsullivan https://facebook.com/carolynbennettsullivan ------ Hi I’m Darlene Hawley and I help ambitious entrepreneurs and executive women find their voice, craft powerful messaging, and regulate their nervous system so they can speak up with confidence in high-stakes conversations, client meetings, and on stages ... without second-guessing themselves. Grab my 10 Do's and Don't for Effective Daring Conversations: https://mailchi.mp/297e8105e904/communicationguide Grab my 6 Steps To Attract & Stand Out digital guide, a free roadmap to create a successful business with less hustle and more ease: https://bit.ly/attractandstandoutonline Grab a Chai and let's Connect: https://darlenehawley.com https://linkedin.com/in/darlenehawley
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When you're talking but no one's listening. Have you ever introduced yourself at a networking event… only to feel like people’s eyes glazed over? One of my clients put it perfectly: “Darlene, I share who I am and what I do, but it feels like I’m invisible. People nod politely and then move on.” She had so much value to offer. In fact, she is amazing at what she did. Yet, her introduction was all over the place. Some days she was talking to potential clients, other days to possible collaborators, and sometimes even she wasn’t sure what her main point was. And that’s why it felt like no one was listening. Why This Happens It’s not because you’re not experienced enough. It’s not because you’re not interesting enough. It’s because without clarity about who your audience is in the room and what you really want to say, your voice gets lost in the shuffle of business cards and conversations. Networking rooms are full of people competing for attention. If your message doesn’t connect directly... if it doesn’t make them pause, lean in and say, “Tell me more” ... it disappears before they even leave the event. The Shift When this client and I worked together, the first thing we did was get crystal clear about: Who she most wanted to reach in the room. What those people actually cared about. How her work specifically helped them. Once she had that clarity, her introductions started sounding different... more direct, more alive, more her. And the result? People leaned in. Instead of walking away, they asked questions. They followed up after the event. They booked time with her. Because when you find your voice and know exactly who you’re talking to, you stop being forgettable. You become someone people can’t ignore. This is exactly what we’ll be diving into in Session 1 of my Attract & Stand Out Framework: Getting clear on who your audience is. Knowing what you want to say. Communicating how you help in a way that truly connects... whether you’re introducing yourself in a room or on stage. It’s not just about having the words, it’s about the confidence to say them out loud too... with presence, authority, and ease. If you’ve been walking out of networking events feeling overlooked, let this be a gentle nudge: ~ You don’t need to try harder. ~ You don’t need to stuff more into your intro. ~ You need clarity... on your audience, your message, and your voice. That’s where visibility begins. That’s how you go from overlooked to unforgettable. Think about the last time you introduced yourself at a networking event. Could the right person in the room... your dream client or collaborator... hear you and say: “That’s me. She gets it”? ________________________________________________________ 🌀 Nervous System Regulator: The 4-7-8 Reset Feeling that anxious butterfly sensation before you introduce yourself? Try this right before you speak: Inhale quietly through your nose for a count of 4. Hold your breath for a count of 7. Exhale slowly and fully through your mouth for a count of 8. Repeat this 3–4 times. It only takes a minute, but it tells your nervous system: You’re safe. You’ve got this. When your body is calm, your voice comes through with more presence and power... and people remember you. ✨ Ready to stop feeling overlooked at networking events? Download my free guide, 6 Steps to Attract & Stand Out, and discover how to clarify your message, show up with confidence, and connect with the people who matter most. Grab it here »
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