Who It’s For: Entrepreneurs, Senior Business Leaders, Managers, Sales Professionals, Female Leaders, and R&D, Innovation, DEI, and Other Critical Teams

Owning Your Story and Making Your Impact- Fried The Burnout Podcast

Darlene Hawley

Darlene Hawley was featured on Fried the Burnout Podcast with Caitlin Donovan

I was featured on Fried The Burn Out Podcast with Caitlin Donovan

BIO: Darlene Hawley is a mother, wife, connector, storyteller and dream builder. She is also a Brand & Business Clarity Coach and the founder of DarleneHawley.com.

She helps ambitious, heart-centered online entrepreneurs who are struggling with building a successful personal brand and business. They’re afraid to share their unique life story but know they need to stand out if they want to build an authentic and profitable online business. She helps them build a solid brand foundation so they can share their message with the world, attract dream clients and have the impact, freedom, and flexibility they desire.

Before starting her own business, she worked her way up in big box retail management, as a mortgage loan officer, and a financial coach. Darlene was trained by the largest business coaching franchise in the world and has been committed to helping entrepreneurs launch and grow their business since 2007.

She now spends her time supporting women to reach their goals and live out their dream life, all while raising her family and creating memories each and every day."

DARLENE’S STORY:

My burn out story is that I was a teen single mom and had my oldest son just months after graduating high school. I found myself working in retail management doing work I loved helping my employees move up within the company as an Operations Manager but I was working 60+ hours a week, working lots of evenings and weekends and though I had vacation hours I was never able to use them as their was something always going on at work that required me to be there. I had a ton of mom guilt as I was missing so much with my son and was frustrated that I wasn't there with my son for all of the important stuff. My health was struggling, and I was exhausted and knew I needed to make a change that I was burnt out and couldn't continue on that path much longer.

I lost my mom unexpectedly and it was during that time that I knew I had to make a change and couldn't continue on the way I was.

CAIT’S NOTES:

Darlene talks about time mapping out her week ahead of time so that she still has a structure and can stay focused without burnout out. As an entrepreneur, we often leave our calendars too lax and then tasks spill into one another and we lose focus. We say yes to clients outside of our normal hours because we can - but then we find ourselves missing out on the same parts of life that we missed out on when we were employees.

Creating structure for yourself as an entrepreneur is so important and learning to stick to the structure and routine that you create is no small feat. It requires discipline, focus, and an ability to say no when you need to.

The other thing that kept coming back around to storytelling, owning your story is a massive part of using your life and your history to make a difference. Darlene reminds us of the lesson she learned when she lost her mother; we don’t know how much time we have and when we feel stuck, we should reach out for help so we can show up in the world the way we want to, the way that aligns for us.

Darlene gives some amazing advice on how to capture, review, and own your story within this episode, so you might want to have a notebook ready!

Listen on the player above or find it on your favorite player HERE.

XOXO

Cait

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10 Effective Communication Tips

Darlene Hawley, Personal Branding & Business Coach for service based entrepreneurs

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.

Darlene Hawley, standing in a sunset, symbolizes being seen after feeling invisible

Being Seen Series: Part 1 – From Loneliness to Invisibility

By Darlene Hawley • July 20, 2025

Loneliness isn’t the problem—it’s invisibility. Discover why being truly seen matters and how to reclaim your voice in a noisy, disconnected world.

Darlene with her mom and young son, smiling together—three generations captured in a quiet moment.

What would you do if you had one year left?

By Darlene Hawley • July 17, 2025

Grief, growth, and a reminder to make each moment count—how my mom’s passing still shapes the way I lead and live today.

Darlene Hawley is sitting together at a picnic, sharing stories and laughter.

Ep 114 - Empowering Women Through Vision and Collaboration with Leslie Grossman

By Darlene Hawley • June 17, 2025

Discover how women can thrive together through circles of collaboration as Leslie Grossman shares her journey and insights with Darlene Hawley. Learn how building deep connections and a supportive network can empower you to achieve your vision.

Confident businesswoman Darlene Hawley speaking during a women's conference.

3 Speaking Habits Holding You Back in Leadership (and How to Shift Them Fast)

By Darlene Hawley • June 17, 2025

Discover the 3 subtle speaking habits holding executive women back... and how to shift them fast to lead with clarity, confidence, and influence. Communication tips for women in leadership navigating high-stakes conversations.

Darlene Hawley discussing marketing analytics, depicting growth in website traffic.

Ep 113 - Unleashing the Power of Analytics with Philippa Games

By Darlene Hawley • June 3, 2025

Uncover effective website strategies and analytics tips from digital marketing expert Philippa Gamse on attracting the right audience and enhancing your online presence.

Darlene Hawley standing confidently, symbolizing empowerment, leadership, and the reclaiming of wome

Speak Like You Mean It: Lessons from The Handmaid’s Tale and the Power of Using Your Voice

By Darlene Hawley • June 2, 2025

Discover how The Handmaid’s Tale finale mirrors the real-life journey of reclaiming your voice. In this powerful blog, communication and leadership coach Darlene Hawley explores how resilience, healing, and speaking up go hand in hand—and why now is the time for women to lead with clarity, confidence, and courage.

Darlene Hawley juggling work, school, and home responsibilities—showing the mental load we carry.

Why K-12 Schools Are Running Women Leaders Ragged

By Darlene Hawley • May 28, 2025

Feeling overwhelmed by school volunteer requests, mental load, and career burnout? Discover how school expectations and emotional labor impact women leaders—and what you can do to reclaim your time, focus, and leadership goals.

Confident business leader speaking to a team in a bright, modern office, representing vocal empowerm

How to Speak with Confidence: A Vocal Empowerment System for Business Owners and Leaders

By Darlene Hawley • May 27, 2025

Discover how to overcome fear, clarify your message, and lead with confidence using the Step into Your Moxie® Vocal Empowerment System. In this practical guide, communication coach Darlene Hawley shares five powerful strategies to help business owners and leaders speak up, build presence, and move people to action—without losing their authentic voice. Perfect for entrepreneurs, executives, and teams ready to amplify their impact.

Darlene Hawley leading a virtual strategy session, helping service-based business owners review KPIs

Why Tracking Your Business Metrics Monthly Gives You a Competitive Edge

By Darlene Hawley • May 20, 2025

Learn why data-driven decision-making is essential for service-based business owners. Discover the key metrics to track monthly to scale sustainably and grow your revenue with confidence.