We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Deeawn Roundtree and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Dr. Deeawn, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Years ago, I started in the workforce right out of high school and did not feel comfortable in the corporate culture. However, after many years of pursuing my education, obtaining various credentials and certifications, and learning from experience how to navigate office politics, corporate culture, and to exceed expections in my career, this fueled my passion to become a certified Leadership Trainer, Coach, and Speaker so that I could help others to successfully manage and transition in their careers in order to attain their goals to get promoted and to be a more confident and productive leader and to help entrepreneurs strategically plan for business growth and success.
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
As a leadership trainer, coach and speaker, what sets my business apart is the unique approach, expertise, and the impact my transformational programs have on the individuals and organizations I work with. Here are some key factors that distinguish my leadership training and coaching business from others:
Tailored Approach: We recognize that each individual and organization is unique. Therefore, our customized programs and coaching sessions address specific needs, challenges, and goals of each organization and individual.
Expertise and Experience: Our leadership training and coaching business has experienced professionals who possess a deep understanding of leadership principles, organizational dynamics, and human behavior. We bring a wealth of knowledge and practical insights to our clients. Not to mention, our experience and qualifications has made us well prepared to address varied and unique needs of our clients.
Results-Oriented Approach: Our company focuses on delivering tangible results by setting clear objectives, measuring progress, and helping clients achieve meaningful outcomes such as improved leadership skills, increased team performance, and organizational success.
Holistic Development: Our leadership training and coaching programs go beyond just enhancing technical skills. They emphasize personal growth, self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and ethical decision-making. They also foster well-rounded leaders who can inspire and empower their teams.
Continuous Learning: Our leadership training and coaching services are updated with the latest trends and research in leadership development. They are constantly refined to incorporate new insights to provide clients with the most relevant and impactful guidance.
Through my own personal and professional development journey, I have learned invaluable lessons along the way that include the importance of empathy, active listening, and building trust with clients. It’s crucial to understand client’s unique situations and provide tailored solutions that align with their goals and values. Additionally, collaboration and staying connected with other professionals in the field has helped me to foster growth and innovation.
Additionally, my focus is on empowering individuals and organizations to reach their full potential. Through effective guidance and support, my company strives to create positive change, cultivate strong leadership, and contribute to the success and well-being of individuals and society as a whole.
Some valuable lessons that I have learned during my personal entrepreneurial journey are:
1.) Not every potential client is the right client for me, nor am I the right coach or trainer for everyone who may want to use my services. It is important to know my target audience.
2.) Building a trusted network of like-minded professionals to support and encourage me during the volatility of the entreprenurial journey is tantamount to my success.
3.) Learning the importance of financial management of both my personal and business accounts is critical to the finacial well-being and sustainability of my business.
4.) If it is to be, it is up to me. As an entreprenuer, I must be self-motivated at all times and take responsibility for my successes and failures.
5.) Realize and accept the fact that digital marketing and social media are necessities to promote, grow and sustain my business.
6.) It is important to stay in alignment with my purpose. There are always shiny new objects and directions that I can go in, therefore, I must remain discerning about the right decisions to make when a new opportunity presents itself.
7.) Give back, and keep giving. The more I give, the more I receive.
My competitive advantages are my years of experience in the corporate, business, and in academia; my educational background including two doctoral degrees, one in Business Administration and the other in Ministry, obtaining my SHRM-SCP certification, and the John Maxwell certification; my ability to relate to a diverse population of individuals because of my corporate experience in pharmaceutical sales, entrepreneurial endeavors and being a Academic Program Director and Business Professor. Additionally, while pursuing my education, I either worked full-time or parttime, and simulaneously, being a wife and mother.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Now that I have lived in South Florida for the past 10 years and having just had the amazing experience of participating in Leadership Palm Beach County, I am happy to know that my knowledge of this beautiful area has increased immensely. Therefore, I would take my best friend to the following places:
1.) Sawgrass Mall
2.) Mizner Park in Boca Raton
3.) Flagler Museum
4.) Restaurants in Delray
5.) Norton Museum
6.) Juno and West Palm Beaches
7.) Worth Avenue.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First, I would like to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ for his strength, grace, and mercy to pursue and accomplish all of my goals and dreams. Apart from Him, I can do nothing.
I would also like to thank my family who have always supported me as I embarked on this entrepreneurial journey.
I would like to thank longtime friend and mentor, Dr. Judith A. W. Thomas for her encouragement and for hiring me many years ago at Lincoln University to be an adjunct professor, which started my subsequent full-time career in academia.
I would also like to send a great big shout out to the Immediate Past President of the Black Chamber of Commerce, Attorney Grasford Smith and the Black Chamber of Commerce for their recognition and support of my entrepreneurial endeavors and selecting me to be a new Board Member. As well as selecting me to receive the Ascension Award for the 2023 Emerging Black Business of the Year!
I would like to thank my Sweet Sorors of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. – Alpha Alpha Upsilon Omega Chapter for their love, kindness and support of me.
Last, but not least, much gratitude to all of my friends who have genuinely loved, motivated, and supported me every day, every step of the way! Thank you!
Website: https://deeawnroundtree.com
Instagram: roundtree_training_consulting
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-roundtree/
Twitter: Dr_Roundtree
Facebook: roundtreetrainingandconsulting
Image Credits
Photographer: Peter O’Hara
