Today we’d like to introduce you to Debra Boblitt.
Hi Debra, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started my career journey in education and after the first year, I knew if was the wrong career for me. I received a call from a manager at State Farm who had seen my resume at the university and wanted to have lunch and discuss a business opportunity. As soon as we met and I reviewed the potential, I knew I was interested. From there I embarked on the best experiences of my life…from starting scratch as a business owner (literally going door to door and using the phone book) to transferring 11 times as I moved forward with the organization. After 28 years, I retired as SVP over the southeastern part of the country. I had responsibility for 3,000 sales people across multiple states, several vice presidents as well as field leadership. In my second year of retirement, I started my own executive consulting business, Boblitt Consulting, LLC. I have coached individuals eager to attain the next level and those needing story telling and public speaking skills to enhance their businesses or careers. In 2023, I felt compelled to write a book offering hope to individuals looking for their purpose in life. My book, BOLD Mission Courageously Pursue Your Calling helps individuals find their purpose, uncover their passion, apply their skills, experience and expertise with boldness- all bringing them joy! I have spoken to small and large audiences regarding such topics as Building a Winning Team, Characteristics of BOLD Leaders, Overcoming the Imposter Syndrome and many others. My speaking has experience has spanned the country as well as other areas around the world including Hong Kong and Sweden.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it has not been a smooth road. I have faced many obstacles along the way. I had to learn more about myself in order to assist others in growing themselves and their businesses. Some of those experiences were rather painful and humiliating, but incredible growth occurred once I allowed myself to learn and apply the learnings from each of them. One in particular occurred while I was covering the Bay Area in California. My team was not showing the production needed to grow and after the first year, I decided it must be me. I asked my business consultant to conduct a “Stop/Start/Continue” exercise with my team of 24 executives. After 3 hours of discussion, I was asked to come back into the room. It was painful to hear some of the responses, but also gratifying to know there was a lot they wanted me to continue. I often attribute my enhanced career trajectory to that experience as I applied those learnings in each new position I held.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I have 28 years of business/leadership experience to offer my clients. I experienced “real life” business decisions while owning my own business and assisting others all over the country in starting theirs. My experence includes hiring/training/incenting staff, marketing and leading your business. I attained the top 100 status (out of 18,000 business owners) in my first few years in the business. Within the first 3 years, I was speaking all over the country helping others do the same. Once I moved into a leadership role, I experienced many obstacles along the way (some very painful), but learned how best to lead others and adjust my leadership style to fit any situation and audience. I have experience speaking to groups as large as 5,000 in places across the country and in the world.
I believe integrity is the most important characteristic of any leader or business owner and I feel good about making the best decisions for people, while not always the most popular.
My book, BOLD Mission Courageously Pursue Your Calling helps define the parameters of my business by leading others to discover their gifts, talents, passion and joy.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
In chapter 10 of my book, I discuss this topic at length. There is a difference among the following: mentors, champions, coaches and your net. I believe that individuals who want to succeed in business and in life need all of them. I have had mentors, champions, coaches and a net of people, both professional and personal at every stage. Your net of resources will change throughout your life and career, depending on what you need at that time. Mentors will also change over the years depending on your stage of life and circumstances. Champions are those who stand up for you and “shout your name” when opportunities arise.
Networking is a way of life for me. I love connecting people and have been known for doing so wherever I have lived. But networking is not collecting business cards, it’s developing relationships that are meaningful and allow you to draw from others while giving in return.
Pricing:
- consulting individuals – $250/hour
- various pricing depending on the contract you sign for small gorup or large group work.
- Princing will cary for keynote or workshop speaking requests
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.debraboblitt.com
- Instagram: debra boblitt
- Facebook: debra boblitt
- LinkedIn: debra boblitt
- Other: https://www.boldmissionbydebraboblitt.com
