At a recent time in our business life, we were reaching a point where the business wasn’t fun anymore. We had problems with financial software and within our staff interactions. We found Deb Payne during these tough times. With her extreme wisdom and profound knowledge, and her understanding of our small business, we were able to work through those problems by finding and implementing unique solutions. In some cases, it was simply just conversation and brainstorming, much like the conversations you have with a mentor or valued teacher.About Deb Payne
When I describe my coaching as “Lighthouse,” it's because I have learned how treacherous uncharted waters can be and have learned how to remain strong despite storms.
I came to coaching slowly and unintentionally. I started out teaching and loved it. I was teaching the fun stuff of marketing and entrepreneurship at the same time teaching the grunt work: business plans and accounting procedures – the unglamorous foundation my students resented but acknowledged as valuable. But when they came after school to talk, it wasn’t about pens, toilets and businesses that do it differently; it was about choices, values and visions. So without a portfolio, I coached. I enjoyed working with them as they grew and prospered, both financially and personally.
Then I got into deeper water. My husband (now “ex” which is an awful storm for a good Lutheran girl to brave) and I started our own business. We ran a successful college bookstore, where I was given the opportunity to apply the textbook knowledge of business plans, marketing plans, creative financing and cultural contexts. First-hand experience gave me a real appreciation of what I had taught and learned in the classroom. I also learned the non-textbook stuff about how the general principles get filtered through individual’s training, personality, time and location.
After we dissolved the partnership, I bravely hopped on another ship. I analyzed what I liked best in teaching, learning, running a business and being an active church and community citizen. I realized it was helping people with what I had expertise in. I hired a coach who taught me something called the Enneagram which was extraordinarily effective both for me and the people I worked with.
So I decided to call what I’ve done best in my life “coaching.” I’ve always been asked for help as a teacher and community worker. I enjoyed my seven years as an entrepreneur. I have just an edge of feminist leanings that make me want to help other women accomplish what I did and more.
So I’m doing what I’ve always done: helping people, especially women, live more fully by being successful at their business ventures and their personal storms. I like holding the light.
Let me introduce Debra Payne
Debra has a strong academic background – a BS in Business Education and an MA in Vocational & Adult Education/Training and Development. More than theory she has seven years experience as owner and operator of a college textbook store.
She was a coach with the Topeka Chamber of Commerce in the Kauffman Foundation Fast Trac Program, guiding entrepreneurs through feasibility plans. She is sensitive to the community as she connects her clients with a network of business, social and personal contacts. Another avenue she utilized to teach and train is consulting clients on their marketing and business plans with the Washburn University Small Business Development Center.
She also taught Small Business Management classes at Friends University while maintaining a flourishing coaching practice of her own. During the time she was teaching marketing and business management at the high school level, she was recognized by the University of Nebraska where she received an award for Entrepreneurial Teacher of the Year.
Her achievements are on paper and on record. But you need to know also that she is unusually sensitive to the personal dimension of coaching. She doesn’t do one size fits all. She listens, asks, reflects with you and only then does she draw from her years of teaching and experience and apply it to you. That’s why her clients succeed so quickly and say she brings “fun” back into their business and life.
Her clients and students say she is a lifesaver!!