Inspiring Conversations with Debra Dean of Dean Business Consulting

Today we’d like to introduce you to Debra Dean.

Hi Debra, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I never thought I would be self-employed. My mother and grandfather both worked for the same company for over 40 years. It’s in our blood to be loyal to our employer. In 2013, I embarked on a journey to earn my Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership. When people asked me what I was going to do after graduation, I expected I would stay with the same company.

However, shortly after graduation I started sensing a pull and tug between my workplace values and my personal values. I didn’t feel like I belonged there anymore. In 2018, I started my own business. That was challenging for me to go from “top of my game” one week to completely new and green as an entrepreneur the next week; however, I was determined to figure it out. With 25 years of experience in corporate America and a doctorate degree, I assumed if anyone could figure out how to run a business, I should be able to figure it out. At first, I thought I would do business consulting and serve my clients as a leadership coach. I love doing research, teaching, and mentoring others.

As time has progressed, I see that Dean Business Consulting, LLC has multiple niches, including a ministry. In 2021, I co-founded His Kingdom Matters to help Christians be Christian in America. We help Christians be bold and courageous, prepare for revival, and live a Christian lifestyle. I’m currently writing a book titled Jesus Come Revive America: Forgive Us for We Have Sinned. The content is a deep dive into scripture, geography, and history. Since 2018, I have had opportunities to speak at TedX in Colorado Springs. I also spoke at Disrupt HR at the Pinery. Both public speaking events allowed me to talk about diversity and inclusion from a respectful pluralism perspective. On a regular day, I spend lots of time meeting with clients and students to help them with their dissertations. I also enjoy working on research projects, publishing, and speaking on topics of faith at work, workplace spirituality, spiritual leadership, servant leadership, followership, cultural dimensions, and character development.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Full transparency: I’m the primary breadwinner and I have been worried each month about making ends meet and having some sort of insurance for our family. However, it’s not a worry like I thought it would be. There has been abundant peace and blessings throughout this journey. No, the road has not been smooth. When I first started, I thought it would be a leadership coaching and consulting business; however, I quickly learned that lots of people do that so I needed to pivot and have a more specific niche. The road has also not been rocky. I can honestly say that looking back over the past four years has been amazing. So much has been accomplished that I never thought I could do. I truly believe that God had a plan and I just want to be obedient to His plan for my life. This is why I say I am co-founder of the ministry. I’m just along for the ride.

We’ve been impressed with Dean Business Consulting, LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The official name of my business is Dean Business Consulting, LLC. However, there are three legs to this business now. First, the consulting side gives me the chance to work with business owners and leaders to understand the problems they are facing with desired workplace outcomes of employee engagement, organizational commitment, or job satisfaction. I enjoy doing qualitative and quantitative research to diagnose the problem(s) and recommend practical and theoretical solutions. Second, the ministry side of the company is His Kingdom Matters. This is an online membership site that works very similarly to Toastmasters. I provide the curriculum and a venue to equip and support Christians to be Christian in America at work, at home, at school, and everywhere else. We meet online to encourage one another, pray, and do life together. The three pillars of the ministry are (a) bold and courageous, (b) revival, and (c) holy lifestyle. Third, the newest aspect of my business is Soar With Purpose. This leg of the company helps clients tap into their full potential. Many of my clients are doctoral students or have already earned their degrees. We help them prepare their dissertation or capstone project. We also help them start their own business, tap into government contracts, publish books, and more.

https://www.drdebradean.com/
http://hiskingdommatters.com/
https://soarwithpurpose.org/

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I was a tomboy as a little girl. I grew up in Kentucky with a lake in the backyard. I liked getting dirty, playing in the mud, and fishing. In 7th grade, I started taking Tae Kwon Doe and earned my 1st Degree Black Belt in high school. I also competed in beauty pageants and enjoyed modeling. I had a room full of trophies, sashes, and tiaras. I never considered myself a geek, but I did enjoy school. It seemed to come easy to me. Today, the word “geek” is a much more acceptable word and I gladly accept that title. Otherwise, I’ve been a pretty shy girl. Although I enjoy public speaking, I still enjoy my quiet time and solitude.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.drdebradean.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.debra.dean/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/debra.jean.969
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrDebraDean1
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz_K0ZzC845CGbsRtqc5oRA