Q: What can you tell us about your company?
Corporate Playbook is a business consulting firm that provides strategic solutions, which develop organizations and senior leaders globally and across industries. With a particular emphasis on success factors for women and ethnically diverse leadership, we coach individuals and organizations to elevate diversity, inclusion and philanthropy. Dining with Deb™ is one of our most successful endeavors. Designed by women, for women to celebrate women. www.diningwithdeb.com
Dining With Deb™ launched in March, 2018 as a sold-out Tricentennial Dinner for professional women. This year, Dining with Deb™ will be held on March 21, 2019 at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans at 7:00 p.m. (VIP reception at 5:30 p.m.) It is the ultimate experiential, leadership dining experience. We engage women leaders across industries, professions and cultures to advance personal development, professional collaborations, over great food and conversation.
Q: How were you inspired to start your business?
After retiring from a highly successful, 30-year corporate career and living all over the country (8 relocations), I moved home to New Orleans and planned to be a “lady who lunched” for the foreseeable future. Numerous, interesting opportunities to were presented to me in the areas of leadership development and diversity. These opportunities struck a chord where I have real passion and capability. So, within 6 months, I officially “flunked” retirement and launched my business.
Q: What were the biggest obstacles and how were they overcome?
My biggest obstacle was mentally making the shift from being a corporate officer in a Fortune 10 company to an entrepreneur.
Q: What local resources have you used?
Other than Fidelity Bank, ALL women business owners. I practice what I preach regarding women.
Fidelity Bank P.O.W.E.R.
Wilson Ave Event Planners www.wilsonave.co
The Calling Card NOLA www.thecallingcardnola.com
Bernie Saul Photography www.berniesaul.photoreflect.com
Davillier Photography www.davillier.com
Camille Whitworth www.camillewhitworth.com
Q: What is your big focus right now?
Dining With Deb™ 2019. As we execute this year’s dinner, we are raising the bar on personal and professional development for women by. Tickets are on sale now www.dinngwithdeb.com
Q: What is the best advice you ever received?
Always bring your “A Game” to everything you do…NEVER anything less.
Q: What success have you had in the last year?
My business has surpassed my wildest dreams in terms of the quality and volume of clients and the complexity of the projects I’m working on. My national speaking engagements bring me to interesting places with interesting people. The sky really is the limit for Corporate Playbook.
Q: What has been the biggest benefit of being a POWER member?
I’ve met and engaged with amazing women from across the city. I’ve learned something from each of them. It’s a real collaboration of women leaders.
Q: What does POWER mean to you?
The Potential Of Women Entrepreneurs Realized gives women business owners a real forum to collaborate, share and support business growth. It is a phenomenal concept for New Orleans and will serve to increase the number of successful women business owners.
