Deanna Zuber

I attribute my success to following my passion and my calling. When I went through my stroke 8 years ago and the challenges of being a single mother, those life experiences brought me to my purpose. I realized I didn't just want to do a job - I wanted to do things that are really going to make a difference and make this journey worth it, of what I've overcome. I started by telling my story, and then it went public, and it went global. Having that vulnerability as role modeling leadership and recognizing people first has been key. I'm very people-oriented, very people-led, very servant leadership. The top sales award I received wasn't necessarily about the work I was doing, it was who I was being, which is really what awarded me. I've learned that when you listen to that inner voice and take the step, amazing things happen. I couldn't get to where I am without the support of strong leaders and a strong community - not to be above me, but beside me. It really takes resilience, self-awareness, and the willingness to do the work. I've pushed myself through almost 5 promotions in 6 years by overcoming complexity and investing in myself. My squiggly career, which went through meeting planning, sales communications, marketing, and now coaching, has become my biggest asset because I have a strong enterprise mindset and knowledge of the business. When you have the courage and bravery to step into your calling, that's where transformation happens. It's been affirming, really affirming what I'm passionate about doing.

One of the best pieces of career advice I have ever received is to remain open to learning from a wide range of people and experiences. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to be guided by leaders, colleagues, coaches, and advocates who have supported my growth and development in meaningful ways. I believe mentorship can come from many sources, and I value the insights, perspectives, and lessons gained through both personal and professional relationships. Those experiences have shaped my leadership approach, strengthened my ability to adapt and grow, and reinforced the importance of continuous learning throughout every stage of a career.

Invest in yourself. It really takes a strong commitment. The biggest unlock is self-awareness and healing through anything that might be holding them back. Once they're able to break through understanding what those barriers are, it will ignite a version of themselves that they haven't met before. But they need to do the work - they can't expect things to come to them. It takes a massive amount of bravery and courage to step into trying. Just take the first step. And even if they fail, at least they did it. What is meant for them will not pass them, but they need to do the work. Build a network of people that are gonna empower and support them to get there. I couldn't get to where I am without the support of strong leaders and a strong community - not to be above me, but beside me. And my message would be, they too need to pay that forward, and be that for other women, too. Because they have a story. Everyone has a story, and it's meant to be shared. They have no idea - I had no idea by sharing my story it earned me an award, it earned me a whole different career. It has inspired such a path that I never expected. When you listen to that inner voice, listen to it, and take the step. Go for it.

A significant challenge in my field today is helping individuals and organizations adapt to constant change while maintaining engagement, resilience, and well-being. As workplaces continue to evolve, leaders must balance the demands of transformation with the need to support and empower their people. At the same time, I believe organizations that embrace agile leadership, coaching, collaboration, and continuous learning have a tremendous opportunity to thrive. By fostering a culture of adaptability and growth, they can navigate uncertainty more effectively, strengthen performance, drive innovation, and position themselves for long-term success.

The values most important to me are authenticity, courage, bravery, resilience, servant leadership, and being people-first. I believe in having vulnerability as role modeling leadership and recognizing people first. I'm very people-oriented, very people-led. I've learned through my life experiences - going through a stroke, being a single mother, overcoming complexity - that personal challenges can become powerful opportunities to inspire and support others. I believe everyone has a story worth sharing, and when you have that courage and bravery to step into it and listen to your inner voice, that's when transformation happens. I value building strong communities and networks of support - not people above me, but beside me - and I believe in paying that forward to other women. I'm passionate about making a difference and doing work that makes this journey worth it, rather than just doing a job. Self-awareness, continuous growth, and investing in yourself are essential. I also deeply value service, which is why I'm so committed to my advocacy work with the American Heart Association and World Moyamoya Alliance.