Her Story
About Debra
Debra Watson is the Founder of Watson Coaching and Consulting, where she serves as an executive coach and consultant specializing in behavioral change and personal development. With over 20 years of experience in executive administration, operations leadership, and insurance management, she draws on her background to help high-achieving women build self-awareness, resilience, and personal effectiveness. She holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology and a master's degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Capella University, along with certification as an Enneagram coach from Enneagram University, and incorporates somatic practices into her work. Watson also consults on business operations and is involved with Life in the Trinity Ministry, supporting contemplative living.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Debra
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the many different teachers that have come into my world, even if it was just for a brief moment. They come in and teach you something, and some of them stay for a little while and plant a seed in you. All of it culminates together into where I am today. I wouldn't have experienced the ER visits without the opportunity to lead that insurance agency, and so it all just comes together and it's all just part of that journey.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Choose yourself and step out there even if scared, believe in yourself that you can do it, and that nothing is beyond our reach if we truly believe in ourselves.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Believe in yourself and allow your fear to fuel your fire. Do it scared.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is that a lot of people are burnt out on what coaching is, and the influencer world where everybody has a course or a cohort, so there's burnout on solutions that don't actually get clients anywhere. It's noisy in the space and hard to find the right fit.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Compassion is the main value, both for ourselves and others. I believe that fundamentally people are not broken. Honesty is an act of love and of compassion. Most behavior is protection as we are all trying to make our way through this world and get our needs met while feeling safe and loved.
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