Meet Darlene Hawley | Executive Leadership & Business Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Darlene Hawley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Darlene, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I was 17-year-old, pregnant, and navigating senior year in high school. My future seemed uncertain, but one thing was crystal clear – I was determined to provide an amazing life for my son. With unwavering support from my family and a hefty dose of focus, I embraced the challenges of single motherhood, growing up alongside my son. Together, we faced the struggles and discovered the strength within us, shaping me into the woman and leader I never knew I could be.

I dove into the world of big-box retail, climbing the management ladder. While I found joy in helping my team flourish, the 60+ hour work weeks left me yearning for flexibility and family time. Health concerns and overwhelming mom guilt fueled the need for balance.

Life took a heart-wrenching turn in the summer of 2001 – a car accident claimed my mom’s life, my best friend, and nearly took my 5-year-old son. Thankfully, he returned home, but my heart bore the weight of loss. My mom’s lessons echoed in my ears – kindness, authenticity, generosity – propelling me forward even in the darkest moments.

In 2007, a year after welcoming my second son, I plunged into the realm of business coaching. I purchased a franchise, I was set on changing lives. Yet I struggled to find clients, and I walked away from the franchise in 2009. I re-imaged how to do business my way and on my terms and in 2010, recreated my coaching business vowing to work harder and believe in my ability to make a difference.

Since the transformative day in 2001, my life has evolved. I’m now a wife and mother of four incredible kids. Through mindset exercises, hard work, and sheer determination, I’ve built a business that works. My journey inspires women entrepreneurs to find their unique voice, define their niche, and craft a marketing strategy that resonates. I stand as a testament to the belief that with the right mindset and heart-driven effort, we can achieve anything.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

My business is more than just a coaching practice; it’s a community forged in authenticity and empowerment. What sets me apart is my commitment to showing up as myself, embracing the lessons I learned early on about the importance of being genuine in this journey.

In the early days, I found myself caught up in the trap of imitating what I thought a business coach should be—wearing business suits, carrying a leather-bound legal pads, and networking in a way that didn’t feel in alignment to who I truly was.

Looking back, I felt like an imposter, and it took a while for me to realize that authenticity is the key. Once I stopped worrying about what everyone else was doing and started showing up as my true self, quirks and all, the magic happened. I connected with dream clients not by pretending to be someone I’m not but by being unapologetically me.

I started embracing the power of personal branding. I realized that sharing my mission, purpose, and values wasn’t just a business strategy; it was a way to connect with clients on a deeper level. My mission is clear: to empower heart-centered organizational leaders and entrepreneurs, helping them find confidence and clarity in their personal brand so they can speak up for themselves and the ideas and issues that matter most to them.

My vision extends beyond the individual—it’s about creating a ripple effect for generations. I started this business because I craved more, not just for myself but to be a part of positive change in the world. It’s about creating a legacy that would make my mom and kids proud.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’d craft a fantastic adventure to ensure my best friend experiences the best of the area.

We would start the day by checking an item off my bucket list and embark on a hot air balloon ride above wine country. Then have a leisurely day in Temecula wine country. We’d visit some of the finest wineries, enjoy wine tastings, and soak up the beautiful surroundings. Lunch would be at a charming vineyard, pairing local flavors with exquisite wines. Some of my favorites are Wilson Creek, Doffo, and Ponte.

We’d end the day having dinner at Goat and Vine on the patio to savor the evening atmosphere in Old Town Temecula.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
When I moved from Las Vegas 9 years ago and moved my business online in my new city, I felt isolated and lonely. I’ve been fortunate to have forged connections within my community, but one game-changer move I made was joining Hera Hub, a co-working space for women in Temecula.

Iit’s been a game-changer. The camaraderie, the shared challenges, and the collective understanding in that space have been a breath of fresh air. Working from home, it’s easy to feel isolated, but Hera Hub became my oasis of collaboration. The best part? I’ve found like-minded businesswomen and created genuine friendships that go beyond the business realm.

Website: darlenehawley.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/coachdarlenehawley

Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/darlenehawley

Twitter: https://twitter.com/darlenehawley

Facebook: https://facebook.com/coachdarlenehawley

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@darlenehawley

Other: https://darlenehawley.com/podcast

Image Credits
Sarah Dupree