After working in management consulting for over ten years, Dana found herself mentoring her associates in their careers. She took a leap and created the practice she has now, integrating coaching with the mindful practices of yoga to help others move to new heights in their lives and careers. Her interview inspires us to minimize overwhelm in our businesses and lives and to take things one step at a time.
What inspired you to become a holistic entrepreneur?
I worked in management consulting for more than ten years, my favorite part of the job was partnering with my team to accomplish a goal. But the travel, unnecessary long hours and uninspiring leadership started to wear on me.
Five years ago, I started teaching yoga and the light went on. I still wanted to work with a team to accomplish a goal – but I wanted to focus on goals that were more meaningful. During my last year in corporate a few associates asked me to mentor them in their careers, and before I knew it the word spread and I was mentoring a large group of my associates and loving every minute of it. I decided to become a holistic entrepreneur in order to integrate the mindful practices of yoga into my coaching.
Tell us about your business or practice.
I work with passionate, driven, growth-seeking people who want to move to new heights in their lives and careers. My clients believe there is more to work than just a paycheck (even if the money is important), they have a deep desire to do something that adds value to their world and for their job to integrate into their lives. They are most likely busy and overworked and looking to create more mental space, ease and joy in their lives.
I am also an expert in stress navigation and management and regularly speak on mindfulness, self care and that application of yoga to daily living.
What is your current business model?
I coach clients 1:1 and in group settings, I am a paid speaker and I lead group and private yoga classes.
What has been one of your favorite moments as a business owner thus far?
Helping my clients accomplish their goals
What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced in running your business or practice?
Feeling isolated. I miss having colleagues and am looking to partner with a few people this year to build new offerings.
How do you find new clients?
Referrals and networking.
What have you found to be most effective in securing new clients to sign up for your services?
Complimentary Consultation
What do you do to keep your existing clients engaged in the long term?
Support them to achieve the results they are looking for.
As your own boss, what is your best strategy for staying focused and productive during your workday?
Scheduling blocks of time and turning off the internet.
If you could start your business over again from the beginning, what would you do differently?
I would DO less.
What were some of the first mistakes you made that you would tell a new holistic entrepreneur to avoid?
Taking on too much. Start offering your services, then get feedback, then revamp, THEN launch.
What is your favorite indulgence?
Massages
Most exotic thing you’ve ever eaten?
Fufu (a dish in Ghana)
Most memorable place you’ve ever visited?
It’s a toss up between Bora Bora and Cambodia
Last book you read?
Living with Intent by Mallika Chopra
If you could only have one kind of food for the rest of your life, it would be…
Salad
What is your go-to breakfast?
Almond yogurt with fruit, granola and chia seeds
What do you find most fascinating about the human body?
The inter-connectedness
What do you love most about being an entrepreneur?
The absolute freedom to explore, create and be inspired by the things around me.
Dana Campbell is a Career and Transition Coach, Yoga Instructor and Corporate Speaker based out of New York, New York. You can find out more about her and her business, Dana Campbell, at www.danatcampbell.com.
