Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Debbie Fanfan. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Debbie, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.
While I do consider myself a realist, optimism is a huge part of how I operate in life and in business. I’d say my optimism comes from a mix of life experiences, especially being a mom and running my own business. Growing up, I watched my mom handle challenges with such grace and positivity—it’s like she had this superpower to always find the bright side, no matter what. That definitely rubbed off on me.
When I became a mother myself, that sense of optimism really blossomed even more. Balancing the ups and downs of parenting with the demands of building a business has not been easy, but I found that focusing on the little wins keeps me going. Whether it’s a moment of laughter with my kids or crossing just one thing off my to-do list and making the lives of my clients easier, those small victories make the tough days manageable.
In my business, optimism has really been a game-changer. There were plenty of moments where I could’ve easily felt overwhelmed, but I’ve always tried to see challenges as opportunities in disguise. It’s this mindset that pushes me to find solutions, stay creative, and keep moving forward—even when things don’t go as planned (and trust me, things not going as planned happens often)!
For me, optimism isn’t just something I was born with; it’s something I’ve worked on over the years. It’s how I keep my focus on what’s possible instead of what’s not, and it’s what helps me connect with and encourage the women I work with. I want them to see that, no matter the obstacles, there’s always a path forward, and that mindset can make all the difference.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m the founder of Cleverly Simplify, a virtual assistant consulting business dedicated to helping women entrepreneurs streamline their operations and make their time work for them. My background is in administration, and with over 12 years of experience supporting C-level executives, I’ve seen firsthand how transformative good systems and processes can be.
What I find most exciting about what I do is the impact it has on my clients’ lives and businesses. There’s something incredibly rewarding about helping women step out of the chaos and into a more organized, efficient way of working. It’s not just about checking off tasks; it’s about creating a space where they can focus on what truly matters—whether that’s scaling their business, spending more time with their families, or pursuing their passions.
One thing that makes Cleverly Simplify special is my personalized approach. I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all solution. Every client I work with has unique needs, and my goal is to provide tailored support that fits their specific situation. Whether it’s auditing their client onboarding process, setting up a CRM, or creating SOPs that actually get used, I’m all about making things simpler, more efficient, and ultimately more effective for them.
Right now, I’m extremely excited about a few new offerings I’m rolling out. I’m still fleshing the details out, but it’s all about empowering women to take control of their business processes in a fun, interactive way.
I’m also focused on expanding my monthly retainer packages, which have been a game-changer for clients who need consistent support but want the flexibility to scale up or down as needed. And, of course, I’m always looking for ways to simplify and improve how I serve my clients, whether through new tools, better processes, or just finding more ways to add value.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, three qualities have been most impactful in my journey: resilience, adaptability, and a passion for simplifying complex processes.
Resilience
Resilience has been my clutch. Building a business while managing other aspects of life, like motherhood, isn’t easy. There were plenty of times when things didn’t go as planned, but it was my ability to bounce back that kept me moving forward. My advice to those just starting out? Don’t be afraid of setbacks. They’re inevitable. What matters is how you respond. Cultivate resilience by reminding yourself why you started and by celebrating small victories along the way.
Adaptability
The ability to adapt has been another key skill. The business world is always changing, and so are the needs of my clients. I’ve learned to stay flexible, whether it’s adopting new technologies, shifting strategies, or pivoting my approach when something isn’t working. For those early in their journey, I recommend staying curious and open to learning. The more you embrace change and see it as an opportunity rather than a threat, the more you’ll grow.
Simplifying Complex Processes
Finally, my ability to simplify complex processes has been at the heart of my business. Whether it’s breaking down a complicated workflow for a client or streamlining my own operations, simplifying things has been crucial. For those looking to develop this skill, start by asking, “How can I make this easier?” Get into the habit of breaking down tasks into smaller, manageable steps, and always look for ways to streamline and automate where possible. This not only makes your work more efficient but also frees up mental space for creativity and growth.
So, what’s my advice for those starting out?
Embrace resilience by recognizing that every challenge is an opportunity to learn. Keep pushing forward, even when the road gets tough.
Stay adaptable by being open to change and always seeking to improve. The ability to pivot when necessary will keep you ahead of the game.
Focus on simplifying—both in your work and in how you approach your goals. Complexity often leads to overwhelm, so make things as simple as possible to maintain clarity and direction.
These qualities have been life changing for me, and I know they can make a huge difference for anyone looking to build a successful, sustainable business.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I’m always looking to collaborate with women entrepreneurs who are ready to take their businesses to the next level by simplifying their operations and freeing up their time for what truly matters. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the day-to-day tasks, or you know there’s a more efficient way to run your business but you’re not sure where to start, we could be a great fit.
I’m especially interested in working with women who are passionate about growth but find themselves bogged down by the details—whether it’s managing client onboarding, streamlining processes, or keeping on top of admin tasks. My goal is to help you reclaim your time, boost your productivity, and get back to a business that runs smoothly and efficiently.
If this resonates with you, I’d love to connect and discuss how we can collaborate. You can reach out to me through my website, www.CleverlySimplify.com, where you’ll find a contact form to get in touch. You can also connect with me on Instagram @CleverlySimplify, where I share tips and insights that might be just what you need to get started.
Let’s work together to simplify your business and make room for more of what you love!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cleverlysimplify.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cleverlysimplify/
Image Credits
Ann Blake (Ann Blake Photography)
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
