Meet Deborah Crowley

We were lucky to catch up with Deborah Crowley recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Deborah, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

My work ethic stems from a combination of personal values, upbringing, and experiences. As a single mom turned entrepreneur, I’ve learned the importance of resilience, determination, and perseverance. Balancing the demands of motherhood with the challenges of corporate America and now entrepreneurship as a woman has instilled in me a strong sense of discipline and drive. Additionally, my desire to make a positive impact on my community and provide for my family motivates me to work hard every day.

Navigating the corporate world as a woman often comes with its own set of challenges – from breaking through glass ceilings to combating gender biases. Yet, it’s also a realm where resilience and determination flourish. As an entrepreneur, I’ve found liberation in charting my own course, free from the constraints of traditional corporate structures. Here, my voice is amplified, my vision uninhibited. While the paths may differ, both corporate and entrepreneurial ventures demand perseverance, innovation, and an unyielding belief in one’s abilities. Learning understanding the meaning of surviving in life on life terms.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

Absolutely! I’m delighted to share more about my journey and the exciting ventures I’m involved in.

**Exclusive Elderly Resource Center:**
As the CEO and Founder of the Exclusive Elderly Resource Center, I’m deeply passionate about enhancing the quality of life for our senior community. Our non-profit organization offers a variety of services, including health and wellness programs, social activities, educational opportunities, and assistance with daily living activities such as transportation, meal delivery, personal care, and document management. What makes this work particularly exciting is the profound impact we have on the lives of seniors and their families. We provide not just care but a sense of community and belonging, which is incredibly rewarding.

**Exclusive Cleaning Services, LLC:**
As the CEO and Founder of Exclusive Cleaning Services, I’ve built a company that prides itself on delivering exceptional residential and commercial cleaning services. Our commitment to customer satisfaction and community empowerment sets us apart. We actively create job opportunities and provide training to local residents, fostering economic growth and stability. Our reputation for excellence and reliability in the cleaning industry is something I am incredibly proud of.

**New Ventures and Innovations:**
I’m thrilled to announce the launch of several new initiatives and projects. Recently, I’ve co-authored two books, “Define Feminine” and “Joy 365,” which explore themes of empowerment and daily joy, respectively. Additionally, I’ve started a podcast called “Women in the New Norm,” where we discuss the evolving roles of women in today’s society and share inspiring stories.

We are also expanding our services at the Exclusive Elderly Resource Center to include more comprehensive wellness programs and specialized care options. Our goal is to become a one-stop resource for all senior needs, promoting a holistic approach to elderly care.

**Ladies of Justice:**
As an Ambassador and Director for Ladies of Justice, I am dedicated to promoting equal justice and empowering individuals to access legal resources and identity theft protection. This role has allowed me to help countless people navigate the legal system and protect their personal information, which is increasingly important in today’s digital age.

**Community and Mentorship:**
Beyond my business ventures, I am deeply committed to mentoring young people and giving back to the community. I believe in the power of mentorship to transform lives and create opportunities for the next generation. My involvement in various charitable organizations, including fundraisers for cancer patients and support for Special Olympics, reflects my dedication to making a positive impact.

**Looking Ahead:**
In the near future, I am planning to expand our services and reach, both in the cleaning industry and elderly care. We are exploring new partnerships and innovations to better serve our clients and communities. Additionally, I’m working on developing new programs to support pregnant teens, providing them with life skills and educational opportunities to ensure a brighter future for them and their children.

Thank you for the opportunity to share my journey and the exciting projects I’m involved in. I am passionate about creating positive change and look forward to continuing to make a difference in the lives of those I serve.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back on my journey, three qualities and skills stand out as particularly impactful: resilience, effective communication, and a commitment to continuous learning.

1. Resilience:
Resilience has been a cornerstone of my success. The ability to bounce back from setbacks, adapt to changes, and maintain a positive attitude has helped me navigate the many challenges I’ve encountered. For those early in their journey, it’s crucial to develop a mindset that views obstacles as opportunities for growth. Embrace failures as learning experiences and stay persistent. Building a strong support network of mentors, peers, and advisors can also provide invaluable guidance and encouragement during tough times.

2. Effective Communication:
Effective communication has played a pivotal role in my career. Whether it’s articulating a vision to my team, negotiating with partners, or engaging with the community, clear and persuasive communication has been essential. To develop this skill, I recommend actively seeking opportunities to practice. Join public speaking clubs, take communication courses, and seek feedback from trusted colleagues. Listening is also a crucial component of effective communication, so focus on developing strong listening skills to better understand and connect with others.

3. Commitment to Continuous Learning/Personal Development:
The willingness to continuously learn and adapt has been fundamental to staying relevant and innovative. This involves not only keeping up with industry trends but also investing in personal development. For those just starting out, prioritize lifelong learning. Read extensively, attend workshops, seek out mentors, and stay curious. In today’s rapidly changing world, the ability to learn and adapt quickly is a significant competitive advantage.

Advice for Early Career Development:

Set Clear Goals: Define what success looks like for you and set specific, measurable goals to guide your efforts.
Seek Mentorship: Find mentors who can provide guidance, share their experiences, and offer constructive feedback. Learning from those who have walked the path before you can be incredibly enlightening.
Network Actively: Build relationships within and outside your industry. Networking can open doors to new opportunities, collaborations, and insights that you might not find otherwise.
Embrace Challenges: Don’t shy away from difficult tasks or projects. Taking on challenges can accelerate your growth and help you develop resilience and problem-solving skill

What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?

The number one obstacle I am currently facing is managing the diverse needs and expectations of a rapidly growing team while maintaining a cohesive and motivated workforce. As our businesses expand, particularly with Exclusive Cleaning Services and the Exclusive Elderly Resource Center, the challenges of scaling operations and ensuring consistent communication have become more pronounced.

Strategies to Overcome This Challenge:

Strengthening Communication Channels:
Effective communication is critical in any organization, but it becomes even more vital as teams grow and diversify. To address this, we are implementing regular team meetings, both in-person and virtual, to ensure everyone is aligned with our goals and understands their roles and responsibilities. We’re also leveraging project management and communication tools like Slack and Asana to facilitate real-time collaboration and keep everyone updated.

Creating a Supportive Work Environment:
Ensuring that our employees feel valued and supported is crucial for retention and productivity. We’re focusing on creating a positive work culture through regular feedback, recognition programs, and opportunities for professional development. Additionally, we’re promoting a healthy work-life balance by offering flexible working hours and wellness programs.

Fostering Open Dialogue and Feedback:
We encourage open dialogue and actively seek feedback from our team members. Regular surveys, suggestion boxes, and one-on-one meetings provide platforms for employees to voice their concerns, share ideas, and suggest improvements. This not only helps in identifying potential issues early but also fosters a sense of ownership and inclusion among employees.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Livonia City Chair of G100 Oneness & Wellness
Cornell University Women’s Entrepreneur
ForbesBLK Certificate
All G100 – Global World Peace Partner
Sisters in Conversation Podcast
Change The World 4 You (supporting children autism) Board Member

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