We were lucky to catch up with Dr. Vernell Deslonde recently and have shared our conversation below.
Dr. Vernell, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
In the wake of my painful divorce, which left me as a single mother with two young children, I was burdened by feelings of failure as a wife, mother, and woman. My self-confidence, once unshakable, was shattered, and I became entangled in a web of self-doubt and low self-worth. Every day, I found myself criticizing and questioning my own worthiness, trapped in a cycle of believing I deserved nothing more than the pain that seemed to be my constant companion.
It took several years for me to even begin the journey of rebuilding my self-belief. Then, in 2021, I summoned the courage to embark on a new path by launching my business, Relentless Pursuits Unlimited. This venture, an entrepreneurial coaching and consulting firm, was born from my deep-seated desire to empower experts and entrepreneurs, enabling them to unlock their potential and secure significant contracts with schools and districts. Little did I know that this endeavor would become the battleground where I would confront the relentless imposter syndrome that had haunted me for so long.
Like a shadow lurking in the back of my mind, I constantly feared being exposed as a fraud by my clients. It felt as though my past struggles and lingering self-doubt were engaged in an ongoing battle with my achievements and capabilities. Despite my impressive 20 years of experience as a school district leader, managing large budgets and navigating the complexities of education, the specter of imposter syndrome continued to cast its dark shadow.
Even when I successfully secured substantial contracts with school districts as a consultant, even when I stood before thousands of educators as a speaker, and even when my company generated six-figures in less than six months, I could not shake the persistent belief that I was not truly successful or deserving of the accomplishments I had achieved.
However, I have come to realize that my journey through heartbreak and self-doubt has been the crucible that forged my transformation. The pain and challenges I faced post-divorce became the fertile ground for nurturing my inner strength and resilience. Through unwavering determination and an unshakeable belief in myself, I pressed on. I confronted the feelings of unworthiness and imposter syndrome head-on, acknowledging their presence but refusing to let them define me.
I have learned that true success is not solely measured by external achievements but by how we perceive ourselves. My journey has taught me that even the most persistent imposter syndrome can be conquered. Today, I stand tall as a living testament to the power of resilience, self-belief, and the unwavering pursuit of one’s dreams.
My mission at Relentless Pursuits Unlimited extends beyond merely empowering experts and entrepreneurs to unlock their potential and secure contracts with schools and districts. It is about helping others unearth their hidden potential, break free from the shackles of limiting beliefs, and fully embrace the undeniable success they deserve. I am living proof that, regardless of how deeply you have doubted yourself or how far you have fallen, you hold within you the inner strength to rise again, stronger and more determined than ever.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
After two decades of dedicated service as a Director in a medium-sized school district, she made a bold and radical career pivot into the world of entrepreneurship. Her primary mission? To empower experts and entrepreneurs to secure 5 and 6-figure contracts with schools and districts.
For the past several years, Dr. Vernell has been tirelessly working to build bridges between education and entrepreneurship. Her focus? Enhancing collaboration and improving access to decision-makers across sectors. Her unique position as an experienced district leader has allowed her to learn from and collaborate with peers in the education field, gaining valuable insights into what it takes to succeed in the world of school and district contracts.
With a deep understanding of both entrepreneurship and education, Dr. Vernell recognizes a significant opportunity for better connections between these two worlds. Beyond the intricacies of messaging, prospecting, pricing, pitching, and proposals, she knows that strategic thinking is the key to success.
Throughout her career, Dr. Vernell has been driven by a commitment to understanding the unique needs of everyone involved in education, from students to superintendents. She firmly believes that strategic planning, although challenging at times, is always rewarding. Through collaborative efforts, she envisions making lasting improvements in the process of securing large-scale school and district contracts.
Dr. Vernell is a dynamic force in the realm of K-12 business strategy and entrepreneurial success. Her decade-plus experience working within school districts provides her with unparalleled insights into the challenges faced by entrepreneurs seeking to make an impact in the education sector. Her firsthand knowledge of the inner workings of school districts sets her apart as a trusted coach and advocate for those navigating this competitive landscape.
Driven by her passion for empowering entrepreneurs to secure lucrative contracts with educational institutions nationwide, Dr. Vernell has developed innovative strategies that enable professionals to land significant contracts without leaving their current roles. Her expertise, combined with her real-world experience, positions her as the go-to authority for anyone looking to thrive in the K-12 education market.
With a dedication to supporting entrepreneurs every step of the way, Dr. Vernell provides invaluable resources, unwavering support, and accountability. Her ultimate goal? To empower individuals to turn their dreams into profitable enterprises while making a tangible impact on the lives of students, schools, and districts. Dr. Vernell is the guiding light for those seeking to navigate the complexities of selling to schools and districts, transforming their visions into reality.
For more insights, strategies, and updates, follow me on Instagram @iamdrvernell or visit my website at https://drvernell.com to learn about our services, events, and activities.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge have been particularly impactful:
1. Resilience: The ability to bounce back from setbacks and keep moving forward has been crucial. In my journey, I faced numerous challenges, from personal heartbreak to imposter syndrome as I transitioned into entrepreneurship. Resilience helped me persevere through tough times. To develop resilience, I advise early-stage entrepreneurs to focus on self-care, seek mentorship and support networks, and maintain a growth mindset. Embrace failures as opportunities for growth and learn from them.
2. Strategic Thinking: Strategic planning and thinking have played a significant role in my success. Understanding how to navigate complex systems, identify opportunities, and craft effective strategies is essential, especially in the education sector. Entrepreneurs should invest in learning about their target industry, developing a clear business strategy, and staying adaptable. Continuous learning and staying informed about industry trends are key.
3. Empathy and Relationship Building: Building meaningful relationships with clients, collaborators, and industry professionals has been a cornerstone of my journey. Empathy and the ability to understand the unique needs of stakeholders are invaluable. To cultivate these skills, prioritize active listening, seek to understand others’ perspectives, and genuinely care about the people they serve. Building trust is a long-term process, but it forms the foundation of lasting success.
Here’s My Advice:
1. Invest in Learning: Continuously invest in your knowledge and skills. Whether through formal education, online courses, workshops, or mentorship, stay committed to learning and staying up-to-date with industry trends.
2. Network and Collaborate: Building a supportive network of peers, mentors, and collaborators can provide guidance, opportunities, and emotional support. Attend industry events, join networking groups, and be open to collaborations that can help you grow.
3. Embrace Failure: Don’t fear failure; see it as a stepping stone to success. Every setback is an opportunity to learn, adapt, and improve. Celebrate your successes, but don’t shy away from the lessons that failures offer.
4. Prioritize Self-Care: Entrepreneurship can be demanding. Take care of your physical and mental well-being. Balance work with relaxation, exercise, and activities that rejuvenate you. A healthy entrepreneur is better equipped to face challenges.
5. Stay Persistent: Success often requires time and persistence. Be patient with your journey, and don’t give up too soon. Stay focused on your goals, even when obstacles arise.
6. Seek Feedback: Be open to feedback from clients, colleagues, and mentors. Constructive criticism can help you refine your strategies and improve your offerings.
7. Define Your Values: Clearly define your core values and principles as an entrepreneur. They will guide your decisions and actions, helping you stay true to your mission.
Remember, every entrepreneur’s journey is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all path to success. Stay true to your vision, keep learning, and adapt as needed to overcome challenges and achieve your goals.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
Feeling overwhelmed is a common experience, especially in the world of entrepreneurship. When I find myself in that position, I rely on a few strategies, which I believe are the secret sauce to regain clarity and control:
1. Revisit My Original Plan: Like many, I often return to my initial strategic plan. It’s a valuable reference point that helps me realign with my long-term goals. I assess whether my current activities are in line with the plan or if adjustments are needed.
2. Prioritize Tasks: I prioritize tasks based on their importance and urgency. Breaking down larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks makes them less overwhelming. I focus on completing one task at a time, which helps me regain a sense of control.
3. Delegate and Seek Support: As an entrepreneur, it’s essential to recognize that you can’t do everything on your own. Delegating tasks to team members or seeking support from professionals in areas where you may not have expertise can lighten your workload and reduce overwhelm.
4. Time Management: Effective time management techniques, such as the Pomodoro Technique or time blocking, can help me stay organized and focused. It’s amazing how a structured approach to work can alleviate overwhelm.
5. Seeking Input: Sometimes, it’s beneficial to seek input from trusted colleagues, mentors, or advisors, which I do frequently. They can offer fresh perspectives and solutions that you might not have considered.
6. Adjust and Adapt: Here’s the reality, most entrepreneurs need to make adjustments along their journey. Be open to adjusting your plan and strategies as needed. The business landscape is dynamic, and flexibility is key to long-term success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://drvernell.com
- Instagram: @Iamdrvernell
- Linkedin: VernellDeslonde
- Youtube: Awaken to Purpose
