Meet Dre Barthel

We recently connected with Dre Barthel and have shared our conversation below.

Dre, thank you so much for joining us and offering your lessons and wisdom for our readers. One of the things we most admire about you is your generosity and so we’d love if you could talk to us about where you think your generosity comes from.

From a young age, my faith and ability to see those in the margins, played a major factor in my foundation of generosity. I started my career as a Social Worker in the nonprofit sector deepening my heartbeat for purpose driven, mission minded organizations. I am driven by the value of bringing people together, fostering meaningful connections and cultivating environments of generosity. This launched me into a path for the last two decades of planning gatherings with intention.

From the very beginning of starting Covey, my heart has been tethered to this anchor verse- “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due when it is in your power to act” Proverbs 3:27. I believe deeply in stewarding the gifts that have been given in order to positively impact and build up others. I have had the privilege of being mentored by and in the company of incredible leaders, teachers, community advocates that have modeled this movement. Even on the days when my capacity wears thin…having the discipline and drive to maximize my influence, is a calling that I continue to say yes to.

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?

I am an ordinary woman who has been given the opportunity to do extraordinary things. To create a business model that brings visibility to brands and mission for my clients through event marketing campaigns and experiences. Whether that is beautifully curated donor dinners, 5ks, engaging galas, celebrity golf tournaments, corporate holiday parties, to powerfully branded digital event campaigns. Our base is in Minnesota, and we also travel all over the country to cultivate engagement and brand loyalty for nonprofit and corporate clients.

Then there is my team…my beloved Covey crew. I have the privilege of creating environments for dream seekers to step into their passions and see what is possible. To provide a mentorship path to grow in their craft and in their character. I know we are establishing healthy rhythms when I hear a lead planner share at a team meeting “Girls!! We get to collaborate and bring joy to so many people. From the janitor to the CEO, we have the privilege to work with, respect, and add value to everyone we encounter”.

Though I would love to keep them all on my team forever…I hold a leadership posture that allows for them to grow and launch when the next adventure presents itself.

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

Never stop learning:
Keep the mentality that you have never arrived. Confidence is crucial and equally important is your curiosity. Our access to resources and information is endless. There are no excuses. Listen to podcasts, read books- digital and hardcover too! Having the rhythm of holding a book with a good cup of coffee is so life-giving for me. Register for workshops, attend a conference. Go Volunteer. Being in environments that widen our lens, ignites our empathy, and increases our need to see others is crucial. Sharpening your skills will foster growth, knowledge and expand your capacity to lead at home, the workplace, and in your communities!

Keep proximity to leaders and people of influence:
I have built my business through relationships. What I call my “personal board of directors” came from a willingness to take risks by boldly and audaciously asking for meetings with leaders I admire. I am relentless in making time to get in rooms with people that are smarter than me, with bigger networks than me, that will challenge me to think beyond what is possible. I also give back my time. I serve on boards, take meetings with curious college students, and I invest my money in programs like The 25 at Bethel University because I believe in funding programs that empower and equip the next generation.

The ability to pause and quite the noise:
I have learned that it is better to pause and remember what is actually true. Before getting emotionally hijacked and creating narratives that are not true…whether about myself or others…that pause creates a healthier response. One that is rooted in selflessness and humility. When I do that- everyone wins.

It is crucial to quiet the noise. There are so many people, mediums, and voices that distract us from achieving our purpose in life. I have learned to minimize the access to the core of me to a trusted circle of people. I still believe in the importance of transparency and vulnerability on a larger scale…but having boundaries around that is key.
It is ok to fail. It is okay to test things to learn. Don’t let anyone define you or name things about because you chose to be brave. Life is too short to be boring. God has given me a crazy capacity to create and serve others and until He tells me stop, I am going to keep going.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

My Mom:
She taught me how to be creative. To take something mundane and make it beautiful. When I look around my home, my office, how I curate events…from the table setting to the thank you note she has impacted how I curate things with intention.

My Dad:
He taught me how to be fearless. Especially as an entrepreneur. What it looked like to test and try things and to get back up after what may feel like a failure. That nothing is wasted if you choose to keep moving.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Irina Partyka Photography
Kate Becker Photography

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