Meet Deneen L. Garrett

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Deneen L. Garrett. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Deneen L., we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Prior to moving to Las Vegas in 2009, I prayed to learn what my purpose and passion was. I became very involved with our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and our volunteer organization (The Pioneers). A friend invited me to help with a committee for the women’s ERG for our annual ERG Conference. While at the conference, I KNEW I wanted a career in Diversity & Inclusion which is where the ERGs sat. For the next 5+ years, I did the work. I led committees for multiple ERGs, increased memberships, created and facilitated many events and provided my colleagues opportunities for leadership, exposure and visibility and, helped to build our community.

Making a difference in the lives of others is what I learned my purpose was and I’m still very passionate about it.

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’m a single mom of a son who just graduated from college. Goal!  I live to be an example to him and others. Two years ago, I decided to Live a Dream Lifestyle™ which I do primarily by traveling and now collecting Black art.

In 2017, as a Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) professional, I created a panel to provide LGBTQ+ women of color (WOC) & allies a platform to use their voices. Three years later, “from panel to podcast, I launched a podcast with the same premise. A full circle moment came in December of 2020 when I was asked to lead our WOC Leadership Development Program for high potential & high performing women of color. I was “being paid to passionately pursue my purpose”. Today, I “elevate the voices of WOC and empower them to Live a Dream Lifestyle™ (LaDL), which is my brand, through Deneen L. Garrett LLC. I retired from my corporate career in June 2022 and fully launched my business.

Over the years, I’ve created, moderated and participated on a number of panels. PodFest Expo, Podcast Movement, Podbean, WOC Podcasters, The Black Podcast Association and WOC Stem this year. I’m scheduled to moderate my 1st 2024 panel in February at BEYA and looking forward to many more speaking opportunities. Feel free to reach out if you’re looking for a speaker.

I’m very proud of my podcast, Women of Color: An Intimate Conversation (WOCI). When you listen to my 1st episode, you will hear me talk about vulnerability and committing to one episode per month. I’ve more than tripled that having released over 100 episodes. Subscribe so you don’t miss out on my 3+ D’s Dream Lifestyle Framework, Dream, Decide/Design, Drive which is the framework for my coaching practice. Be one of the 1st to sign up.

Living a dream life means different things for different people. Travel is the primary way I live my dream life and have traveled to four countries since May, London for Beyoncé, Panama City, Old Montrèal, back to Montrèal (MTL) for the MTL Black Film Festival and Caye Caulker & San Pedro, Belize for R&R. Collecting Black art is another way. I began collecting in March of 2020, have over 20 pieces from several artists. More to come so stay connected.

I was recently named to Hoinser’s 2023 TOP 100 Global Most Successful Women, was nominated for several awards, a Podscars for Best Women Podcast Nominee, and InspireU Coach + Podcast + Speaker of the Year Finalist, and a Torch of Wisdom 2023 Honoring Local Heroes for Community Enrichment. These are manifestations of what operating in your excellence looks like. When you know your purpose and passionately pursue it, the universe conspires to answer prayers and acknowledge you.

I’ve also prayed to attract and manifest “my name in lights”. Every podcast appearance, article written, and recognition contributes to this. The pièce de résistance came right before the new year when I was featured, by Hoinser, on a billboard IN Times Square.  “My name LITERALLY up in lights”!!!  

My 2024 focus is to Live a GRANDER Dream Lifestyle™.  2024 has shown up with a cover in “TheCelebrity.Online Magazine Interviews, Features & E-Magazines” and this, Voyage’s Bold Journey Series.

 

In addition to speaking, podcasting and coaching, Deneen L. Garrett LLC comprises two online stores, Shop Amazon with Deneen and Shop with Deneen which sells WOCI and LaDL merchandise.

Go to DeneenLGarrett.com to access everything.

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?
Relationship Building, perseverance and drive have been most impactful for me. I tell my son it’s “who you know” and most importantly, “who knows YOU”. When you decide what you want, you have to stick with it, have staying power, get at it. The how can change. The what can also change as long as YOU make the choice and you choose something else to pursue. Drive, the want, the desire, is what pushes you and keeps you going. It’s what moves you along.

Dream about the life you want. Decide what that looks like. Design this life. Drive to making your dream life happen. Dream, Decide/Design and Drive are My 3D+s to living a dream life. Pivot. Dream more. Change your mind. Redesign. NEVER stop driving towards what you want.

Regardless of where you are in your journey, surround yourself with people, mentors (people you know or just watch), coaches, family, friends who are where you want to be. People who will push you forward and pull you along. Learn, books, online, classes, about what others did to get where you want to be. Connect with people in your areas of interest on social media, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter. Practice is how to best develop and improve. Like Maya Angelou said, “when you know better, you do better”. Tap into those relationships to gain the knowledge again and again and put in the work to have what you want.

Whatever your relationship is with money, get very comfortable with it. Money helps us live the lives we want. Money is a path to wealth and ultimately generational wealth. I use to say “make the money”. Then, “follow your passion, the money will come”. Now, ” follow your passion” AND “monetize it, ON purpose”!!!

Let’s stay connected. Follow me on LinkedIn. Want a coach to help you live the life of your dreams? Reach out.

I’m rooting for you!!!

How would you describe your ideal client?
My ideal client is the woman who is ready to put in the work to live her dream life now. It’s also about the willingness to live this life and to follow My 3+Ds, Dream, Decide/Design, Drive.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Ghulam Fareed Q11 Photography

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