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It was about 1999 and I was working in a start up Optical Networking company that was rapidly growing, but most likely had investors nervous. I remember the day Mike dropped in as our CEO and rolled up his sleeve to manage a daily production meeting. Little did I know how much that has made an impression on me now that I’ve rolled up my sleeves for other companies.

Mike was the anti-CEO who came in and worked with the lowest level in the organization to understand the daily operations and to personally invest in turning around processes and ultimately our direction. I was curious to see him setting up an excel spreadsheet while we were in the meeting to capture the most basic of operations and dig so deep into the weeds I thought he’d never come out. It was this different kind of leadership that blasted away my perception of what a CEO was. And at the same time, this is exactly what a CEO should do in order to understand the most minute details or an organization.

These lasting impressions on a young Director of Quality, has somehow resurfaced from almost 20 years ago to 2019 and my approach to “Drop in” to an organization. It’s so critical to understand those fine details to really understand what is / is not working in people, process, platforms but also their past & intellectual property. I go down to the lowest denominator and there lies the clues to bringing an organization forward.

It’s funny how the mind brings forward these memories and now spawns action. I’m trying to connect with Mike right now on Linkedin, so that I can share with him how his actions have made an impression on the next “Drop in CEO”.

About the author: Deborah A. Coviello is the Drop in CEO who builds the foundation so you can grow your business. She is a speaker, writer and amateur curler; winning a silver medal in Arena Curling Nationals in 2017.

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While jogging on a treadmill enjoying a virtual scenic view of a mountain trail, I looked behind me in the gym and started to well up with sadness knowing I was all alone. The tears came so suddenly while I was exhilarated in the moment listening to epic music scores on my headphones, I was so alone in this virtual and very real journey called an entrepreneur.

It was a trail I set out to blaze by myself; picturing the end very vividly and explaining the future to so many supporters and family. But while you’re taking the journey, the path is quiet and it’s just you, all you, only you who needs to make the decisions, feel the doubt, muster the courage and feel the accomplishment. It’s joy, sadness, fear and elation all tied into one knot and soulful to the core knowing this is the journey you must take.

As I was making my way through the last half mile of my workout, the virtual journey on my screen took me over a long bridge to a city I could see in the distance. This view reminded me of the last two miles of a half marathon when I had nothing left at the 11th mile mark. However, the same music came on my headphones and the view of the city in the distance, told me the end was near and my body found the energy to push on to the end. I knew I was going to get to the finish line, the workout had been challenging, but knowing the goal was in my reach I knew I had the strength to finish.

For those who have taken this journey or even the runner reaching the “runner’s high” can relate to the mixed emotions and sometimes tears that come without notice. It’s a lonely road, but the one we chose and with the strength of mind, body and spirit we see our friends, family and supporters at the finish line cheering our victory.

I’m tearful because of the immense emotion having shared my Entrepreneur’s story, but feel it’s the story we all have and needed to share for all Entrepreneurs. 

Share with me your Entrepreneur story in the comments. We lift each other when we share our stories.

About the author: Quality & Operational Excellence Executive / Writer / Speaker: Deborah Coviello thrives in Establishing Organizational Stability, Building Solid foundations and Coaching Teams to brilliant & sustainable results

While sitting in a beautiful venue getting my professional pictures done, I’m asking myself, “Is this really happening?”. Do I deserve to be doing this when I haven’t achieved “famous” or “viral” status? When is the right time to have professional pictures done? Even if I’m still on an upward slope following my goals and building a business, can I say I have arrived? When can I say I’ve “arrived”?

Is “arrived” about money, followers, speaking deals, multiple streams of income, Linkedin Live access? If you know me through our community on Linkedin, I’d have to say none of these are right.

I believe it’s really a mindset.

In my mind, I “believe”, therefore I have “arrived”. That simple word “believe” is the key to who you are and will continue to be. So having the professional branding shots is part of showing the world you believe in your brand, your values and the ideal customer we all will serve.

About the author: Quality & Operational Excellence Executive / Writer / Speaker: Deborah A. Coviello thrives in Establishing Partnerships with organizations, Illuminating possibilities and Elevating your organization to achieve Brilliant results.