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Contact: Davenport|Folio (866) 232-6492 info@davenportfolio.com

Q & A with Dr. Debra Davenport   Q: Dr. Davenport, what makes you uniquely different from other consultants and career counselors?   A: As a Master Professional Mentor(tm), I utilize an innovative combination of skills and experience to make dramatic progress for my clients. Professional Mentoring is a comprehensive process, incorporating career strategy, marketing, branding, networking, and personalized skill development - all designed to effectively move the client to the pinnacle of their success.   Q: What is the difference between 'mentoring' and 'coaching'?   A: The goal of coaching is to lead clients to points of self awareness and problem solving through the use of guided questioning. Professional Mentoring® is a very different process in that it is highly directive, fast-paced, and results driven. Mentor and client work in tandem to achieve desired results and, unlike coaching, the Professional Mentor® works diligently behind the scenes on the client's behalf, creating and facilitating success-building opportunities.   Q: Give me an idea of the types of mentoring services you typically provide to a client. A: Every client is uniquely individual in terms of their needs, objectives, and time line. In every instance, clients hire me for my ideas. An example would be an entrepreneur who is looking to take her company to the next level. In this case, we would identify her objectives, analyze her business and marketing plans, and determine what specific things she needs to do to move herself and her business forward. Some of these might include ramping up her community involvement and getting appointed to select high-powered committees or boards. She might also need to be promoting herself more earnestly, both locally and in other markets where I could make key introductions. In addition, I might ask her to write a monthly column or electronic newsletter as a means of positioning her as a knowledge leader in her field. And I may feature her in one of my DavenportFolio Spotlight events. Behind the scenes, I will be making contacts and connections for her, updating her collateral material, identifying business-building opportunities, conducting research on her behalf, and promoting her and her business through my own networking activities.   Q: What about clients who are looking to make a career transition?   A: For the career changer, we first need to engage in a process of self discovery wherein they identify their values, interests, and passions. I utilize my card game, "Career Shuffle" with every career changer to help them clearly see what's really important to them - and what careers seem fun. My clients are usually surprised when I tell them that having fun is a prerequisite! Once we uncover the "fun factor", I can then mentor them into a new career that is fulfilling, rewarding, and meets their specific needs.   Q: What brings someone to a career counselor in the first place?   A: For some people, they simply want to get an objective perspective about career that might be a good fit. Other people have been in the same career for years and want to make a change. And for others who are truly unhappy in their career, the emotional and physical effects of job dysphoria can be quite toxic, resulting in depression, insomnia, addiction, and anger issues, among others. The bottom line for every career counseling client is helping them to find their passion and then showing them that they can actually live their passion. What is most gratifying is knowing that, once a client discovers his or her passion, I can then mentor them to reach their goals.   Q: One of your tag lines is "Advisor to the Entrepreneurial Community." How are you specifically qualified for this role?   A: I've been an entrepreneur since 1985 and a career counselor since 1989. I've started businesses in Los Angeles, Austin, and Phoenix and have worked with emerging entrepreneurs since I first went into business for myself. I thoroughly understand the type of mentoring entrepreneurs need to be truly successful which is why I developed the CPM-Certified Professional Mentoring® profession. My reputation as an advisor to the entrepreneurial community is based on the effectiveness of the professional mentoring process.   Q: Creativity guru, Doug Hall, calls you the "Certified Chairman of the Board." Why?   A: Well, Doug is incredible - one of the greatest minds of our day. His reference is quite a compliment! When I spoke with Doug recently about my work, he said, "Debra, you really serve as a chairman of the board for your clients. You give them direction, you hold them accountable, and you expect results. You also share the responsibility for their success or failure, which makes you an indispensable asset to them." It was then that I volunteered to become the president of Doug's fan club. (She laughs.)

     

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