Exploring Life & Business with Debbie Gonzalez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Debbie Gonzalez.

Hi Debbie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Social work found me, I had different dreams as a little girl, mostly ideas of what I should become. I pursued medical school up to and including rejection. The pursuit for work led me to a counseling role in schools. There, I found myself and the call to help. Through the years, I held various roles. I studied, worked hard, and elevated into a senior role at a non-profit. After decades of service and a slow enmeshment of my identity into my work, I found myself in transition. While I’d prepared, the change left me lost. As part of my healing, I transferred my skills into writing and self-publishing my first children’s book. Initially, my goal was to hold a book in my hand with my name on it. However, self-publishing launched me into school visits, book signings, and speaking engagements. At one event, a mom and daughter travelled from a nearby state because of my last name. Mom wanted her daughter to see the possibilities of a Latina. I realized the opportunity to inspire. My books are about my fur baby who brings me much joy which is my biggest desire for the reader to experience. Currently, I own Debbie Gonzalez Coaching LLC in which I provide workshops, webinars, and coaching to inspire emerging and experienced leaders, in service to children, to find balance and joy. I share my knowledge and experience of the strategies discovered to support mental wellness and avoid burnout. In essence, I provide the space to develop the psychological permission to embrace joy. In the field of helping children, the work is hard and we may experience joy. Through virtual platforms, I am able to reach beyond my geographical location.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Ask me a question and I am ready to share resources, tips and suggestions. Securing paid engagements and running a business is less than smooth. As a solo entrepreneur, I am responsible for marketing, content development, networking, to name a few. I learned to utilize various applications to create, and to engage in social media, meaningfully. My talks are well received. It’s the conversion that needs work. I don’t like being sold to and I resist appearing that away. I probably hold myself back from opportunities as a result.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Debbie Gonzalez Coaching LLC?
I started Debbie Gonzalez Coaching as a vehicle to give back to the field of social services. As successful as I’d been as practitioner and leader, the benefit of coaching earlier in my career may have afforded less pain in the journey. I am credentialed as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Certified Professional Coach. I specialize in school settings and child welfare. Emotional Intelligence, trauma informed approaches, and general self-care are primary topics especially as they pertain to leadership. My authenticity sets me apart. I am moved to tears at the ah-ha moments and success of my clients. Much of my career has been a calling. My love of learning inspires my desire to share and help others spark the leader they want to be. Adult social emotional competence is the key to equitable delivery of quality services to children. Therefore, my mission is to support the adult find joy to better serve the child.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I worked with a professional coach for years. The right fit of a coach makes a huge difference. With regards to networking in general, engaging and interacting through social media can be a great place to build your network. However, the engagement is best when organic and authentic. Collaborations that benefit each other is a wonderful way to go.

Contact Info:

• Email: debbie@debbiegonzalezcoaching.com
• Website: www.debbiegonzalezcoaching.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/cooperloopstories
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/debbiegonzalezcoaching
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEhDgOMYNTKFAbzbyP_0qnw
• Other: www.debbiegonzalezauthor.com