Woman of the Week ~ Debra Lynn Hayes

Here at Executive Elements, we like to feature fantastic women we think you should know. Some of these women are clients, some are friends, some are women we’ve only just met. But they all have this in common: they are dynamic, interesting women who have agreed to share with us their insights and secrets to success.

My Name: Debra Lynn Hayes

My Current Job/Company: Author, Speaker, Coach

My Work: I work with people who feel stuck after a traumatic loss or heartache. I use my book RISE….What To Do When Hell Won’t Back Off, as well as keynote speaking, group and individual coaching. My desire is to see people Unmask the Hope that is inside them and Embrace the Life all around them.

My Passion: Is to see someone move through grief and mourning and learn to enjoy their life again.

My Family: Unfortunately most of my family now live in heaven. My father and four sons Randall, Isaac, Stefan and Ephraim (there initials are the title of my book memorializing them RISE) all reside there. I am blessed to have my 84 yr old mother living with me and getting to caring for her as she ages. Along with our talking Amazon Parrot JAZZ.

My Hero or Heroes: My parents. My father taught me to laugh and see the lighter side of any circumstance. My mother has shown me what unconditional love looks like.

My Escape: I am equally content by the water or in the mountains. I love to get alone in quiet nature.

My Pet Peeve: When something at the Dollar Store cost more than a dollar.

My Indulgence: Wine.

My Roots: I am proud to have been raised in the south and surrounded by open and honest Southern Hospitality.

My Future: My future is wide open and exciting.

My Favorite Quote: “After all, he’s famous for great and unexpected acts; there is no end to his surprises” Job 5:9 (Message Bible)

My Accessory: Laughter, tears, a warm smile and compassionate heart. (& a tennis racket!)

My Advice to Young Women: Don’t let heartaches and disappointments define who you are. Separate who you are from what happens in your life.

How I Balance it All: Know the season of your life I am in. Every season is MY season, I just have to know what that season is and embrace it. From there, I work hard and play big.