Directors' Circle: Deb Rae, Deb Rae Solutions

A local business owner, presenter, author and who knows what else - Deb Rae is a woman to watch! From getting a room full of ladies to stand up and strike a Wonder Woman pose, to penning a practical guide to grief - she is a source of inspiration and motivation for those around her.

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a teacher, like my grandmother. So I became a teacher (of Chinese language) and didn’t like it at all.  But I now love supporting adults in professional development sessions and coaching.

What was the biggest surprise for you about starting a new business?

How much support and camaraderie there is between small businesses. I’ve made great friends and learnt a lot from the generosity of others who have been willing to share their expertise, failures and learnings.

What happens in a typical day for you?

I don’t have a typical day! It will be some combination of individual coaching sessions, writing policies, facilitating a strategic planning session, doing interviews for my book, developing a new professional development program for a client or something else that just popped up…

How do you stay motivated when challenges arise?

I stay focused on my purpose, which is to support people to discover and grow so they create joy in their lives.  I make a list of my achievements in the past couple of months and remind myself how I made those possible.  And I go out into nature and get a brighter perspective.

What are your non-work habits that help with your life-work balance?

I have two dogs who constantly remind me that every day is another chance to have fun!  Regardless of what my job title is, how much money I didn’t make or what other disasters are happening, they just love life and having me around.

What’s your favourite part about being a business owner?

I get to focus on the work I love doing (and do best) and outsource what I’m not good at or interested in.  And no office politics!

Give a shout out to three local businesses, and tell us why!

I love the food and service at K&Co in Nelson St – it’s my favourite pick-me-up.
Ally at Let the Children Play toy store in Victoria St has quality products that look beautiful and last forever.
I’m also a big fan of the Paleo Café and fill my fridge up with their pre-ordered meals every week.