Today we’d like to introduce you to Heidi Convery.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I began my professional career as a University Administrator, working for several fantastic colleges such as the University of Texas at Austin, Creighton University, and Middle Tennessee State University. I loved working with college students and university staff – the energy of university life, new friendships, and personal and professional growth. I felt a tug though, after over a decade in the field, to try something new. I had moved back to Dallas area with my family and decided to take the plunge and begin a workplace motivation coaching firm in the heart of where I grew up. My life has changed in the most incredible ways since that day. Now, I split my time between organizational clients, traveling to their offices and finding a quiet spot for employees to meet with me one-on-one. We talk about any obstacles in their way (think procrastination, time management, or interpersonal relationships). Sometimes we talk about the best way to approach his/her manager about an issue or help managers land on the best way to deliver feedback to a direct report. I use an assessment that helps me to better understand what motivates and demotivates each client, and then I coach them through their challenges at work for a more motivating, satisfying, and productive workplace.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Ha! If any business owner ever tells you, it’s been a smooth road, be wary of their advice! It is NOT for the faint of heart, that’s for sure. Honestly, the most difficult part, in my opinion, is balancing healthy home life with profitable work life. I have two elementary school-aged kiddos, and it’s vital to me that I’m involved in their world whether that be school activities, sports, and arts. Sometimes that means working all day, being present with my kids after school and until their bedtime, and then working into the night. We went to a cabin in Oklahoma recently for a vacation. We had such a great time exploring and adventuring, but I definitely got my laptop out after they went to bed to respond to a few emails and plan my next Strengths development workshop.
Developing a strategic plan for your business is another area that can be difficult but deserves high attention. That was, and in many ways continues to be, a rocky road for me. I tend to get energy from building my client base and creating new workshop material for my current organizations. Because I’m not naturally drawn to the strategic planning side of business development, I have to make sure I have helpful partners in place to guide me through that process. That’s the key to managing your rough spots – ask for help.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Flourish LLC is a workplace motivation coaching firm. I work with my organizational clients to provide one-on-one and team coaching for all levels of employees – encouraging stronger self-awareness amongst individuals, more dynamic team cohesiveness, and overall higher quality of life in the workplace.
What does that look like on a daily basis you might be wondering? In the Dallas area, I visit my client’s offices each month and find a quiet spot to settle. While I’m on-site, any level of the employee can sign up for a one-on-one coaching session to work through those workplace challenges that we all face at some point or another. It could be a personal challenge, such as procrastination or time management, or an interpersonal issue, such as how to work through a tough colleague relationship. Sessions are 100% confidential, meaning employees feel safe opening up about their experiences at work without the threat of retaliation. This is vital for the employee’s growth, but incredibly helpful for the leadership team as well. Challenges often get solved during coaching sessions, never making it to a catastrophic place amongst the team.
At the core, my business offers employees a chance to just…be. No judgment, no evaluation. We just listen, guide you through coaching, and encourage you to offer your best to the world around you.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I’m not sure I’m a huge believer in luck. I think we’re presented with opportunities every day – both personally and professionally. We either take them or we don’t, and each decision creates a path for new opportunities to flourish. Entrepreneurship is so difficult. It’s empowering and soul-quenching but difficult. The success that I’ve had over the past 6 years hasn’t been – or at least I don’t think it has – attributed to luck. It’s a mix of blood, sweat, tears, grit, love…and maybe a few more tears. And then a lot more love.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.begintoflourish.com
- Instagram: flourishllc
