Jeni Davenport-Furniss
Jeni Davenport-Furniss tells us that, “I help professionals feel their very best, save over 10+ hours per week, and still achieve their highest goals using a hybrid coach approach of leadership development and balanced well-being strategies.
I live in a big city and a small town supporting my family as a professional coach, business owner, and professor with over 25 years of experience. I enjoy nature, hiking, writing, and volunteering. One of my favorite memories is sitting in the backyard overlooking the river and being still enough for the deer to walk behind me and the eagles to soar above me while I work. But my favorite memories are those that include supporting people to their next level of success!”
Your journey in technology and digital transformation is quite inspiring. Can you share what initially drew you to focus on AI, blockchain, and fintech, and how you see these technologies shaping the future of our cities and societies globally?
My initial years of growing up were in a rural area on a farm with my younger sister, mom, and grandfather. From there, I went to university and completed two degrees, being the first person in my family to complete college. By then, my family had moved to a big city on the coast and I wanted to live closer to them so I moved and found a job. Soon, I started a family and spent ten years raising children while working part-time to make extra money. Eventually, I went back to work full time and realized that becoming a business owner and being in charge of my own time was what I wanted to do. I found that coaching people through health and life events was something I was really good at. I was determined to learn more on how I could be independent and still support my family which now included caring for my grandmother who was in her late 90s. Tenacity and drive, values and focus, grit and perseverance will support your dreams. And I had all of those things.
You’ve collaborated with various high-profile organizations, including the UN and UNESCO. Can you share some of the most impactful projects you’ve been involved in and how they have contributed to advancing technology and societal well-being?
My coaching business focuses on helping people save 10+ hours per week and still achieve their personal and professional goals. I enjoy working with professionals who are driven, who have big ideas, and who are ready to work with a coach and apply personalized strategies we created together. I also enjoy adding in leadership development skills and customizing their wellness routines so that they can be their best self.
Being a serial entrepreneur, what kind of response have you received from your users/consumers?
Clients that I work with are so amazing! It is such an honor to step into their lives and walk side-by-side through big events, life transitions, and every day challenges knowing that we will be more successful on the other side because we worked through things together.
This year I was nominated as on of the Top 15 Coaches in San Diego for 2024. It is a wonderful honor to be recognized in this way.
In what ways has your life changed since you began your entrepreneurial journey?
My life has changed in many ways since starting my coaching business. I have become a better listener! My kids have told me that anyway. I understand people better. I have learned how to grow a business of change agents. More importantly, I have learned how to create positive impacts in my community and how to teach others to do the same.
Do you have anyone who is the biggest support system in your life? Please let us know.
My kids, my mom, and my partner are my biggest support systems. It brings me joy knowing that my family is proud of me. I think especially now that my children are adults, it is really beautiful to hear them acknowledging that I am doing good things in the world. I still am a normal mom and give unsolicited advice occasionally, but I am much better than I was!
What key insights do you aim to impart to the next generation of leaders in smart cities and digital economies?
Well, I am now 50 years old this year. I am not saying that I am slowing down. But I will say that I need you. I need your incredibly bright, amazing light to shine in this world . No matter what industry you work in, I need you to be the next leader, the next amazing parent or Auntie, the next CEO or Executive Assistant, the next beautiful spirit that creates new ways to better our world. I am relying on you because you will be my next doctor, my grandchild’s teacher, my daughter-in-law, or something so important that it will change our lives in the most profound way possible. So, keep going. Surround yourself with as much positive influence as you can, keep learning, keep reaching until you arrive at the top. Stay true to your values. We are cheering you on.
Do you think ‘GENDER’ affects entrepreneurship? Your views
I think we are still living in an archaic world when it comes to inclusion. And we need to fill it up with more people who have the same drive and passion to be successful without negating others. We need people who are strong and clear headed and are able to have direct conversations without causing harm or disrespect. We need people who help each other up, a community of purpose and love.
Share your Website and Social Media Handles.
www.thestandingmountain.com; https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenidavenportfurniss/ instagram.com/jeniddavenport