Dana Zellers
With over 20 years of experience working at companies like Uber, Twitter, and agencies such as GS&P and Publicis, Dana Zellers understands the challenges leaders face in today’s workplace. As an Executive Coach, her mission is to dispel the myth that working harder leads to success. Instead, she introduces her signature framework, which focuses on clarity, productivity, and relationships, to help individuals and teams work smarter, achieve better results, and find balance in their personal lives. Dana is an award-winning coach, certified by iPEC and ICF, offering one-on-one and group coaching, workshops, and training both virtually and in person.
If your business could have a mascot, what would it be and why?
My business mascot would be a tortoise. Taking time to pause and plan with intention is crucial to my approach. Perseverance, patience, and steady progress are key qualities for achieving our goals, and the tortoise symbolizes that beautifully.
What strategies do you employ to maintain a healthy work-life balance while running your own business?
Work-life balance has always been a challenge, and it’s something I work on with my clients. Clarity of focus on what’s important and what makes you happy is essential. I prioritize my tasks through yearly, monthly, weekly, and daily planning. I also use the “6Ds” (Delete, Defer, Diminish, Digitize, Delegate, and Do) to ensure I’m focused on the right things. By putting myself on my calendar and honoring it, I’ve found a better balance.
When faced with unexpected detours on your business path, how do you pivot with grace and resilience, showing fellow women entrepreneurs the way forward?
Life is full of unexpected events. I rely on clarity of focus to adapt. When things come up, I revisit what’s working and seek help from experts in areas where I’m not as strong. Being prepared for detours and leveraging support makes pivoting easier.
How do you measure the success of your business beyond financial metrics, such as customer satisfaction or community engagement?
Financial success is just one measure. For me, true success is helping people lead more successful lives based on their own metrics. Financial freedom allows me to do what I value in life, but it’s the impact I have on people’s lives that truly defines my success.
Can you share a memorable moment where you witnessed significant growth or transformation in your business, illustrating the impact of your services/products?
A client came to me wanting a promotion to a VP role. Despite the company’s ongoing transitions, we used my framework—Clarity of Focus, Productivity, and Relationships—to ensure they were working on the right things. They not only received the promotion but also used those skills to enhance their team’s performance and experience.
What role do you believe mentorship plays in the success of small businesses, and how have mentors influenced your own entrepreneurial journey?
Mentorship is invaluable. I’ve learned that even though I can figure things out on my own, I don’t have to. Mentors have helped me see things from different perspectives and reach places I might not have thought of on my own.
What’s your work all about, and how does it make a difference in the world?
My work focuses on reframing the idea that working harder leads to success. What’s good for employees is good for teams and organizations. By promoting a healthier, more balanced approach, individuals are happier, more productive, and more supportive of others. This mindset creates a positive ripple effect in the workplace and beyond.
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