About Business Coaching …

“My originations seemed to be stuck at about $500,000 per year until I hired Barbara. With her coaching, I was able to develop clear-cut strategies to bring in new clients as well as maximize the work I was doing with existing clients. I’m happy to report that I brought in over $1 million in client revenue this past year!”

- K. Dangelo, Esq., San Diego CA
Civil Trial Practice

“I began working with Denise five months ago to increase my client base as a psychotherapist. In that time, I’ve tripled the number of clients in my practice, doubled my fees, and moved to a wonderful new office space. Do I recommend working with her? You bet!”

- Stephanie Dugdale M.A., Wilmington NC
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

“When I began coaching with Denise 18 months ago, I was working on finding a new career at 46 years old. She quickly helped me choose between the two possibilities I was considering and within 14 months I’d created a real estate development company with seven-figure assets. One idea Denise gave me netted me an additional $300,000 profit. Is coaching worth it? I think so!”

- William (Tama) Dickerson, Asheville NC
Idylwood Properties, Inc.

“Although I’ve enjoyed success as a trial lawyer, I was never comfortable with marketing. And I didn’t know anyone who could help me improve so I could generate more business. When I met Barbara, I was impressed with her background, achievements, and coaching methods. After several months of working with her, I’ve developed clear-cut strategies to bring in new clients. I’ve also maximized my work with existing clients. I highly recommend Barbara. She pushed me from the comfort zone into the action zone.”

- Sheila Trexler, Esq., San Diego CA
Neil, Dymott, Frank, McFall & Trexler APLC

“I always knew that the concept of coaching was a good one. Heck, all great athletes have coaches! I didn’t realize, however, how much a coach could help me until I started working with Barbara. With her assistance, I was able to identify and focus on goals and then achieve them. In less than a year of working with Barbara, my business revenue went from under six figures to $150,000! Her ability to pinpoint marketing strategies and expand them to the next level has made all the difference in the world.”

- Scott Prescott, Erie PA
Prescott Consulting

“I moved to Asheville, a highly competitive location, after having a successful private practice in NYC for 13 years. For five years, growth was very slow and very disappointing. When I started working with Denise, I increased my patient load by 100% in less than six months.”

- Susan Paul R.N., L. Ac., Asheville NC
Asheville Family Acupuncture

“I thought it would take me 10 years to get to a place where I wanted to completely go out on my own, but working with Denise, I took this step four months ago. I’m so happy I did it! My average hourly income has doubled since we started working together. Denise is just fabulous! She has this way of asking such targeted questions. And it's always the perfect thing, the one thing that really propels me forward.”  

- Allison Deatherage, Asheville NC
Tomato Design Group

“Setting strategic goals and achieving those goals are two very different things. Barbara's consistent, proactive approach has worked wonders. The company now enjoys controlled, profitable growth, with morale higher than ever.”

- Mark Harris, President, San Diego CA
Mark Harris Plumbing, Inc.

“I’m truly impressed with the way Denise worked with our small business owners. The changes I saw in their marketing strategies and planning seemed to take place immediately. They no longer struggled with how to make a plan, who to contact, and what to say. This was a profound change for so many of the women! They began to have calls coming in and referrals contacting them about their businesses. The excitement seemed to just grow and it became more like fun!”

- Sharon Oxendine, Asheville NC
Mountain Microenterprise Fund
Women’s Business Center

"As a second generation small family business owner I found myself buried and gasping for air when a long time employee moved on. Barbara rescued me by drawing me out of my comfort zone and giving me valuable tools to meet the challenge of hiring an energetic person with a personality that complimented and added to our team!"

- Yvonne Restine, San Diego CA
Fuller Electric

“Denise, your coaching was the best investment in my business and myself I’ve made in years … an investment that has returned far more than the dollars I spent!”

- Pegi Flahault, Bloomington IN
Trillium Advisors, Inc

"I highly recommend Barbara. I was just starting my own law practice when I met Barbara at an event where she gave a very impressive presentation. Immediately I knew that I wanted her to coach me. She helped me turn the marketing concepts that we all know about into useful and practical day-to-day applications. Barbara pushed me out of my comfort zone and into the action zone. Each time I took action, I received a positive result. Those results motivated me to keep taking action."

- Linda A. Kirios, Esq., Los Angeles CA
Commercial Real Estate Attorney

“I’ve got a lot going on in my life and want to do just about all of it, which results in my shooting off in all directions. Denise keeps me focused on what steps are the most important to get where I want to be. I’ve learned how I need to let less important stuff be just that, less important … without laying a guilt trip on myself for not getting everything done. With her guidance, I’m achieving more, my business is really taking off, I’m becoming much more confident in a leadership role, and I’m having a blast! Since my coaching began, my group and my volume have grown 1000%, and I’ve been promoted twice – not bad for 9 months!”

- Carol Montgomery, Concord TN
XanGo Distributor

“As an entrepreneur starting a new business, I honestly don’t know if I would have made it through the fits and starts of the last several months had it not been for my coach. Barbara has been a huge aid in helping me identify the target and then maintain the focus to achieve the objective. She’s also been a huge asset in helping me in develop my marketing plan and will be an even bigger help in the execution of it!”

- Paul Byrne, San Diego CA
ReadyTech, Inc.

“Denise’s coaching has provided me with valuable tools that I’ve applied in my acupuncture practice as well as my personal life. I’ve found the clarity to envision my goals, the discipline to manage my time more efficiently, and the commitment to follow through, allowing me to create a more successful practice.”

- Jennifer Langdon, L.Ac., M.Ac, Wilmington NC
Illuminated Sea Acupuncture Clinic

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About Personal Coaching …

“Through coaching, I clarified how I define a fulfilled life and am therefore more capable of living into it. My home life is happy and harmonious almost every day. My sense of self is much healthier. My business has increased and my income has become steady. My first book has been published and I’m looking forward to writing my second one!”

- Ann Fritschner, Hendersonville NC
Raising Funds Effectively, Inc.

“Working with Barbara has helped me see that since I’m a people pleaser by nature, I need to work hard to uphold my boundaries and personal standards so that I’m staying true to myself. She has helped me establish a structure to weed out negative forces in my life and learn to hold other people accountable for the same standards that I live by. I’m a stronger person today with more insight into myself, which allows me to make better choices based on my best interests.”

- Amy Berguson, San Diego CA
Certified Public Accountant

“I can't believe how much my life has changed since we first met! Your coaching has helped me achieve goals that I wasn't able to accomplish in the last 20 years on my own. Before coaching, I existed in a black box; depressed and afraid to peek out for fear I would collapse from frustration and disappointment.

After five short months of coaching … I’m now in my new house. I can talk honestly and openly with my spouse about my needs. I can set boundaries with my children. I can say ‘No’ without guilt. And I'm celebrating my fourth month in my dream career. Working with you as my personal coach, I'm not just "out of my box," I'm dreaming again ... creating the life I've always wanted!”

- Tammy Pierson, Knoxville TN
Business Analyst, Scripps Network

“Barbara showed me that when I face an obstacle I tend to freeze. But the obstacle is not the problem; being stuck is the problem. She has helped me look for options and I've taken action. If you're facing an obstacle, I recommend you call Barbara."

- Jonathan Freedman, San Diego CA
Freedman in Words

“When Coach Denise Hedges agreed to put me through the paces, I was floundering in literally four different directions. She helped me see that this might be dangerous to my health and career. She asked tough questions and confronted me on my barnyard blarney.

She laughed easily when either of us were tempted to take ourselves too seriously, but never let me forget that the game I'm playing, the game of living my own life and nobody else's is a very serious game. After working with her, something I hope to do often in years to come, I realize that not only is the game very serious but it has rules that will work, it can be won handily, and there is a time clock. I may not be playing in the fourth quarter, but I need to give that kind of effort while having lots of fun. She’s reminded me that all this stuff is about love, balance, freedom, joy, and dancing like there's nobody watching. Thank you, Denise. Thank you very, very much.”

- Pat Jobe, Spartanburg SC
Broadcaster, Writer, and Speaker

“Denise Hedges’ coaching prowess is incomparable and remarkable. Denise taught me how to create ways to enrich my life and the lives of others. I’m able to use the tools she provided me in practical ways ongoingly in both my professional and personal life. Denise has one of the most genuine hearts I’ve ever encountered. Thank you for all you’ve done and continue to do, Denise.”

- Melanie Bell, Sylva NC
Mountain Microenterprise Fund

“During the transition between positions, I found myself doubting my own abilities and eventually my self worth. I had brought a lot of baggage along from my old position. Denise helped me sift through the negative feelings and focus on what I wanted to have happen. She helped get in touch with my own positive energy and direct it into action. After several sessions with her, I began to laugh again. Our work together prepared me psychologically for a successful job search.”

- Rita Wilder, Worcester MA
Chief Operating Officer, Saint Vincent Hospital

“Denise has helped me create balance, peace and joy in every day of my life. Several months before I met Denise, I’d set a goal to bring happiness and health into my life. My do-it-yourself methods were working, to a degree. When I started coaching with Denise, I really began to see progress ... my work was more effective and less stressful, my relationships were more peaceful and rewarding, my creativity was more available and less inhibited by fear. Before, my life was living me. Now, I’m happy to say, I’m living my life. It’s not without ups and downs, but I bounce back faster and with fewer injuries!”

- Elizabeth Schussler, Asheville NC
Bird House Originals

“About two years ago, I attended a professional women’s conference where Denise was speaking. My marriage of 24 years had just ended after a grueling two-day trial. I truly believe that hearing Denise speak that day was a divine intervention.

Through her coaching, I’ve been able to reconnect with the gifts that I’ve been so amply given and to continue to face the rigors of a stressful career as a litigation attorney. As a result of Denise’s coaching, I’ve once again become the vibrant, happy person that I once had been and have recently married the man I know is the love of my life. I’ve developed more positive ways to approach issues and people in my personal and professional lives and I’ve been able to grow spiritually as well. I’ll continue to keep Denise as my personal coach and highly recommend her to any one seeking to grow into a more complete and vibrant individual.”

- Cathy McCabe, Spartanburg SC
The Ward Law Firm, P.A.

“As a single parent and small business owner, life gets hectic and there never seems to be enough time to enjoy relationships or to rediscover who we really are. I wasn't living life in a satisfying and growth-oriented manner, and self-help books weren’t accomplishing what I knew was possible. I needed someone who would actively help me seek real, exciting, positive, personal change in a manner that worked for me. Denise provided this help with a simple yet powerful approach where I determine the path my life takes. I take pride in my fatherhood and the time and presence I provide to my daughter. Business is good and old habits of over-time and over-worry are being broken. Taking some chances and making new friends are becoming commonplace. Thanks Denise, you've made a difference that will last and never be forgotten.”

- James Moore, Asheville NC
James R. Moore Carpentry Contracting

“Denise helped me dream again! I was ‘stuck’ in a place in my life where I was unhappy with work and was searching for my purpose in life. She helped me determine what ‘really makes my heart sing.’

Denise helped me realize that anything is possible. I now believe that changing from my accounting career to an outdoor career is doable – in fact, I’m very proud to say that I applied for a position in the recreation field and was chosen for an interview!

Regardless of what you want to achieve in your life, Denise knows how to help you organize your thoughts, rethink your attitude, and motivate you so that you can achieve those goals. She motivated me by believing in me, which helped me believe in myself.”

- Jenny Berni, MBA, Chattanooga TN

“Since working with Denise, I’m much more balanced and able to focus my energy on the things that bring me joy and fulfillment. My relationships are more open and honest, my work is less stressful, I have a deeper spiritual connection, and I’m more financially abundant. Denise is a true blessing and I am grateful for her helping me become the person I’ve long aspired to be.”

- Christy Bridges, Hendersonville NC
Youth Director, Dispute Settlement Center

“Working with Denise is a pleasure. I know that after each call with Denise I will find myself more centered and clear on what it is I want out of life and how to get it. Coaching with Denise allows me to address the ups and downs of my life in a thoughtful, balanced, and centered way. Over time, this process has allowed me to become increasingly clear on my underlying goals and needs so that my everyday decisions are better aligned with my true desires, both professionally and personally.”

- Audrey Mitchell, Atlanta GA
Attorney

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About Presentation Skills Coaching …

Comments From Some of Tom’s Students …

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About Speaking & Training …

“As a very successful business owner, Denise knows exactly what it takes to build a thriving business.  Everything she talks about, she lives by example.  I’ve known Denise for 5 years and have seen her help hundreds of people through her coaching, speaking, and training.  She’s one of the most sensitive, compassionate, caring people I know and wants deeply to serve others to grow their business and live happy, successful lives.

Her ability to teach and inspire people to take action and achieve their goals and dreams is nothing short of remarkable. I know I make her sound ‘too good to be true,’ but believe me, she is true and real in every sense of the word!”

- Michael Charest, Denver CO
President, Business Growth Solutions

“Barbara spoke at our firm retreat and subsequently conducted a follow-up training program for our attorneys. The results have been nothing short of fantastic! The renewed energy she evoked at our retreat turned into action under her tutelage. If you want a motivational speaker who incorporates practical training - turning theory into action - you can’t go wrong by hiring Barbara to work with your firm.”

- Steven J. Cologne, Esq., San Diego CA
Higgs, Fletcher & Mack

“It’s so difficult to connect with women of various ages, backgrounds, and experiences and be able to make an impact. Denise was able to do just that at our 2006 Annual Every Woman Event with more than 1,000 women in attendance. The women felt like she was talking just to them. Everyone present opened their hearts and minds and started thinking of ways to reshape their lives. Weeks after the event, I still had women throughout the community approach me and share how their lives were touched by her message.”

- Gina D. Turcotte, Greenville SC
Greenville Hospital

“Denise makes you feel welcome and no one is a stranger. “

- Gail Braunsroth, Knoxville TN
National Association of Insurance Women

“Barbara has the experience to provide training to the most seasoned professional while including the information pivotal to those who are new to marketing their services. Her facilitation of our retreat gave everyone nuggets of gold for their future business development.”

- Judith Hissong, CLM, San Diego CA
Chief Operating Officer
Solomon, Grindle, Silverman & Spinella, APC

“Denise has an innate ability to connect with and inspire women through her own personal experiences, professional training and, most importantly, her ability to engender trust and radiate love.”

- Kathryn McConnell, Hendersonville NC
“Dust Off Your Dreams” Retreat

“Barbara has conducted a number of training programs for our attorneys. She works with me prior to each program to determine if there are any areas within the program on which she should focus more attention. Because the programs are well thought out and customized for our group, they are always well received.

Barbara is a very natural speaker who is obviously comfortable in her knowledge of the topics she addresses, making her very enjoyable to listen to. In addition to the group programs, Barbara works individually with attorneys to assist them in further developing their skills.”

- Patricia L. Groff, CLM, San Diego CA
Firm Administrator, Butz Dunn & DeSantis

“Denise did an excellent job of stopping very busy administrators and managers in their tracks and giving them the opportunity to refocus on their individual priorities and life issues. The program was so effective that many attendees left the conference with the inspiration to take action to implement changes in their personal lives and careers.”

- Margaret Beazley, Asheville NC
NC Oncology Managers’ Society

“Barbara has spoken to our clients on a number of occasions. She has worked with me prior to each event to shape her presentation to the needs and interests of the group.  She actively engaged our clients and created a very positive atmosphere.  Her delivery was excellent.  Our group has had many speakers over the years, but she is definitely one of the best.  Our hope is she’ll continue to join us to share her helpful insights.”

- Fred Dawn, San Diego CA
Lee Hecht Harrison

“Denise delivers her message with enthusiasm, matching real life experiences with techniques that can be implemented immediately. Denise is a joy to work with, bringing a polished product and requiring very little resources from our group. She inspired many of us to take a look at what we really want in life and provided guidance on the steps to get there.  We’re so thrilled that Denise came to speak to our group, and would gladly recommend her as a speaker to any other organization looking to motivate their members.”

- Amy Knowles-Jones, Atlanta GA
American Women’s Society of CPA’s

“I’ve heard Barbara speak to audiences of few, and of very many. She provides excellent information tailored to the audience, with content-rich stories and experience. If you are looking for someone to bring energy and passion in their presentation, Barbara is the right choice!”

- Judy Hissong, President, San Diego CA
Association of Legal Administrators
San Diego Chapter

“Denise worked with me prior to the event to shape her presentation to the needs and interests of the group.  She actively engaged the women and created a very positive atmosphere.  Her delivery was excellent.  Our group has had many speakers over the years, but she was the first to energize us, so much so that about half of the group stayed late to get a chance to talk to her individually, and this was at a lunch meeting! I’ve had many of the women ask to have her back for another presentation.”

- Laurel Bowen. Knoxville TN
Business and Professional Women

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