At a recent EO training session, facilitator & entrepreneur David Bartholomeusz said something that stuck with me: many coaches have never been entrepreneurs themselves.
It made me pause. Do people know I’ve been there, done that, got the t‑shirt… & I’m still wearing it?
Because I’m not just a business coach or EOS Implementer who teaches theory – I’m an entrepreneur who has lived the highs & lows of running real businesses, and I still do today.
My Real-World Business Experience
I’ve built five businesses:
- Two were successful, giving me financial freedom & the lifestyle I now enjoy.
- Two were massive failures – one so severe that I lost my house & my Porsche.
- One is a fresh start-up still navigating early chaos.
I’ve also taken businesses that were flatlining & brought them back to growth – including leading a team of 220 people through tough change & hard decisions.
I’ve borrowed against credit cards just to make payroll, and I’ve experienced the rush of several major international brands signing up to our products & services all at once. I’ve been recognised as one of the top six businesswomen & one of the top 30 women in New Zealand – only to have my next business collapse due to Covid.
I’m Still Running Businesses Today
Some people assume coaching means you’ve stepped away from entrepreneurship. Not me.
I’m still actively running & investing in businesses today:
- Our EOS Practice, which spans Australia & New Zealand, employs several people & continues to grow fast.
- Integrated Executives, a Fractional Executive business helping companies fill leadership gaps with experienced talent.
- A small shareholding in Uneo, an AI technology start‑up working at the leading edge of innovation.
These aren’t side hobbies – they keep me sharp, current, & deeply connected to what it’s like running a business today. So when I sit down with a leadership team to implement EOS, I’m not talking theory – I’m sharing practical, proven tools I use myself in my own businesses.
Why This Matters for You
So why does any of this matter for you as a business owner or leader?
1. Empathy & Understanding
I know the sleepless nights, impossible decisions & payroll pressure because I’ve lived them. That empathy means I’m not judging you or your team – I’m supporting you, knowing exactly how hard change can feel when you’re in the thick of it.
2. Practical Solutions, Not Just Theory
EOS is a powerful framework, but it’s not a silver bullet. I focus on outcomes, not theory, adapting the tools to your business reality without losing the discipline that makes them work.
3. Cutting Through the Noise
Entrepreneurs love bright shiny objects – I know, because I’ve chased them too! I help you focus on what really moves the needle, not just what sounds exciting in the moment.
4. Accountability with Context
I’ll hold you and your team accountable, but I also understand how real businesses work – sometimes urgent issues emerge, sometimes priorities change. I help you balance discipline with agility so you can execute consistently without losing flexibility.
EOS Gives You What I Always Wanted
EOS gives entrepreneurs what I always wanted when I was in their shoes – and what I have in my businesses today:
- A clear vision everyone understands.
- Traction to execute consistently.
- A healthy, aligned leadership team that actually enjoys the journey.
When I was running my own companies, I would have given anything for this kind of clarity & focus. Now, I get to share these tools with business owners so they can avoid some of the pain I experienced and build businesses that truly give them more life – not less.
Not About Judgement – About Fit
I’m not saying all coaches need to have run businesses. Many incredible coaches have built valuable careers without ever signing a payroll or turning around a failing company.
But personally, I know I serve best by leveraging my experience as an entrepreneur. That’s why I describe myself as a Teacher, Facilitator & Coach rather than just a “business coach”. I teach proven tools (EOS), facilitate the tough conversations most teams avoid, and coach you through execution – all with the perspective of someone who’s actually been in your shoes.
Still Learning, Always Learning
One of my core beliefs is that learning never stops. I even have a tattoo – a Chinese symbol that translates to “sometimes a mentor, always a student”. It’s a daily reminder that no matter how much experience I have, there’s always something new to learn from every client, every session, & every conversation.
Final Thought
Business is not easy. It’s rewarding, yes, but it’s messy and unpredictable too. I know because I’ve lived both extremes – from borrowing against credit cards to pay wages to being recognised among New Zealand’s top businesswomen… only to have my next business collapse due to Covid.
Those experiences shape the way I coach. They give me empathy when you’re facing the tough stuff & perspective when you’re growing fast but still feeling like the wheels might fall off.
Running businesses keeps my perspective fresh – but implementing EOS is what lights me up. It’s why I get up every morning excited to do this work.
I’m passionate about helping entrepreneurs lead their Best Life by creating a Better Business.
Want to Learn More?
If you want to explore what EOS could do for your business – with someone who has actually run businesses & still does – I’d love to have a conversation.
Email me at debra@businessaction.com.au
Written by Debra Chantry-Taylor, FBA Accredited Family Business Advisor, Certified EOS Implementer & Founder of Business Action.
Business Action is focused on helping Entrepreneurs lead better lives, through creating a better business. We have a small team of accredited family business advisors, EOS Implementers & Leadership coaches, as well as access to a huge range of advisors through our Trusted Partners Network.
