Today we’d like to introduce you to Maryann Rivera-Dannert.
Hi Maryann, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My story is an interesting one. Today, I serve as a Director for a local non-profit agency. However, my purpose and passion is my business: MRD Empowerment Solutions, which is the “tree”. I say it’s the tree because as a tree has branches, so does my business. I’m a Certified Life Coach, speaker, trainer, and author. I’m also a wife, mother, and so much more.
The journey to where I am today has had many detours. First, I am new to Austin, TX. I relocated from Central, FL, less than a year ago. It’s been quite the adjustment, but overall, ATX has been good. I’m originally from Rochester, NY and that will always be home, no matter where I may live.
Stepping into coaching was an organic occurrence. After having lots of girls-only gatherings back home, I realized I had a special gift for listening, helping others, and empowering women to be true to themselves. So, with the guidance of a Business Coach, I took the leap and launched a business. I got certified and got my first client.
Shortly after, I became an author in an anthology project and I fell in love with writing! To date, I have five published books, with two more coming by the end of the summer. I am also in the process of writing my own solo book, and it will be out in November. Additionally, I’m the Visionary Author behind my own anthology project, and I cannot wait for the release. Oh, that’ll be out late summer/early autumn.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Oh heavens, no! It has not been a smooth road; and anyone that has ventured out into entrepreneurship knows there will be highs and there will be lows.
One of the toughest lessons I had to learn early on was that your friends and family will not be the ones to support you – as we often assume. That was hard for me because I mean, they are your friends and family, why would they not buy my books, attend events, etc. I would have strangers reach out, hire me, purchase my products, and I would be ghosted by friends and family. And let me clarify: there have been some supporters from the friends and family camp, but not how one would think. And it took a heart to heart conversation with a friend to realize the why. She said, “Think about your ideal client. Who are you writing for? Who are you speaking too? Who is your coaching program for? Do they fit the description?” My answer was no, they do not… and I moved on.
Another lesson I’ve learned is that juggling a business and a career takes a special kind of organization and self-discipline. I have to make sure to schedule self-care or else I will burn out, and that’s never good. We have to be strategic with managing our time and not our time managing us.
As you know, we’re big fans of MRD Empowerment Solutions. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
For now, the focus of my business is as a life coach, author, speaker, trainer, and Podcaster.
I work 1:1 with clients, offering life and career coaching. I’m also a published author and have stepped out of my comfort zone and I am the visionary behind an impactful anthology.
In providing coaching to women, I specialize in equipping women with strategies to silence their insecurities, build healthy boundaries, and fearlessly pursue the life and career of their dreams.
I am known as The Fearless Living Coach. Everything that I do, coaching, writing, speaking – is helping women recognize and face their fears, reprogram their thought patterns, and live their best life!
What sets me apart is that I come from a place of not just love, kindness, and authenticity but personal experience. I talk the talk because I’ve walked the walk.
The Vision for my business is: To see all women worldwide live a free, fearless, and fabulous life. The ‘worldwide’ part was the catalyst for me launching a Podcast – Fearless Fridays with Maryann. It can be found on various podcast platforms and it is heard worldwide. For more on my services, please visit my website – maryannriveradannert.com.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
I have learned many lessons along the way. However, the most important one I would say is: Celebrate your wins no matter how big or small.
If you don’t celebrate yourself, you’ll end up operating on auto-pilot, and you will end up getting frustrated and if you’re not careful, you may even end up depressed. So, it’s important that when you’re starting a project, stop and think about how you’re going to reward and honor yourself upon completion. Once the project is done, keep your promise to yourself and love on yourself a little. Or a lot.
Contact Info:
- Email: maryann@maryannriveradannert.com
- Website: https://www.maryannriveradannert.com
- Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/TheFearlessLivingCoach
- Other: https://bit.ly/35HQUAT
Image Credits:
MD Simmons and Production, Florida
