CNLP 208: Dana Spinola on Following Your Dream, Scaling a Business and Coming Back After Burnout
When Dana Spinola was asked at age 5 what she wanted to be when she grew up, her answer was simple – “the best.” That drive pushed her on to many things, including launching her own company, Fab’rik, which has grown from a single boutique in Atlanta to over 40 stores in over 10 states.
She talks about following her dream, scaling her business, becoming a Christian, burning out and bouncing back.
Welcome to Episode 208 of the podcast. Listen and access the show notes below or search for the Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts and listen for free.
Guest Links
@danaspinola | @fabrikstyle | fabrikstyle.com
Links from this Episode
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Register for the Future Forward Conference (October 2-3, 2018) at futureforwardchurches.com/theconference
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5 Love Languages Official Assessment
3 Insights from This Episode
1. A hard NO forces you to reevaluate the plan
When you get a hard no it can feel defeating. Why don’t they see your vision? Why can’t they give you a chance?
But no can turn a frustrating situation toward a better, clearer direction. No forces you to reevaluate your plan. No can bring your break through moment.
2. Great service doesn’t cost a thing
Running an organization requires a long list of expenses that add up quickly, but there’s one big piece that doesn’t cost a thing – treating others with a servant’s heart.
Being good to people is completely free, whether that’s the way you treat your staff or how your team interacts with the people they serve.
When leaders are wowing others with kindness two amazing things happen. Great people want to work for them and loyal customers want to return. Those two returns are priceless.
3. It’s not about finding balance, it’s about being present
Last year, Dana needed to take a break. For too long, she had been scared to tell anyone that she was crashing. She worried what others would think when she confessed that all of her success felt like too much to handle. Ever been there? I know I have.
Leaders often feel like they have to be strong all the time, as if admitting exhaustion is some sort of weakness. But when you open up and give others the opportunity to rally around you, the heavy weight of feeling alone will go away. You’ll feel more support than you could have ever imagined.
Coming out of her rest, Dana now realizes that it’s not about balance – you can’t predict your days. It’s about living in the present – being all-in where you are today without worrying about what’s next. Plus, she now has her team and family looking out for her so that she stays on the other side of burn out for good.
Quotes from This Episode
How to Navigate the Interior Journey of a Leader
Of all the journey a leader takes, the interior journey is the most arduous.
My new book Didn’t See It Coming: Overcoming the 7 Greatest Challenges That Nobody Expects and Everyone Experiences can help.
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Next Episode: Brady Shearer
Brady Shearer is just 27 years old, and has figured out how to seize the biggest communication revolution in 500 years. He talks about what it means for businesses and churches, gives a lot of examples on how to get started for little money, and talks about scaling the massive growth of his company.
Subscribe for free now and you won’t miss Episode 209.