Hi, I’m Debra
I build businesses with both strategy and heart.
I’ve spent my career learning, teaching and talking about social and emotional skills - not because I've mastered them (I have my share of messy moments!), but because I'm endlessly fascinated by why we humans do what we do.
This curiosity has become my life's work: helping people understand themselves while creating meaningful connections with others.
Today, I help other leaders navigate their own path to growth, supporting them one-on-one and sharing insights through speaking engagements in partnership with organizations like SXSW, TEDx, and the U.S. State Department.
My Story
Working in education was not an obvious fit for me.
As a subpar student who changed majors five times in five years, I was hardly a poster child for academic success.
But I discovered that my mission - helping young people find their place in the world - could create real impact within the public school system. In 2008, I founded Design Dance, bringing arts-based social emotional learning to schools with zero business experience and a lot to learn.
What I lacked in business knowledge, I made up for with my fascination with people. Understanding human motivation became my unexpected superpower.
By applying the same social-emotional skills we taught students to our business practices, Design Dance grew exponentially, eventually serving 35,000 students. We built robust systems, scaled teams while preserving culture, and achieved 160% growth during intense industry change.
Since then, I've launched The Brainchild Collective and Prismatic, while becoming a trusted advisor to leaders at their most pivotal moments.
Here's what I discovered: the same emotional intelligence that helps students thrive also helps leaders build companies they're proud of. Today, whether I'm working with a founder finding their CEO voice or a board member stewarding a major initiative, I bring both strategic rigor and deep humanity to the work.
Let’s Dive In
Strategic Advisory
Nothing prepared me for the wild ride of building my first company.
Now, with multiple organizations under my belt, I help leaders navigate their own uncharted territory - from founder transitions to board dynamics to the 3am questions that keep you up. Think of me as your strategic partner who's been there and will tell you the truth.
Workshops
How we spend our days is how we spend our lives.
In my workshops, I distill nearly two decades of tried and tested frameworks, blending emotional intelligence with business strategy, helping you develop an intentional leadership style that feels authentically yours.
Speaking
Some of my greatest breakthroughs came from leaders sharing their authentic stories.
My keynotes and talks carry on this tradition, blending real experiences, practical tools, and a touch of humor to spark transformation.
