BEYOUROWN Meets Jeni D. Davenport

Jeni D. Davenport is an adventurist, enthusiast, community leader, and lifelong learner. A mother of three beautiful young people, former foster mom, leadership and well-being coach, and US Forest Service trail angel, she has a heart for connecting with people and encouraging them to keep moving forward and pursuing their dreams. Always looking for ways to empower others, Jeni continues to grow her coaching practice, The Standing Mountain, as she works with top executives and visionaries in addition to supporting her passion of advocating for children and families in unsafe situations. Her book, “Kind Words: The Glue That Helps Keep Us Together,” debuted in 2019.

Her second children’s picture book is expected in late 2022, “Set Sail On Your Thinking Boat,” a poetic adventure about positive self-talk. You will find her spending time volunteering as a mentor coach for Just In Time, an organization supporting foster youth, and as a community leader for Civil Air Patrol, an organization supporting cadet leadership, emergency service response, and aerospace education.

Thank you for interviewing with us today, can you introduce yourself to us Jeni?

Absolutely! My name is Jeni Davenport and I own a virtual coaching practice and education company called The Standing Mountain, LLC where I help entrepreneurs and executives with improved leadership development and positive connection with themselves, their team, and their family using a well-being and leadership coach approach. I’m also a proud parent of three beautiful young people. I live in Southern California enjoying walks on the beach or mountain trails. I have a side passion for creating content for children’s books that support healthy messages around family relationships, self-image, and friendships.

Can you take us through your journey to where you are now?

Well, the journey is more like a meandering adventure. I grew up in Arkansas, a southern state full of all things rural. After completing an advanced degree in Health Science, I moved to Southern California, an area full of all things urban! I love how all my experiences working with different populations have led me to becoming a business owner, author, and community leader. My curiosity and love of learning combined with working with incredible people over the years have certainly helped me create the life that I want to live. I love the beach and the mountains!

Since starting, have you made any changes to your business model?

My business model has changed over the years mostly with my target population. It took me a while to really identify who and how I can serve and feel most fulfilled. There are many great things to provide and many amazing populations to serve. But at the end of the day, where do I make the most difference in a way that comes naturally in a way that I would want to do this well past retirement age? I love serving brilliant-minded visionaries who are on fire with their ideas! It is so exciting being a part of their lives and providing the small adjustments that help me reach their goals!

Have you ever had a mentor? If so how has this benefitted you either personally or professionally?

Yes, I have many mentors for different things. For example, I have someone that mentors me about business related goals. I have someone for spiritual advice who helps me listen and follow my heart. And I also have a few favorite deep, soul-connected friends that I can say raw, real feelings to that help me with my well-being. They keep me accountable around maintaining healthy relationships with my most important people. 

What outlets do use for marketing?

I casually use Facebook, Instagram, Alignable, and Linked In. But most of my clients are referrals.

Which methods are you using to build your own support network?

I build my support network through helping other people succeed.

What is the best piece of business advice you have received to date?

Surround yourself with people ahead of you; with peers who respect and encourage you; and with supporters who are watching you succeed so they, too, can be brave and also succeed. You are always inspiring others, so go ahead and allow yourself to reach your dreams.

How do you create an evenly balanced work and personal life?

Every day I start again and do my best to follow my self-care routine (gratitude, hydration, self-love, exercise, whole foods, genuine connection with my most important people, creativity). I have a schedule, make lists, time block as needed, use deadlines, and sometimes compete against a timer to finish those mundane tasks. Most importantly, I have a vision board based on my values and strengths that reminds me what is truly important and helps me navigate my compass to follow my own north star.

Name a seminal point in your career so far?

An important point in my career was when I gave my notice to my employer to work full-time for myself doing what I love. It was liberating!

What gives you ultimate career satisfaction?

I feel the most satisfaction when I witness a beautiful transformation in my client during a coaching session going from a heavy heart with a lot on their mind to a brightened face, excited about what the future holds and knowing that they now have tangible strategies to move forward.

Are there any leading entrepreneurs or SME leaders that you admire and if so, why?

I especially admire learning about small and middle entrepreneurs who have overcome adversity and pressed forward reaching a space where they feel successful and are making a difference in other people’s lives. 

How do you define your own success?

Having healthy, genuine relationships are really important to me both at home, in my business, and in my community. As long as I am creating positive connections with others, owning when I mess up, and trying to add value to other peoples’ lives, then I am successful. God will take care of the rest.

Finally, What can we expect from you this year?

This year, expect me to have another children’s book out, a side passion of mine includes helping improve mental health in our communities. Also, expect me to continue supporting more entrepreneurs and executives within my private coaching practice to include expanding my consulting services to big corporations executives creating a positive work and family environment. 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thestandingmtn

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeniddavenport/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thestandingmtn

Website: www.thestandingmountain.com