CEO of Jacqueline DuJour Enterprises LLC, Jacqueline Miller is an author, speaker, and certified life coach. She helps women reconnect with their entrepreneurial dreams while still being great and guilt-free mothers. A former corporate human resources executive, Miller is also passionate about helping non-entrepreneurial moms find their voice and command their value in the workplace.
Walk us through your journey to success. How did you get to this point?
I was inspired to start my business largely because I was once that mom. On Super Bowl Sunday 2002, my life changed forever when my husband suffered a massive heart attack. My life subsequently became consumed by my children’s needs and a corporate executive career that no longer fulfilled me. I was lost in the wilderness of life and had placed my dreams on the back shelf in fear of them conflicting with my role as a mother. I had succumbed to the myth that I could not pursue my dreams and be a great mom. I also wasn’t clear on what my passion was because I had become disconnected from Jacqueline, the woman. Realizing that I couldn’t possibly be alone in this predicament, I began identifying ways to help other women, and subsequently discovered a need for my services.
What do you do to stay on top of your game professionally?
Because I take my business and my brand seriously, I consistently seek opportunities for professional growth. I kicked off the new year by accomplishing one of my primary 2016 goals, which was to obtain both Neuro-Linguistic Programming and I.G.N.I.T.E. Breakthrough coaching certifications. I am a huge proponent of business networking, attending relevant conferences, as well as maximizing my relationships with coaches and mentors.
How do you balance your personal life with your career?
Rather than seek balance, which I believe to be nearly impossible because something or someone is always shortchanged, I prefer to seek what I call, “healthy harmony.” While I believe it is possible to be, do, and have it all in life, I also understand that not all three components can exist at once, or without regularly using a 4-letter word: H-E-L-P. I have also learned not to “spend dollar time on penny tasks.”
What advice would you give to a budding entrepreneur or career woman?
Love what you do. When you love what you do and are providing a service, the financial reward will come. Align yourself with mentors or coaches who are several steps ahead of you. Network with like- minded people who are motivated by collaboration, and not competition. Block out the naysayers and believe in yourself. When you reach the pinnacle of your success, always remember to reach back and help someone else. Don’t become the expert who conveniently forgets that they too were once a newbie.
What does being a BOSS mean to you?
Being a BOSS means being a woman who knows what she wants and who pursues it unapologetically. She seeks to be in charge of her destiny and not vice versa. While a cheering squad would be nice, it’s not necessary. With or without it, a BOSS operates in “permission granted” mode. A BOSS also understands that she is her sister’s keeper. When one wins, we all win.
For more information about Jacqueline, please visit www.jacquelinedujour.com or follow her on Twitter at @mogulmomdujour
The BOSS Network is a community of career and entrepreneurial women who support each other through conversation, online and event-based networking. Their mission is to promote and encourage the small business spirit and professional development of women. For more information on The BOSS Network, please visit www.thebossnetwork.org.
