From Life Coach to Community Leader: How One Woman Turned Her Calling into a Movement for Change
When Dr. Deanna L. Stewart enrolled in the Life Coach Certification Program at Life Purpose Institute in September 2013, she was already a natural coach—offering guidance, insight, and wisdom to friends, family, and colleagues. What she didn’t yet have was the formal structure or professional foundation to transform her innate talent into a thriving business and powerful community initiative. Today, more than a decade later, Deanna is a certified coach, entrepreneur, and nonprofit leader, making a lasting impact through her organization, Equity Alliance of Michigan.
A Natural Coach Finds Her Foundation
Deanna had long been the go-to person in her community—“the one people called when they had issues,” as she puts it. But it wasn’t until she completed her training with Life Purpose Institute that she fully realized the power of coaching and how she could channel it into a legitimate, structured practice.
“Within a month of finishing my training, I had already launched my own coaching business and signed three new clients,” Deanna shares. “Part of the reason I enrolled was to test the process. Life Purpose Institute offered a guarantee if you followed the steps and didn’t get results—so I decided to follow it to the letter. By the end of that first year, I had made double my investment back.”
More than the financial results, it was the credibility and structure that helped Deanna establish herself as a professional. “The tools and templates they gave us were gold. I didn’t have to recreate the wheel—I just added my logo, and I had a full toolkit to support my clients.”
From Fortune 500 Leader to Full-Time Coach and Nonprofit Founder
Deanna’s background in corporate leadership had already positioned her to excel in people development. She led teams, mentored employees, and often found herself in the role of informal coach. But her Life Purpose Institute training helped her deepen those skills and create a clear coaching methodology—something she brought not only to her private practice, but also to her leadership role at a Fortune 500 company.
“I stayed in my full-time job for years after launching my coaching business, and the training made me a stronger leader. It helped me communicate better, coach instead of manage, and really support people’s growth.”
After more than 37 years in corporate leadership, Deanna retired in April and is now fully focused on her passion projects—including Equity Alliance of Michigan, a nonprofit organization she founded to expand access to employment, entrepreneurship, and empowerment in underserved communities.
The Birth of a Mission-Driven Nonprofit
The seeds of Equity Alliance of Michigan were planted back in 2006 following a devastating personal loss—her sister’s death due to domestic violence. Suddenly, Deanna found herself raising her sister’s four children in addition to her own. That experience transformed her, and she felt a deep calling to help women and families facing similar circumstances.
“The nonprofit started as a way to support women dealing with domestic violence, but it grew into something bigger. We now focus on three core pillars: employment, empowerment, and entrepreneurship. Everything ties back to coaching—meeting people where they are and helping them discover where they want to go.”
What makes Deanna’s approach so impactful is her commitment to honoring the client’s vision. “One of the biggest lessons I learned through my coaching training was this: I am not the fixer. I’m not here to decide someone’s future. I’m here to walk beside them, ask powerful questions, and help them find their own path.”
Tips for New and Aspiring Coaches from Deanna Stewart
After years of building her business and nonprofit from the ground up, Deanna has a few hard-earned insights for aspiring coaches:
- Follow the Process
“The Life Purpose Institute process works—but you have to actually do the work. I followed the steps and proved to myself that it was possible to build a practice quickly.” - Use the Tools
“Don’t feel like you have to invent everything from scratch. The tools and templates you get in the training are professional, effective, and customizable.” - Know That You’re Enough
“Coaching isn’t about fixing people. You’re not responsible for their journey—you’re responsible for showing up, being present, and helping them see their own strength.” - Let Your Reputation Grow Organically
“I didn’t have to spend money on marketing. Once I announced I was certified, people who had always sought me out for advice saw me in a new light—and started coming to me for coaching.” - Lead with Purpose
“Coaching gave me the clarity and confidence to follow my true calling. Whatever your reason for coaching—whether it’s starting a business or serving your community—stay connected to that purpose.”
A Ripple Effect of Transformation
Today, through her nonprofit, Deanna continues to use her coaching skills daily—whether she’s guiding an entrepreneur, supporting a family in crisis, or facilitating empowerment programs. The results of her work are multiplying through the lives of those she touches.
“There’s always someone watching,” she says. “I self-funded our work for years, and eventually, a funder came forward who had been watching what we were doing. That’s the thing—when you’re doing meaningful work, people want to help.”
Dr. Deanna L. Stewart’s journey is a powerful reminder that coaching is not just a career—it’s a calling. And with the right training, the right tools, and a heart committed to service, coaches have the potential to change the world—one client, one community at a time.
Fern Gorin, P.C.C., L.M.F.T. is the founder and Director of Life Purpose Institute. Life Purpose Institute teaches Life Coach Certification Programs and Spiritual Coach Certification Programs to students worldwide.
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The post From Personal Calling to Community Change: How Life Purpose Institute Alumna Dr. Deanna L. Stewart Turned Her Coaching Certification Into a Force for Good appeared first on Life Purpose Institute.
