There’s this unspoken trade-off a lot of entrepreneurs make—more growth means less time, less sleep, less presence at home. You convince yourself it’s temporary, that the hustle now will pay off later, but “later” keeps moving further out. The business gets your best hours while your body, your relationships, and your peace take the hit. It’s not that the work doesn’t matter, but it starts to sting when you realize what you’re missing in the meantime.
Summary:
Dena Patton is a veteran business coach who helps purpose-driven entrepreneurs grow without burning out. She blends mindset work with strategy, rooted in her values and personal experience as a mom, speaker, and author. Today, she shares why CEO self-care isn’t optional—it’s essential for creativity, health, and long-term success. She also reflects on her daughter’s early steps into entrepreneurship and the power of leading with purpose. Her message: build with intention, not exhaustion.
Quotes:
* "Authenticity is our biggest currency. Choose a color that is authentic to you, you own it, and it works. It's a little glimpse into who I am."
* "Self-care is one of those things that I don't think a lot of CEOs or business owners take seriously until one of the three Ds happens: divorce, disease, or death."
* "It's so easy for people to overload, overwhelm, overpack their house and their schedule, and then they're like, I have so much anxiety, or I'm totally overwhelmed. I find that you cannot build a business, you cannot build a dream when your creativity is zero. And you know what creativity takes? Space."
Takeaways:
* Create a personal "CEO self-care plan" that intentionally schedules time for mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual recharging.
* Map out a full year of family vacations in advance, working around school calendars to ensure consistent family connection and personal renewal.
* Start a side business or help a family member launch a small venture to teach practical skills like financial literacy, pricing, and customer service.
* Audit your current commitments and schedule, ruthlessly removing activities that don't spark joy or contribute to your core vision and values.
* Establish clear personal and professional boundaries that protect your health, family relationships, and long-term business sustainability.
Timeline:
[00:25] How Dena Patton Brings Purpose into Her Work
[04:14] Lessons from Her Daughter’s Granola Startup
[08:53] When Dena’s Husband Retired and Life Shifted
[19:58] The CEO Self-Care Most Leaders Ignore
[20:32] Why Planning Vacations Helps CEOs Thrive
[25:11] How Values Guide Dena’s Business Decisions
[30:11] What Most Leaders Miss About Staying True
Conclusion:
Real success in entrepreneurship goes beyond constant hustle. It comes from making space for creativity, rest, and time with the people and values that matter most. A thriving business should support your overall well-being—not just your bank account. When you set firm boundaries, prioritize your health, and stay true to what you believe in, you build something that lasts. The goal isn't just to grow, but to grow in a way that feels right and keeps you grounded.
Links/Resources:
Website:
https://denapatton.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denampatton/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DenaTrakesPatton/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denamariepatton/
The Greatness Game: Inspired ways to live, love, and lead like you mean: https://www.amazon.com/Greatness-Game-Inspired-ways-live-ebook/dp/B06Y4B4FWB
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