As a member of the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO), I met many kindred spirits who appreciate putting tools to work for efficiently and effectively accomplishing what matters most. One of those incredible individuals was definitely the completely amazing Deb Lee, who initially connected with me over our shared belief as short gals that “good things come in small packages” but soon became someone who made every NAPO conference so much better. The intelligence, the care, the consideration and the passion that Deb brings to every interaction is greatly appreciated, and it doesn’t take long to realize that she’s really listening in every conversation… Not for how she’ll respond but to truly understand, accept and appreciate what you’re saying. It’s such a valuable skill she shares with the world around her, and its impact is powerful. Enjoy this peek inside the mind and heart of this absolute rock star!

First Friday Female Founder Feature:

Deb Lee

How would you describe your company and the products / services you offer?

Productivity with a side of tech. 😊 So what does that mean? I help business owners and solopreneurs save time and energy by fixing broken workflows (or creating new systems) and leveraging tech tools. The result: You find the time to focus on what really matters, like business development, achieving your big, hairy, audacious goals, or taking a break without any guilt because you know that your business won't fall apart while you're away.

P.S. I also love talking about tech so you'll catch me on a stage (or in a studio) sometimes talking about ways to pair up specific apps with various productivity strategies or how to better integrate tech in your life.

Why did you start your company?

I started my company because the corporate job I had became obsolete when the company I worked for was bought by its much larger competitor.

What has been the most rewarding part of your journey in founding this company?

Getting to see the lightbulb moment for clients. 💡 The fact that they trust me to take the journey with them toward the light bulb is priceless.

About what are you most proud?

Being able to help others achieve their goals and get from one point to another regardless of whether the distance between those points is short or super long. There's nothing better than seeing pride and happiness on clients' faces after they've done what they set out to do.

Are you naturally organized, was it a skill you learned or is it something with which you regularly struggle, and what tips or tools do you use to stay your most organized?

I'm naturally organized. I remember, when I was about 9 years old, I would organize and rearrange anything in our home, even the fruit in the fruit bowl. 😊 To stay most organized, I stick to habits that are easy for me to keep up with, and I layer in reminders to help. Creating streaks helps me stick to those habits so I really lean into that.

Who’s the one person who changed your life and why?

My kiddo. There are other people who have altered my life in profound ways, but this child of mine has transformed who I thought I would be.

What words of wisdom would you have for someone who is overwhelmed with staying organized and / or productive?

Two words: baby steps. I know it would be amazing to organize your whole office (or house) in one weekend or to suddenly figure out your productivity formula. But that can be daunting and overwhelming, and you might find yourself giving up before you even begin. So take small bites, do a little here, a bit there, maybe a bit more than that on another day. And soon you'll find yourself where you want to be and feeling great about how far you've come.

Do you use technology to help stay productive or organized? If so, what’s your favorite program, app or tech tool?

Oh, boy, where should I start? 😊 I love apps and all that they can do to help me stay focused and show up where I'm supposed be and when. The one I rely on the most would be my digital calendar (Google). The number two spot would be a battle between Google Tasks and Evernote.

How do you feel about work / life efficiency or integration in your life, including any tips or challenges for managing the personal and professional commitments in your life?

Integration is definitely the word I'd use (rather than balance). Two things that can help with integration: Become besties with your calendar, and say "no" to things, tasks, projects, people and more that do not align with your goals.

About what causes are you most passionate?

There are lots of causes out there doing good things in their corner of the world. The one I tend to focus on involves children and food scarcity. My charity of choice is Share Our Strength, an organization that fights to end childhood hunger in the United States with its No Kid Hungry campaign. Having enough food is more than just about surviving; it's about thriving. If children don't have regular meals, they can't do well in school, which means they likely don't grow up to do great things in their corners of the world.

What have you found to be the most effective way to relax after a long day or super long week?

A spa day (or spa hour) is perfect for relaxing and winding down. Followed by my favorite vanilla latte, of course. ☕

What is your favorite author / book?

I have so many books that I love. Here are a few:

- The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande

- Atomic Habits by James Clear

- Just about anything by Agatha Christie (especially Death on the Nile)

What is your favorite inspirational quote?

“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” ― Theodore Roosevelt

(There is some debate regarding the attribution of this quote, but I still love the message.)

What is your go-to accessory?

Lipstick! 💄And coffee. 😊

What are the fundamentals of your beauty routine?

I have lots of lotions and potions, but I can get by with the basics: a gentle cleanser, vitamin C serum and a good moisturizer.

What is your favorite food?

I have two: pizza and sushi. Just not together at the same time.

Of the locally-owned and -operated establishments in the place you currently live, which are your top 3 favorites?

Here are my favorites. The food always delights my taste buds, and the service is awesome sauce.

- Mini Bar by Chef José Andrés (mashup of artistic flair and science in small bites is so, so good)

- The Iron Rooster (three words: crab cake benny!)

- Colony Grill (the *best* salad pizza)

(Is it bad that I only thought of local *food* places? LOL)

What is your favorite place that you have visited?

Various spots in Italy. So much beauty and history. Barcelona is a very, very close second.

What movie could you watch on endless loop?

Of all the questions, this one stumped me! Strange, right? LOL! It's also driving me crazy that I can't think of one single movie.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

I want to say the ability to read minds, but I'm not sure I'd always want to know what someone is truly thinking. So, instead, I'll choose the ability to teleport to any place I want to be.

What advice would you give your 21-year-old self?

Don't try to fix or worry about everything. It'll all work out. And, even when it feels like it's not working out, you're learning a lot that makes other things work out.

If you could have lunch with anyone (living or deceased), who would it be and why?

My brother. He passed away many, many years ago. I wish we knew each other as adults and that he could have met my kiddo.

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