This month’s First Friday Female Founder post features Maria Scimeca Glenn, co-founder of Assenter Coaching LLC. As I was planning the 2021 gala for the Greater Raleigh Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners, I outreached to my friend David Glenn, who immediately suggested he bring his wife to the gala, insisting that I simply had to meet her. Well, he was completely correct, and I’ve been thoroughly impressed by Maria’s energy, focus and drive ever since. Maria clearly envisions what she wants to accomplish as well as how she wants to live life, and she enthusiastically pursues making that vision a reality. Enjoy this peek inside the mind and heart of this absolute rock star!

First Friday Female Founder Feature:

Maria Scimeca Glenn

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

Assenter Coaching offers comprehensive leadership development programming and executive coaching services. My business model has evolved quite a bit since its inception. While one-on-one coaching is very powerful, partnering with a team is a transformational engagement. We also offer an Executive Coach Certification program for business-minded coaches who want to help their clients take their leadership to the next level.

Why did you start your company?

My business partner and I were both internal executive coaches as part of our roles. We witnessed corporate dysfunction en masse and found a common trend: most people wanted to have a positive sphere of influence, yet not everybody has strong leadership encrypted on their DNA. We left very successful corporate careers because we believe these skills are behavioral and we knew we could make a difference.

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

“Wow, I’ve never met a person who loves his or her job more than you!” is a sentence I hear regularly. I am proud that I created a company I adore while serving others. Leadership is among my favorite topics to discuss and I’m passionate about my work.

About what are you most proud?

Being a great coach is one thing; being a successful entrepreneur is a completely different accomplishment. My undergraduate degree was in Biochemistry, and I have never taken a business class in my life. While my Merck experience gave me many skills that translated, I honestly had no idea how to start, sustain and scale my own company. My growth trajectory for the past ten years has been off the charts. I’m proud that I never gave up during the tough times.

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 a person who just loves a good list, and that list generally has sublists! However, running a company required a whole different level of organization that didn’t come naturally to me at first. Luckily, I have a business partner who has a “structure” brain, and she schooled me well in the realm of files and folders in Dropbox.

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

My first boss, Jose Ponce, completely changed my life when he recruited me during my senior year in college to work for Merck Pharmaceuticals. He saw something in me that I honestly didn’t see in myself. He mentored me in my early years, and he was the best salesperson ever.

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

Pitch the notion of multi-tasking; all that means is that you are doing a number of things to a degree of mediocrity (at best). Be fully present to each task at hand and try not to overthink things. Sometimes you have to “call it done” and move on.

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

In terms of bookkeeping, QuickBooks has been nothing short of a revelation. I’m not sure how I managed without it previously. Calendly is another great tool I have employed in the past two years to book appointments with prospective clients and students.

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?

The philosophy that I share with my clients is that in order to be an integrated human, you have to begin firing on the four cylinders that are mind, body, emotions and spirit. The bottom line is that most people live their lives from their head and don’t pay attention to the other dimensions required for a balanced life. Most people instinctively know where they are deficient. If we start paying attention to that area, our lives will shift and greater fulfillment follows.

About what causes are you most passionate?

I am really drawn to the vision and mission of InterAct, here in Wake County. As a vehement supporter of all women, I’m grateful there is a local shelter dedicated to ending the cycle of domestic violence. InterAct also does a wonderful job at securing safer and successful futures for survivors and their families.

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

I splurged on myself during the pandemic and purchased an infra-red sauna. It’s the gift that keeps on giving. Most days end in a nice 30- to 45-minute session, followed by a hot shower and then off to bed. It’s very relaxing, which is very good for me, since I would certainly describe myself as “high-energy”.

What is your favorite author/book?

This is a real tough one since I am a voracious fiction reader. In terms of trade secrets, however, I will say that my favorite leadership book is, “The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership: A New Paradigm for Sustainable Success”.

What is your favorite inspirational quote?

“There is only one of us here.” — Marianne Williamson

Maria and David Glenn with their two, great kids

What is your go-to accessory?

My gypsy soul just loves jewelry of all types. I can’t narrow it down to just one, because I’m typically wearing jewelry from literally head to toe (generally large earrings down to my toe ring)!

What are the fundamentals of your beauty routine?

My besties would say I won’t go to the mailbox without under-eye concealer or mascara.

What is your favorite food?

My “desert island” (that one if I was stranded forever) food is the macho type of nachos with absolutely everything on them.

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

The Piper’s Tavern – Dan Hurley has been a family friend for the past two decades. The restaurant has a real “Cheers” type of feel, and the food is delicious.

Dante’s Italiano – Dan and his wife are great. As fellow Italian New Yorkers, we can truly appreciate how they have replicated that dining experience here in NC.

Uncorked – A lovely little neighborhood haunt with excellent wine and tapas. Bonus points that the owner and sommelier is a powerful woman named Chala Boya.

What is your favorite place that you have visited?

That’s really too difficult. It’s a toss-up! I love Mykonos, Florence and Paris all so much for completely different reasons.

What streaming show or movie could you watch on an endless loop?

The 1976 version of “A Star is Born.” Streisand and Kristofferson were legendary and I’m obsessed with it to this day. Side note: I watched the new version on repeat as well!

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

Mental telepathy. I’m an intuitive person, and I would be able to check my instincts when my spidey sense tells me what another person is thinking.

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

Use that good sense of humor that God gave you early and often; the situation is not nearly as serious as it appears right now.

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

Hands down, my father, Anthony “Tony” Scimeca! He has been gone for 28 years, and he still tops the list of my favorite people. That guy could light up any room with his warmth and charm.

The team of Assenter Coaching is transforming the paradigm of organizational culture through the creation of authentic, conscious leaders; they use 4-dimensional, integrative methodology as well as patented coaching and leadership models with experiential trainings, tools and resources. Assenter Coaching offers group mentor coaching, leadership development and 1:1 executive coaching, coaching to the goal through the soul of leaders for maximum performance.

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