Interviewer: Welcome, everyone! Today, we have the privilege of sitting down with Hilary DeCesare, an international business coach, bestselling author, and pioneer female Silicon Valley CEO. She’s the founder of The ReLaunch Co., a transformative platform empowering women to rediscover their passions and achieve fulfillment in both their personal and professional lives. Hilary, thank you for joining us today.
Hilary DeCesare: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Interviewer: To start, could you share the inspiration behind starting The ReLaunch Co. and how it has evolved since its inception?
Hilary DeCesare: Certainly. The inspiration behind The ReLaunch Co. came from my personal experiences – navigating through various challenges in my personal life and business ventures. I had to face complexities like divorce, single motherhood, health issues, and relaunching my career multiple times. Throughout this journey, I noticed that we often follow rigid procedures and systems, but life has a way of interfering. We face family issues, unforeseen obstacles, and sometimes lose sight of our true identity and purpose.
I founded The ReLaunch Co. to offer individuals a structured framework, a power source, to navigate life’s storms and relaunches successfully. I wanted to empower them to face challenges without feeling defeated and to find fulfillment in their chosen paths. Since its inception, The ReLaunch Co. has evolved significantly, introducing the 3HQ™ Method – a powerful framework that integrates the head, heart, and higher self aspects, allowing individuals to live a purposeful life.
Interviewer: The 3HQ™ Method sounds intriguing. Can you elaborate on the specific challenges women face when attempting to re-enter the workforce after a career break, and how The ReLaunch Co. addresses those challenges?
Hilary DeCesare: Of course. When women face career breaks due to various life circumstances like marriage, raising children, or caring for aging parents, it’s common to feel defeated when trying to re-enter the workforce. The ReLaunch Co. addresses these challenges through the 3HQ™ Method.
First, we focus on the head aspect, addressing limiting beliefs and fears, and identifying the necessary skills and steps for their ideal position. Then, we delve into the heart aspect, helping them identify their passion and purpose in this new phase of life. Finally, we explore the higher self aspect, seeking support from mentors or courses to boost confidence and achieve their purpose.
The ReLaunch Co. guides women through five essential steps: accepting the current situation, gaining clarity on their goals, releasing what no longer serves them, understanding that growth starts from where they are, and ultimately, taking action to restart their careers with confidence and purpose.
Interviewer: The Fired Up Entrepreneur program sounds exciting. Can you share some key strategies or programs offered by The ReLaunch Co. to empower women and support their career relaunch journeys?
Hilary DeCesare: Absolutely. The Fired Up Entrepreneur is one of our flagship programs, designed to teach women entrepreneurs how to ignite their brands, sales, and status as Financial Freedom CEOs. It’s a comprehensive 6-month program that provides women with the tools and strategies needed to scale their businesses and achieve financial independence.
We also have a mentorship program that connects women entrepreneurs, providing them with a supportive and collaborative environment to share insights and experiences. Our mentorship program is instrumental in combatting the isolation often experienced in the business world and fostering meaningful connections.
Interviewer: Mentorship can indeed be powerful. How important is the role of mentorship in helping women successfully transition back into the workforce, and how does The ReLaunch Co. facilitate mentorship opportunities?
Hilary DeCesare: Mentorship plays a crucial role in helping women transition back into the workforce. At The ReLaunch Co., we facilitate mentorship opportunities through our mentorship program, where we pair women with experienced mentors who have gone through similar entrepreneurial journeys.
During weekly coaching calls with multiple entrepreneurs, they have the chance to share their concerns and questions, fostering a supportive environment where valuable insights are shared. This collaborative approach ensures that women receive guidance from mentors who have navigated similar challenges and can offer relevant advice and support.
Interviewer: It’s heartening to hear about the positive impact of mentorship. Can you discuss any notable success stories or achievements of women who have gone through The ReLaunch Co.’s programs?
Hilary DeCesare: Absolutely. One notable success story is that of Michelle Abraham, founder of AmplifYou. She helped me launch my podcast, and during our collaboration, she was inspired by my contributions to the world. Michelle enrolled in The ReLaunch Co.’s Fired Up Entrepreneur program and became a 1-1 client for even faster acceleration.
Through our program, Michelle’s business flourished even during the challenging times of the pandemic. She attributes her success to the powerful organization and structure instilled by The ReLaunch Co., as well as her unwavering focus on key areas. With our guidance, Michelle’s business reached new heights and achieved impressive outcomes.
Interviewer: It’s incredible to witness the impact of The ReLaunch Co. on women’s lives and businesses. In your experience, what are some common misconceptions or stigmas surrounding women returning to work after a career break, and how do you challenge those perceptions?
Hilary DeCesare: Some common misconceptions include assumptions of skill obsolescence, lack of commitment, reduced ambition, and difficulty balancing work and family. To challenge these perceptions, The ReLaunch Co. promotes awareness of skills that remain relevant, creates flexible work arrangements, and provides mentoring programs to support women’s relaunch journeys. Additionally, we highlight success stories of women who have successfully returned to work after a break, creating an “I can do this” attitude.
Interviewer: That’s a powerful way to combat misconceptions. What are some significant trends or changes you have observed in the workforce in recent years, particularly in relation to women re-entering or transitioning careers?
Hilary DeCesare: In recent years, the workforce has seen increased focus on diversity and inclusion. Organizations recognize the importance of supporting women re-entering the workforce and promoting gender equality in leadership positions. Additionally, there’s an emphasis on work-life balance, with companies offering more flexible work options like remote work and flexible hours. Advancements in technology have also facilitated remote work and virtual collaboration, providing women with new career opportunities. Moreover, employers now value skills and competencies over traditional qualifications, making it easier for women with diverse experiences to pivot and succeed in different roles. Finally, the gig economy and entrepreneurship have seen significant growth, offering women more options to start their own businesses or work independently.
Interviewer: It’s fascinating to witness these positive changes in the workforce. How has The ReLaunch Co. adapted to the unique challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and what lessons have been learned during this time?
Hilary DeCesare: The ReLaunch Co. was conceived amidst the uncertain dawn of the COVID-19 pandemic. We witnessed women encountering unparalleled turbulence, with many facing layoffs and stepping into the entrepreneurship arena. We believe that today is not a “New Normal” but a “New Different.”
One valuable lesson we learned is that resilience is bred in the face of adversity. The ReLaunch Co. is committed to helping women harness this resilience, fueling their relaunch into careers that are both rewarding and fulfilling. We’ve seen incredible transformations, like a highly-regarded attorney transitioning into a young-adult fiction writer and becoming a two-time international bestseller. These challenging times have shown us the power of self-awareness and proactive action in fostering fulfillment and meaningful contribution in one’s career.
Interviewer: That’s a profound perspective, indeed. What advice would you give to women who are contemplating re-entering the workforce but feel overwhelmed or unsure about where to start?
Hilary DeCesare: If you’re contemplating re-entering the workforce but feel overwhelmed or unsure where to start, my advice is to use the 3HQ™ Method:
Head: Update your skills through courses and leverage your network for support.
Heart: Assess your skills and interests, and set clear career goals based on what inspires you.
Higher Self: Be patient and persistent, consider flexible options, and seek guidance from others who have successfully re-entered the workforce. Trust in your abilities and take it one step at a time.
Interviewer: That’s excellent advice. Looking ahead, what are your future goals and aspirations for The ReLaunch Co., and how do you envision it impacting the lives of women worldwide?
Hilary DeCesare: Our future goals for The ReLaunch Co. are ambitious and focused on making a significant impact on women worldwide. We aim to impact 1 million women globally, providing them with the tools, resources, and guidance to relaunch their lives successfully.
One of our main objectives is to host a global conference of empowered women leaders in the fall of 2024. This event will bring together powerful and inspirational women who have successfully relaunched their lives and businesses. It will serve as a platform for sharing wisdom, experiences, and insights, fostering connections and collaborations that can ignite positive change worldwide.
Through our podcast, The ReLaunch, and our upcoming TV show, we highlight inspiring stories of relaunches, inspiring women to become mentors and role models for others. We envision creating a network of empowered women who are fearlessly pursuing their dreams, making significant contributions to society, and leaving a lasting legacy of empowerment for generations to come.
Interviewer: Your vision is truly inspiring, Hilary. Thank you for sharing your valuable insights and empowering women around the world through The ReLaunch Co. Your work is making a meaningful and positive impact on countless lives. We wish you continued success on your journey of igniting the next chapter for women everywhere.
Hilary DeCesare: Thank you so much. It’s been a pleasure to be here and share my passion for empowering women. I look forward to continuing this transformative journey with The ReLaunch Co. and making a lasting difference in the lives of women worldwide.
