Meet Dena Patton | Business and Mindset Coach, Speaker & Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dena Patton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dena, can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?
In my view, success is built on lessons. I’ve owned my own business for 27 years with a foundation of strong values, clear goals, resiliency in the face of challenges, and a willingness to adapt. These components have shaped my approach to leadership and decision-making as I’ve grown my business.
First and foremost, having core values has been crucial. These values guide how I hire, fire, and lead daily. They serve as a compass for all my decisions, ensuring that I stay true to myself, my brand, and my goals, even in challenging situations. When something feels ‘off’ in my business, it’s often because I have compromised one of my values. Our core values are our company’s North Star that helps us build a clear brand and a consistent company. When success is measured solely by financial reports, it becomes easy to compromise or ignore your core values. Instead, the implementation of those core values is a crucial measure of success that deserves to be truly recognized and evaluated.

Perhaps one of the most significant ingredients to my success has been the willingness to adapt along the way. Life isn’t a straight line, and if you cling too tightly to that idea, you risk derailing your progress. I’ve learned to embrace adaptability, recognizing that both internal and external feedback are critical for growth. By being open to change and willing to adjust my approaches, I have not only survived challenging times but have also thrived, ultimately leading to greater achievements.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I’m the founder of Dena Patton Coaching and Training. My journey into this industry began with my own struggles; I had poor self-care practices that led to a minor stroke at age 27 while I was running my first company, a PR and marketing firm in NYC. I hired a coach to help me sell my business, recover, and transform into a CEO who lived a healthy life, ultimately leading to the creation of my new business. In 2001, I built my coaching and training company to help business owners go from good to great in their sales, systems, and mindset. After nearly two decades of building a successful coaching and training company, I’ve garnered extensive experience in empowering individuals and organizations to achieve their most epic goals of income and impact.

At Dena Patton Coaching and Training, we offer a range of services, including one-on-one weekly coaching, VIP days, and luxury CEO retreats designed to support global leaders and business owners in overcoming their biggest challenges and achieving their growth goals. Based in Phoenix, Arizona, we also provide team training programs in person and globally via Zoom, focusing on personal growth, leadership development, and communication training. As a speaker and bestselling author, I frequently present at events, conferences, and retreats on topics such as greatness mindset and mental toughness. We work with clients from various backgrounds—ranging from entrepreneurs to established leaders and celebrities —helping them develop the skills, systems, and mindset necessary to navigate both their biggest challenges and opportunities.

For our coaching clients, we address three important aspects of their business: establishing well-oiled systems, creating a solid sales strategy, and cultivating a greatness mindset, all while promoting greater balance so they don’t burn out. My approach is rooted in my proven framework, and I help my clients implement systems that enable them to become consistent, build sales to achieve new levels of success, and master their greatness mindset so they can become the leaders they were born to be. Most entrepreneurs recognize the need for systems and sales to achieve their ambitious goals, yet they often overlook the leadership skills essential for fulfilling those objectives. I find it incredibly fulfilling to assist people in becoming the leaders they long to be.

What sets me apart is my genuine commitment to my clients’ success. I don’t just offer frameworks and strategies; I create a unique environment where individuals feel deeply supported in their journey while also being pushed outside of their comfort zone. My coaching is highly personalized, and my team training programs are carefully customized to ensure results they’ve never seen before. As a coach and consultant for 24 years, I have helped thousands of clients become the great leaders they have only dreamt of becoming.

I am most proud of building a business with authenticity and integrity that has outlasted many fads in the coaching and consulting industry. I love that I can make an impact not only on individuals but also on the economy and businesses around the world. I am also deeply passionate about empowering girls to reach their full potential. I believe that with the right tools, they can achieve anything they set their minds to. Through my work, I’ve identified three core skill sets that are essential for their success—confidence, financial literacy, and leadership. In 2013, I co-founded the Girls Rule Foundation, dedicated to equipping girls with these 3 critical skills through programs that change girl’s lives.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Day 1 –

Breakfast at The Henry – a stylish spot with great coffee and delicious avocado toast.

Hike at Piestewa Peak or Camelback Mountain – a must for stunning views of the city.

Lunch at Chelsea’s Kitchen – amazing tacos and their famous skillet cornbread.

Afternoon shopping at Biltmore Fashion Park – a mix of high-end and local boutiques.

Dinner at Steak 44 – one of the best steakhouses in town, perfect for a fun night out.

Drinks at UnderTow – a hidden tiki bar with incredible cocktails and a cool vibe.

Day 2 –

Breakfast at Farm & Craft – healthy but delicious options to start the day.

Morning activity: Strolling Old Town Scottsdale – explore the art galleries, cute boutiques, and Western charm.

Lunch at Olive & Ivy – sit on the patio by the waterfront for a relaxed, chic meal.

Afternoon spa at Joya – because self-care is a must!

Dinner at Sanctuary Elements

Evening fun: Live music at Kazimierz Wine & Whiskey Bar – a speakeasy-style spot.

Day 3 – Adventure & Shopping

Sunrise hot air balloon ride with Rainbow Ryders – unforgettable views over the desert.

Brunch at Hash Kitchen – the Bloody Mary bar is a must!

Shopping spree at Scottsdale Quarter & Kierland Commons – the best mix of shops.

Afternoon break at The Canal Club – tropical vibes and great cocktails.

Dinner at Toca Madera – upscale Mexican with a fun, high-energy atmosphere.

Nightcap at Second Story Liquor Bar – cozy, speakeasy-style cocktails.

Day 4 – Road Trip to Sedona

Morning drive to Sedona

Hike Devil’s Bridge or Cathedral Rock

Lunch at Mariposa – delicious Latin-inspired food with a view.

Afternoon exploring: Check out Tlaquepaque

Dinner at Dahl & DiLuca – the best Italian in Sedona!

Stay overnight at L’Auberge de Sedona – a luxury creekside resort.

Day 5 –

Sunrise meditation at Amitabha Stupa & Peace Park – a peaceful, spiritual start.

Breakfast at Creekside Sedona – beautiful views and tasty food.

Pink Jeep Tour – an exciting way to see the red rocks up close!

Drive back to Phoenix with a stop at Rock Springs Café for their famous pie.

Dinner at The Mission in Old Town Scottsdale

Day 6 –

Brunch at Chompies – best NY-style bagels and a huge menu.

Explore Roosevelt Row for cool street art and coffee at Songbird Coffee & Tea.

Lunch at Pizzeria Bianco – world-famous pizza!

Relaxing afternoon at Desert Botanical Garden – stunning desert scenery.

Dinner at Kai at Sheraton Grand Wild Horse Pass – a once-in-a-lifetime fine dining experience.

Day 7 –

Breakfast at O.H.S.O. Brewery – great food and a fun, casual setting.

Hike South Mountain’s Dobbins Lookout for one last scenic view.

Last-minute shopping at Uptown Farmers Market

lunch at Postino Wine Café – bruschetta boards and a great wine selection.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I truly believe that success is never a solo journey—it’s built on the wisdom, and encouragement of incredible people along the way. First, I want to recognize my parents (passed) who always allowed me to be me. Their guidance was invaluable. Second, my husband and daughter have been my biggest champions for my business and my nonprofit The Girls Rule Foundation—they deserve a huge thank you. Most importantly, my faith in God and my faith journey has been the biggest influence and foundation for my leadership. I took my adversity and struggles and turned those into strengths and purpose. Without God I would not be here.

Website: https://www.denapatton.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denamariepatton

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denampatton/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DenaPatton