Donna Lee Powell, founder DLP Life Design and 2018 AFA Female Excellence in Advice Award Winner shares how she built resilience in the face of tragedy, reigniting her passion and purpose to help others.

1. Why financial advice?  
My childhood experiences taught me that money brings stability, security and choice. This ultimately lead me to financial advice as I wanted to help others create stability, security and choice!

Recently, my passion and purpose have been reignited. I became a widow at the age of 38 after my husband, Brett died suddenly during an Ironman event. I was left with our 2 children who were 10 and 12. Even though it has been extremely difficult since his death I am so grateful that I had the knowledge and financial security developed from being an adviser. Now I am even more focused on helping others to seek advice.

2. What are you most proud of?
   My two children – who they have become and how resilient they have been in the face of Brett’s death. They have handled themselves so well considering how young they were when Brett passed away. On top of that I’ve poured so much time and energy into establishing my business for the past 18 months. They have been very supportive of me and have made so many sacrifices.3. Who inspires you!
   This is a hard one. Different people inspire me for different things. Generally, I am inspired by everyday selfless people who overcome adversity and use that strength to give back and help others.

   Amy Florian inspires me with the work she is doing with the financial advising profession around estate planning, grief and the awareness it brings. On a lighter level, I’m inspired by Kindra Hall and how she engages audiences with her captivating story telling abilities!

   4. What advice would you give to your younger self?    
   Always back yourself and follow your passion. Nothing is forever, so give things a go. There is no such thing as failure, only feedback.

   5. Your most recent ‘high-five’ moment?  
   Driving a black convertible mustang out for LAX airport with a girlfriend to Santa Monica and then onto San Francisco with no casualties (car or people). Can’t say we didn’t get lost though!

   6. Your big hairy audacious goal for 2019?
   To nail my keynote presentations and do more of them!

   7. Where will you be in ten years?
   On that exotic island… I will have released my memoir!

   DLP Life Design will hopefully have a subsidiary that offers Financial Advice to those less fortunate than us.