Meet Donna Johnson-Klonsky, MBA, PCC

Donna Johnson-Klonsky, MBA, PCC

845-447-1037 (business)

DJ Consulting Services, Inc.

827 State Route 82, Hopewell Junction, New York 12533 (mailing address) 

https://www.djconsultingservices.com/

Type of Business and Age of Company: 

Training and development company that focuses on change management through coaching, speaking, training, and publications. Since its inception in 1995, the company’s primary mission has been to transform how professionals’ approach, process, and master change.

How did you get started in this industry? 

In 1995, when her employer told her there were no growth opportunities, she formed DJ Consulting Services, Inc. and made them her first major client and major referral source. In her first year, her company brought in over $140K.

Who is your ideal client and why? 

My ideal client is women who see themselves as leaders regardless if they lead only themselves or a large team or company. They are as passionate about their family as they are about their businesses and careers. They have faith and believe in a higher power than themselves. They have faced many external and internal challenges but know that quitting is not an option. They want someone to walk in front, besides, and behind them to help guide, challenge, and hold them accountable.

What is the main reason we should want your product or service?  

Successful negotiators will tell you there is a science and art to exceed in negotiations. It involves not only skill and knowledge but the ability to influence external and internal factors strategically. Just like in negotiations, there is an art to change. What stands in the way of many who pursue professional success is their ability to embrace change in a systematical and progressive, and sustainable manner. My services and products teach the Art and Science of Change.

Why do you love doing what you do?

I believe no one who has to navigate a life-altering event should have to experience the sense of helplessness that can come with not having a guide and a roadmap. My hope is that no one will ever again find themselves feeling lost and alone, stumbling blindly through a change. I desire to help others build the necessary skills to master current and future changes and live a happier and more satisfying life every day of your journey.

What is the one thing people would be surprised to learn about you or your industry?

One of my favorite animated characters is Toothless from the movie How to Train Your Dragon.

About You:

Where are you originally from (city/state/ country if not USA)?

Brooklyn, New York

What college (if any) did you attend? What was your major/degree? 

Donna obtained her MBA, Marketing & Small Business Entrepreneurship, from Empire State College and her BA from Baruch College. She received her Professional Certified Coach (PCC) accreditation from the International Coaching Federation and her CVPCC from CoachVille.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? (hobbies, interests)?

Once a month, I have what I call a Monthly Mental Health Break Day. I gently lay down all the other roles I play except for Donna, and read historical romance novels, watch Hallmark movies, listen and dance to music from all genres, and (don’t tell anyone) partake of a few edible delights that are not part of my regular diet.

Where do you find the most inspiration?

For me, there is something special about being surrounded by water on a cruise ship, finding cozy, quiet places to think and write.

What is your networking philosophy or best tip to share?

When you first meet someone, always ask them “who they are” and answer the same question. You will leave the conversation with a deeper awareness of each other, leading to a more meaningful professional relationship.

What are the words you work by (what is your motto when it comes to the way you approach your career)? 

Saying Yes Means Saying No, which means before you say yes, you must identify what you are saying no to. Without analyzing the full equation, one’s Yes is never as powerful as it should be.

Do you have a favorite software system or app that helps you in your business that you would like to share with the group?

Several years ago, I upgraded our customer relationship management (CRM) system to KEAP. It is a powerful yet user-friendly marketing and automation tool.

What haven’t we asked here that would give us insight into you as a person?​

I rely on a “Power Pattern” to determine whether I want to pursue a professional relationship or activity. My power pattern is “Dancing in the Moonlight.” When I think of those words, I see myself on a beach on a star-lit night swirling around in a long flowing dress as I listen to the waves. Whether I choose to move forward with the relationship or activity is decided by whether it complements or disrupts the peace and contentment I feel when reflecting on my power pattern.