Set Goals, Stay Calm, Carry On: A Conversation With Debbie Dingell

Denise Ilitch show

“If you want to get something done, you figure out how you’re gonna get it done, and you don’t let someone stop you from getting it done.” Debbie Dingell In this episode Denise talks to U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell about how focusing on helping others, even in the face of great loss—there’s or your own—can be a source of strength in getting through tough moments. People might assume those at the top have had it easy. Often the case is the opposite. Debbie reveals that after the love of her life died, her husband of nearly forty years, her world stopped. What saved her? Her job. And the sense of purpose it gave her. Debbie reminds us, “Enjoy the good times; learn from the bad times. Don’t let them defeat you. Without the bad days, you wouldn’t know how lucky you are.”

Find out from Debbie:

• How following your intuition can be more important than listening to the opinions of others
• Using a sense of purpose to motivate you to move forward after a great loss
• Who gets credit for cultivating her strong values and confidence [Hint: they wear habits]
• Why women need to support one another in business

Native Detroiter, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell represents Michigan’s 12th District in the U.S. House of Representative. An active civic and community leader, she advocates nationally for women and children. She is founder and past chair of the National Women’s Health Resources Center and the Children’s Inn at the National Institutes of Health. Prior to being elected to Congress, Debbie worked in the auto industry for more than three decades, where she was President of the General Motors Foundation and a senior executive responsible for public affairs. Former Chairman of the Wayne State University Board of Governors, Debbie holds both a B.S. in Foreign Services and an M.S. in Liberal Studies from Georgetown University.

Denise Ilitch, an owner of Ilitch Family Companies and President of Ilitch Enterprises, has been a part of Detroit’s business and philanthropic community for over 40 years. As a mother, lawyer, entrepreneur, devoted community servant and tireless advocate for women and children, she learned early, from her father, that everyone is worthy of contributing to the world. Her passion for affordable, accessible, quality education stems from her own experience as a first-generation student, earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan, where she currently serves on the Board of Regents.

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