Meet Danette Munoz Shaifer | Founder & Chief Empowerment Officer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Danette Munoz Shaifer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Danette Munoz, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My best friend and husband launched his business in 2016. Observing his transition from a corporate employee to a successful consultant and solopreneur inspired me. However, I didn’t contemplate starting my own venture until pursuing my graduate degree in 2021. During one of my classes, we were tasked with deeply exploring our ideal “That Day” scenario, as if we had a magic wand. This exercise led me to realize that my path involved branching out on my own, leveraging my skills, and pursuing my passions

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Starting my career as a young single mother, I had one goal: to support my daughter by paying the bills. My first corporate role was a part-time help desk tech in a medium size law firm, a position I secured despite not knowing how to adjust the volume on my computer. This company needed someone who could communicate effectively with the lawyers and apparently the new college grad IT Pros weren’t fitting the bill; lucky me. My people and call center skills got me the job. The team quickly discovered my technical limitations and that’s when they dug in and showed me the ropes. I am eternally grateful for their patience and for investing in my development. This formative experience has fueled my passion for developing and empowering others throughout my career.

My focus shifted to being more proactive in helping people and it led me to an IT Trainer role. I spent the next decade learning as much as I could about how adults learn and navigate change. Being in Big Law you must create high-value learning opportunities without taking up too much of their billable hours or you have already lost your audience, so time management and clear communication is a must. In 2015 I was promoted to the Learning and Development Manager of a global team… of peers. You gain a whole new skill set when going from an individual to a people manager. I had a mixed group of those who were supportive of my promotion and others who were trying to figure out my “aim”, which was fair, they weren’t sure what this change in leadership meant for them collectively or as individuals. It took me time; however, the team came to realize that I was there for and with them. I made it my mission to empower and elevate our team, our brand and our services. During this process I expanded my focus beyond IT Training and found my true calling; providing solutions that develop the whole person, not just their technical skills. I found my superpower lies in enhancing communication, collaboration, connection and clarity among people. This translates into solving complex problems, streamlining processes, and breaking down performance-hindering silos in the business world. I advocate for a realistic yet optimistic approach to finding better operational methods, a perspective that has often led to me being described as wearing rose-colored glasses. My response? I’m not unrealistic; I’m optimistic… and data driven, which is clutch to showcasing progress. When I left this team to pursue my next chapter in my career, I was the first Director of Learning and Development in the history of this 50-year-old firm. It was a pleasure and an honor to have had this experience as part of my career journey. I spent the next year and a half gaining consulting experience and completing an Executive MBA program at CU Denver’s Business School. Then I took my next leap of faith and decided to break out on my own.

In January 2023 I launched Florishion Consulting and Coaching, LLC. What is Florishion you ask? It is the realization of business objectives by creating a favorable work environment where talent can grow and develop to their full potential. I help business leaders identify, design and implement custom solutions that create positive shifts in the experience their employees have in the workplace. That includes designing and facilitating professional and leadership development workshops, facilitating teambuilding engagements, refreshing the new hire onboarding experience, and strategically identifying blind spots that impact the overall culture. I have developed the Strategic C4 Blueprint and Audit which is used to strengthen team dynamics. This is a culmination of every experience I have had over the years, and I cannot wait to share it with the world to empower talent and fuel growth!

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.
Considering I am in Lakewood, CO, we would take it easy the first few days and loaf around in Morrison, CO. Stroll around the town, check out the eclectic shops, grab a bite at the Hungry Goat’s patio, a cocktail at the Roof Top bar and then hit a show at Red Rocks. If you have never seen dinosaur tracks on the side of a mountain, well then, we will take a trip over to Dinosaur Ridge and hike around the area where you can take in beautiful views that span across the front range all the way downtown Denver and beyond.

A day trip would include passing through Genessee to catch a glimpse of the buffalo roaming and then see just how majestic these rocky mountains can get. We would arrive at St. Mary’s Glacier to hike and show off the people still trying to sled down the snow that has yet to melt to your right while others cliff jump into the icy cold lake to your left. Then head further down to Cooper’s on the Creek for lunch. As we head back toward home, we pop by the Spice and Tea Exchange in Idaho Springs because there is always something I want there.

Heading downtown, we would jump on a scooter to explore a bit before popping by Larimer to grab some bubbles at Corridor 44 and hit Union Station to check out the people-watching and grab a bite at any of the local spots nearby. If we want to get fancy, we could plan to grab high tea at the Brown Palace or enjoy a delectable dinner at Guard and Grace. I am sure we would hit a speakeasy before ending the evening, because why not. To indulge in the artsy side of Denver, I’d suggest Meow Wolf, the Denver Art Museum or explore the Art District on Santa Fe. For a history lesson, we would sign up for a walking Ghost Tour of Denver which at some point leads us to The Oxford Hotel where we can check out the Cruise Room Bar to grab a premium cocktail. Then we can hit the W from the RTD and uber it the rest of the way to my place for a good night sleep.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many however, since this is Denver-based, I’ll keep it local. Bryce Arii is the Founder of Humagined and has a long history of making positive change in organizations of all sizes. We met on a webinar, connected to learn more about one another after and he has been instrumental in giving me feedback, and encouragement and sharing lessons learned from his entrepreneurial experience.

Bryce is a people person and dedicated to bringing value wherever he goes.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycearii/

Website: www.florishion.com

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