Episode 29: From Personal Trainer to Purpose-Driven Consultant: How Lee Davidson Built a Values-First Business That Attracts Ideal Clients Through Community Impact

Show Notes

Are you tired of taking any client who can pay your fees? What if the key to building a thriving consulting practice wasn't about casting the widest net, but about becoming laser-focused on serving a specific community with genuine impact?

In this episode, host AJ Riedel talks to Lee Davidson, a life coach and business consultant who has built a successful practice by prioritizing values alignment and community impact over pure profit.

Why You Should Listen to This Episode:

If you're struggling with the feast-or-famine cycle or finding yourself saying yes to clients you don't actually want to work with, this episode will show you how values-driven consulting can actually be more profitable and sustainable. Lee's approach proves that when you're crystal clear on your mission and show up authentically for your community, the right clients find you - often through word-of-mouth referrals that convert at much higher rates than traditional marketing.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• How to use a "mutual interview" process to attract only ideal clients who align with your values
• Why showing up authentically in your local and digital communities generates the highest quality referrals
• The strategic approach to saying no to high-paying clients when they don't fit your mission
• How to measure success through impact metrics rather than just revenue
• Practical ways to incorporate social impact into any consulting business model
• Why small, community-focused businesses may be more effective than trying to scale big
• How to leverage platforms like Reddit and Facebook groups for authentic client acquisition

Listen to These Key Moments:

2:40 - The Social Entrepreneur Mindset: How Lee's global perspective and focus on human experience shapes every client interaction

4:50 - Values-First Strategy Sessions: The specific process Lee uses to ensure mission alignment before taking on any project

7:00 - The Mutual Interview Process: Why Lee interviews potential clients as much as they interview her

9:20 - Overcoming Client Acquisition Challenges: Lee's strategy of positioning herself in value-aligned networking events and speaking engagements

12:50 - Community Impact as Business Strategy: Why helping your local community actually accelerates business growth

15:40 - Digital Community Building: How to give "virtual cupcakes" through platforms like Reddit and Facebook groups

18:00 - Referrals as Primary Lead Generation: Why word-of-mouth generates Lee's highest quality clients

19:30 - Establishing Niche Expertise: Lee's journey to becoming recognized in the LGBTQ+ consulting space

21:50 - Redefining Success Metrics: How to measure impact through testimonials and client transformations

24:30 - Incorporating Social Impact: Practical advice for adding meaningful mission work to any business model

Connect with Lee on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsonleecoach/