Debra Eckerling
Goal-Strategist, Author & Workshop Leader at The D*E*B Method
Publishing
Education: University of Wisconsin - Madison
Los Angeles, CA, USA
Biography
Debra Eckerling is the award-winning author of "Your Goal Guide: A Roadmap for Setting, Planning and Achieving Your Goals" and "52 Secrets for Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting: How to Stay Focused, Grow Your Network and Get More Done in Less Time," and creator of the DEB METHOD® system of goal-setting simplified: Determine Your Mission, Explore Your Options, Brainstorm Your Path.
Through engaging keynotes and workshops, Debra delivers practical, customized strategies on productivity, project management, team development, and goal-setting. She has led sessions for executives, entrepreneurs, and teams across industries and consulted on event strategy, content planning, and team-building initiatives. With a background in communications and project management, Debra has worked in publishing, financial services, education, and social media—including four years as an editor for Social Media Examiner and spearheading special initiatives for Social Media Marketing World.
Debra hosts two podcasts: GoalChat on the Marketing Podcast Network and Taste Buds with Deb, for which she received Best Anchor/Host at the LA Press Club’s Southern California Journalism Awards, along with honors for individual episodes. She serves as Networking Ambassador for the Women’s National Book Association – San Francisco Chapter and has spoken on stages including TEDx, Innovation Women, Lioness, VON, TechMunch, Wellcoaches, and the LA County Bar Association’s Lawyer Well-Being Project.
Whether working with companies, creatives, or communities, Debra empowers individuals to take intentional action toward their personal and professional goals. As a natural connector and facilitator, she has helped thousands clarify their vision, write books and blogs, launch businesses, and create work-life harmony.
Debra is available for keynotes, breakout sessions, and workshops on goal-getting in challenging times, goal-setting foundations, productivity, communication, workplace well-being, and strategies for getting the most value from events and conferences.
Passion
I am on a mission to change goal culture in - and out of - the workplace.
To get what you want, you need to know what you want. You can have it all. You just need to decide what that is, make a plan, and turn your dreams into reality!
Best Story
My TEDX was called, "The Magic of Your Motto."
Your motto is a short, pithy three- to five-word phrase that embodies who you are and what you are working toward. It can be a catch-phrase, title, or theme song. Your motto serves as a compass.
My motto is "goal-setting simplified," because everything I create, whether it's a book, article, or workshop, is with "simple" in mind. Changing your life is challenging enough, so I made the instructions really easy.
As you work toward your goals, opportunities will come your way. Your motto works as a decision tree, so you stay focused, keep your eye on the prize.
When a project, potential partnership, or other opportunity comes your way, you can ask yourself: "Is this aligned with my motto?" If Yes, then Yes. If No, ask yourself if there's another, personal benefit. If Yes, then Yes. If No, you need to decided if it's worth your time.
Years ago, a friend asked me to be on a panel for women who work in corporate environments. Now, I hadn't worked in a corporate setting for about 12 years, but she was a friend, so I said, Yes. I immediately regretted it, but was not going to back out of the commitment.
The morning of the event, the venue fell through and the panel was cancelled. I took it as a sign the universe was protecting me. When she rescheduled for January, I told her that it's goal-season, and I had to leave myself available for things that were more directly related to my specialty. Turns out, something that was a fit came up for the same night, and I was able to say Yes.
When you say No to things that are not a fit, it gives you the availability to say Yes to things that are. And opens that space for someone, whose goals are in alignment with it, to say Yes!
Origin Story
My passion for goal-setting started several years ago. I was doing events for Barnes & Noble in Schaumburg, Illinois, and one of my customers asked if I’d start a writers’ support group. I did. And it was a hit. I saw the power of goal-setting and accountability firsthand.
At these meetings, people would share what they were working on, report on their goals, and set new ones. Almost everyone, myself included, would get something done for the next meeting. Seeing others achieve is encouraging – “If they can do it, so can I” – but the positive feedback you get when you reach your goals is even more motivating. The process works! Fast forward to 2002. I had moved to Los Angeles, and re-started my goals group. Over the years, the group has gone through many changes. It now embraces creatives and entrepreneurs, as well as writers, and has a virtual home focused on goal-setting, productivity, and community.
I began doing personal goal coaching, after a member asked me to coach him one-on-one. For years he had been trying to write his book. We got it done in three months. I also started speaking and leading workshops, live and online. Over the years, I’ve helped people around the world set and achieve their goals through strategizing, trouble-shooting, and offering resources, encouragement, and deadlines.
After years of working, adapting, and polishing my goal-setting and productivity techniques, in 2018 I put them into a simplified process, called The D*E*B Method. By the end of that year, Mango Publishing showed interest in my book, which was released in January 2020. "Your Goal Guide," which I wrote to help people embrace change by choice or circumstance, was released six weeks before the world faced change by circumstance.
I spent 2020 and 2021 telling people that this global pause button was the perfect opportunity to rethink what they want and how to get it.
For my latest book, "52 Secrets for Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting," which evolved from the live show I started at the beginning of the pandemic, I interviewed 60 leaders/entrepreneurs/authors in business, tech, food, entertainment, and other areas. The result: A menu of inspiration and advice designed to help busy professionals create the life they desire. Your life is your own "choose your own adventure." Choose yourself first.
Example talks
Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting in Challenging Times
In challenging times - when it feels like nothing is within your control - it's important to remember you have control over your actions, your goals, your actions, and your projects.
My session on how to set, plan, and achieve goals that set you up for success, especially during challenging times, is perfect for organizations and teams, seeking to get off the hamster wheel and embrace progress.
Attendees will:
- Learn how to use The DEB Method to set the foundation for their goals. DEB stands for Determine Your Mission, Explore Your Options, Brainstorm Your Path
- Create a Mission and Motto for personal and professional endeavors
- Learn about Directed Journaling and the different ways to use it for brainstorming, problem solving, and catharsis
- Discover strategies for getting focused and staying productive.
- And more
Align your personal ambitions with professional growth; make a plan that keeps in you in forward motion.
I recently presented this virtually for the LA County Bar Association Lawyer Well-Being Project; 400 rsvps, 200 attendees in real time.
This session can be done as a presentation (30 - 60 minutes) or interactive session (60 - 90 minutes). Customization is also available.
Check out "Goal-Setting in Challenging Times Transforms Hope into a Strategy," a 14-minute version that I created for the Social Sales Link library: https://socialsaleslink.com/settinggoals
Goal-Setting Simplified
To get what you want, you need to know what you want. Setting the foundation for your goals is key.
My signature talk guides people through The D*E*B Method, which is my system for Goal-Setting Simplified. DEB stands for Determine Your Mission, Explore Your Options, Brainstorm Your Path.
Led as a presentation, workshop, or small-group session, the audience will discover how to:
● Create a Targeted Visualization
● Write their Current and Future Bios
● Create a Mission Statement and Motto
● Set Personal and Professional Goals
● Craft strategies for time-management, productivity, and better work-life balance.
This workshop is designed to help busy professionals create a foundation for their goals, so they can set themselves up for personal and professional success.
Watch How to Make this Your Best Year Ever: https://youtu.be/9XywNbAcb_0?si=F_GvikMXXHhVT-C-
How to Write a Winning Book Proposal without the Stress
Did you know that most non-fiction books are sold with a book proposal? So many entrepreneurs and consultants have knowledge to share, but have no idea how to get started.
Whether you plan to e-publish/self-publish, go hybrid or traditional, a book proposal keeps you organized and focused, while setting you up for success. The creator of the D*E*B METHOD® for goal-setting simplified, Debra will share how to craft the perfect roadmap to reach your non-fiction book-writing goals.
During this session, you will discover what a book proposal is and why it’s important, along with the different elements. This includes the overview, book specs, author platform, detailed outline, audience, and comprehensive titles.
Crafting a winning book proposal requires planning, research, and passion. When you understand the key components, you’ll be better equipped to write a book proposal that not only stands out, but sells.
Watch the virtual workshop I led for Lioness: https://youtu.be/4zihOR5mi4w?si=yhdOMJ99s0snfqsy
Directed Journaling to Reach Your Goals
Whether you are a creative, consultant, or executive - or even a job seeker - Directed Journaling is the perfect tool to help you make decisions, develop projects, and/or set and achieve your goals.
During this session, you will discover how to use Directed Journaling for …
● Honing in on your vision and mission
● Deciding what personal and professional goals to pursue
● Discerning what tasks and benchmarks you need to accomplish in order to achieve aforementioned goals
● Making decisions regarding projects, partnerships, and pursuits
I spoke about how to use Directed Journaling to Reach Your Goals for the International Association for Journal Writing: https://iajw.org/audiolibrary/directed-journaling-to-reach-your-goals/
The Art & Craft of Networking
You can't reach your goals on your own. You need your community of advocates, partners, and friends. But how do you balance developing that all important network with everything else you need to do to build your business, career, etc.? Set networking goals!
During this session, you'll discover:
● How to identify ideal events, connections, and opportunities
● Best practices for networking, as well as networking prep - this includes refreshing your online presence (social media, LinkedIn)
● Strategies for following up and following through
● And more!
Check out the DWEN - Dell Women's Entrepreneur Network - Empower Hour conversation on networking at online and in person events: https://dwen.com/en-us/make-the-most-of-events-you-attend-with-debra-eckerling/
Cooking for Productivity
I used to think cooking was too time-consuming. I was wrong!
As a reformed non-cook, I know first-hand that the benefits to cooking are boundless. The fact that cooking your own food is healthier goes without saying, but I am going to say it anyway.
Discover what led to my change in thinking (hint: it was the Instant Pot), as well as ways cooking is good for your body and spirit.
Learn how to:
- Prep without stress
- Get excited about cooking
- Use cooking to be more productive in other areas of your life
Eight years ago, I put away the takeout menus. Now, I find myself constantly searching for new recipes and kitchen gadgets, offering food advice, and having long conversations about cooking. Me!
I am a goal strategist, food writer and host of the award-winning “Taste Buds with Deb” Podcast. https://tastebudswithdeb.com
Let me show you the joys and rewards busy professionals can get from cooking.
Note: This is a team-building workshop that can also be tailored for Marketers, Content Creators, Leaders, Educators, HR, and More.
Pre-Conference Planning for Event Attendees: Stop Your Team from Wasting Time, Money & Energy at Conferences
Are you sending your team to a conference? Want to guarantee they return with leads and information to grow your business?
My Pre-Event Planning Workshops - aka P.E.P. Talks - help teams define their goals and create a strategy to get the most value out of any conference, summit, or expo.
Attendees will discover strategies for deciding what sessions to attend and how to turn the information they gather into action, as well as tips for connecting - and developing relationships - with speakers, sponsors, and other attendees.
People attend events for two reasons: networking and knowledge. With all of the money you are investing in this event, you want to make sure that your team’s time and energy get results!
Watch this interview on the value of goal-strategy of events: https://youtu.be/_A915yzESbo?si=vdNkl5PgKabvUaJV
Goal Setting for Employee Retention
Are your employees checked out? Distracted? Quiet quitting? Reignite your team's interest in their work and your company. The DEB Method corporate workshops are team-building activities, designed to help you - and your employees - identify their personal and professional goals, as well as ways to support them. The result is a mutually beneficial plan, keeping them engaged, productive, and feeling valued.
Wellbeing When Working Virtually
Work-from-home and hybrid-work are not going anywhere … at least for the foreseeable future. Whether you are the boss, a team leader, an employee, or even a solopreneur, there are simple things you can do to improve wellness, while working remotely.
During this talk, I share 5 tips for staying happy and healthy when Working from Home, along with strategies to incorporate them into your day-to-day routine.
When you and your teams prioritize wellbeing and selfcare, you are a much better asset to your company, your family, and yourself.
Featured Video
Featured Book
My Podcast
I am willing to travel
Up to 25 miles
When it comes to payments
I generally get paid for speaking but make exceptions
Topics
Best Story
My TEDX was called, "The Magic of Your Motto."
Your motto is a short, pithy three- to five-word phrase that embodies who you are and what you are working toward. It can be a catch-phrase, title, or theme song. Your motto serves as a compass.
My motto is "goal-setting simplified," because everything I create, whether it's a book, article, or workshop, is with "simple" in mind. Changing your life is challenging enough, so I made the instructions really easy.
As you work toward your goals, opportunities will come your way. Your motto works as a decision tree, so you stay focused, keep your eye on the prize.
When a project, potential partnership, or other opportunity comes your way, you can ask yourself: "Is this aligned with my motto?" If Yes, then Yes. If No, ask yourself if there's another, personal benefit. If Yes, then Yes. If No, you need to decided if it's worth your time.
Years ago, a friend asked me to be on a panel for women who work in corporate environments. Now, I hadn't worked in a corporate setting for about 12 years, but she was a friend, so I said, Yes. I immediately regretted it, but was not going to back out of the commitment.
The morning of the event, the venue fell through and the panel was cancelled. I took it as a sign the universe was protecting me. When she rescheduled for January, I told her that it's goal-season, and I had to leave myself available for things that were more directly related to my specialty. Turns out, something that was a fit came up for the same night, and I was able to say Yes.
When you say No to things that are not a fit, it gives you the availability to say Yes to things that are. And opens that space for someone, whose goals are in alignment with it, to say Yes!
Origin Story
My passion for goal-setting started several years ago. I was doing events for Barnes & Noble in Schaumburg, Illinois, and one of my customers asked if I’d start a writers’ support group. I did. And it was a hit. I saw the power of goal-setting and accountability firsthand.
At these meetings, people would share what they were working on, report on their goals, and set new ones. Almost everyone, myself included, would get something done for the next meeting. Seeing others achieve is encouraging – “If they can do it, so can I” – but the positive feedback you get when you reach your goals is even more motivating. The process works! Fast forward to 2002. I had moved to Los Angeles, and re-started my goals group. Over the years, the group has gone through many changes. It now embraces creatives and entrepreneurs, as well as writers, and has a virtual home focused on goal-setting, productivity, and community.
I began doing personal goal coaching, after a member asked me to coach him one-on-one. For years he had been trying to write his book. We got it done in three months. I also started speaking and leading workshops, live and online. Over the years, I’ve helped people around the world set and achieve their goals through strategizing, trouble-shooting, and offering resources, encouragement, and deadlines.
After years of working, adapting, and polishing my goal-setting and productivity techniques, in 2018 I put them into a simplified process, called The D*E*B Method. By the end of that year, Mango Publishing showed interest in my book, which was released in January 2020. "Your Goal Guide," which I wrote to help people embrace change by choice or circumstance, was released six weeks before the world faced change by circumstance.
I spent 2020 and 2021 telling people that this global pause button was the perfect opportunity to rethink what they want and how to get it.
For my latest book, "52 Secrets for Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting," which evolved from the live show I started at the beginning of the pandemic, I interviewed 60 leaders/entrepreneurs/authors in business, tech, food, entertainment, and other areas. The result: A menu of inspiration and advice designed to help busy professionals create the life they desire. Your life is your own "choose your own adventure." Choose yourself first.
Example talks
Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting in Challenging Times
In challenging times - when it feels like nothing is within your control - it's important to remember you have control over your actions, your goals, your actions, and your projects.
My session on how to set, plan, and achieve goals that set you up for success, especially during challenging times, is perfect for organizations and teams, seeking to get off the hamster wheel and embrace progress.
Attendees will:
- Learn how to use The DEB Method to set the foundation for their goals. DEB stands for Determine Your Mission, Explore Your Options, Brainstorm Your Path
- Create a Mission and Motto for personal and professional endeavors
- Learn about Directed Journaling and the different ways to use it for brainstorming, problem solving, and catharsis
- Discover strategies for getting focused and staying productive.
- And more
Align your personal ambitions with professional growth; make a plan that keeps in you in forward motion.
I recently presented this virtually for the LA County Bar Association Lawyer Well-Being Project; 400 rsvps, 200 attendees in real time.
This session can be done as a presentation (30 - 60 minutes) or interactive session (60 - 90 minutes). Customization is also available.
Check out "Goal-Setting in Challenging Times Transforms Hope into a Strategy," a 14-minute version that I created for the Social Sales Link library: https://socialsaleslink.com/settinggoals
Goal-Setting Simplified
To get what you want, you need to know what you want. Setting the foundation for your goals is key.
My signature talk guides people through The D*E*B Method, which is my system for Goal-Setting Simplified. DEB stands for Determine Your Mission, Explore Your Options, Brainstorm Your Path.
Led as a presentation, workshop, or small-group session, the audience will discover how to:
● Create a Targeted Visualization
● Write their Current and Future Bios
● Create a Mission Statement and Motto
● Set Personal and Professional Goals
● Craft strategies for time-management, productivity, and better work-life balance.
This workshop is designed to help busy professionals create a foundation for their goals, so they can set themselves up for personal and professional success.
Watch How to Make this Your Best Year Ever: https://youtu.be/9XywNbAcb_0?si=F_GvikMXXHhVT-C-
How to Write a Winning Book Proposal without the Stress
Did you know that most non-fiction books are sold with a book proposal? So many entrepreneurs and consultants have knowledge to share, but have no idea how to get started.
Whether you plan to e-publish/self-publish, go hybrid or traditional, a book proposal keeps you organized and focused, while setting you up for success. The creator of the D*E*B METHOD® for goal-setting simplified, Debra will share how to craft the perfect roadmap to reach your non-fiction book-writing goals.
During this session, you will discover what a book proposal is and why it’s important, along with the different elements. This includes the overview, book specs, author platform, detailed outline, audience, and comprehensive titles.
Crafting a winning book proposal requires planning, research, and passion. When you understand the key components, you’ll be better equipped to write a book proposal that not only stands out, but sells.
Watch the virtual workshop I led for Lioness: https://youtu.be/4zihOR5mi4w?si=yhdOMJ99s0snfqsy
Directed Journaling to Reach Your Goals
Whether you are a creative, consultant, or executive - or even a job seeker - Directed Journaling is the perfect tool to help you make decisions, develop projects, and/or set and achieve your goals.
During this session, you will discover how to use Directed Journaling for …
● Honing in on your vision and mission
● Deciding what personal and professional goals to pursue
● Discerning what tasks and benchmarks you need to accomplish in order to achieve aforementioned goals
● Making decisions regarding projects, partnerships, and pursuits
I spoke about how to use Directed Journaling to Reach Your Goals for the International Association for Journal Writing: https://iajw.org/audiolibrary/directed-journaling-to-reach-your-goals/
The Art & Craft of Networking
You can't reach your goals on your own. You need your community of advocates, partners, and friends. But how do you balance developing that all important network with everything else you need to do to build your business, career, etc.? Set networking goals!
During this session, you'll discover:
● How to identify ideal events, connections, and opportunities
● Best practices for networking, as well as networking prep - this includes refreshing your online presence (social media, LinkedIn)
● Strategies for following up and following through
● And more!
Check out the DWEN - Dell Women's Entrepreneur Network - Empower Hour conversation on networking at online and in person events: https://dwen.com/en-us/make-the-most-of-events-you-attend-with-debra-eckerling/
Cooking for Productivity
I used to think cooking was too time-consuming. I was wrong!
As a reformed non-cook, I know first-hand that the benefits to cooking are boundless. The fact that cooking your own food is healthier goes without saying, but I am going to say it anyway.
Discover what led to my change in thinking (hint: it was the Instant Pot), as well as ways cooking is good for your body and spirit.
Learn how to:
- Prep without stress
- Get excited about cooking
- Use cooking to be more productive in other areas of your life
Eight years ago, I put away the takeout menus. Now, I find myself constantly searching for new recipes and kitchen gadgets, offering food advice, and having long conversations about cooking. Me!
I am a goal strategist, food writer and host of the award-winning “Taste Buds with Deb” Podcast. https://tastebudswithdeb.com
Let me show you the joys and rewards busy professionals can get from cooking.
Note: This is a team-building workshop that can also be tailored for Marketers, Content Creators, Leaders, Educators, HR, and More.
Pre-Conference Planning for Event Attendees: Stop Your Team from Wasting Time, Money & Energy at Conferences
Are you sending your team to a conference? Want to guarantee they return with leads and information to grow your business?
My Pre-Event Planning Workshops - aka P.E.P. Talks - help teams define their goals and create a strategy to get the most value out of any conference, summit, or expo.
Attendees will discover strategies for deciding what sessions to attend and how to turn the information they gather into action, as well as tips for connecting - and developing relationships - with speakers, sponsors, and other attendees.
People attend events for two reasons: networking and knowledge. With all of the money you are investing in this event, you want to make sure that your team’s time and energy get results!
Watch this interview on the value of goal-strategy of events: https://youtu.be/_A915yzESbo?si=vdNkl5PgKabvUaJV
Goal Setting for Employee Retention
Are your employees checked out? Distracted? Quiet quitting? Reignite your team's interest in their work and your company. The DEB Method corporate workshops are team-building activities, designed to help you - and your employees - identify their personal and professional goals, as well as ways to support them. The result is a mutually beneficial plan, keeping them engaged, productive, and feeling valued.
Wellbeing When Working Virtually
Work-from-home and hybrid-work are not going anywhere … at least for the foreseeable future. Whether you are the boss, a team leader, an employee, or even a solopreneur, there are simple things you can do to improve wellness, while working remotely.
During this talk, I share 5 tips for staying happy and healthy when Working from Home, along with strategies to incorporate them into your day-to-day routine.
When you and your teams prioritize wellbeing and selfcare, you are a much better asset to your company, your family, and yourself.