Instant Teams

Hi, my name is Judy Davis. The military community knows me as “The Direction Diva.” By day, I’m a motivational speaker, entrepreneur, author and expert on military life and small business success. And the rest of the time I’m a military spouse to an active duty combat engineer, mom to two adult kiddos, mother-in-law to a great dad and grandma to a little one who reminds me that life is “smiley” all the time! I’m not really a diva, but I am known for my raw, transparent and real approach to life. People tell me I’m good at giving advice. Me, I just want to help people find success without all the stress.

My husband and I have been married for almost 26 years. I’ve always been an entrepreneur. We joke because when I see a need in my community, a business to fill it probably isn’t far behind. Such is the case with TheDirectionDiva.com and DASIUM.net. I began speaking and writing after becoming a military spouse in 2008 when my husband left corporate America to return to active duty. I had no idea how to manage life in the military, and while there was lots of information on the logistics, there wasn’t many resources that addressed the emotional side of this lifestyle. So I began sharing all the lessons, tips and strategies that I learned along the way to help other spouses navigate the ever-changing military lifestyle.

Who knew that my next business would come from a family crisis? In 2012 our youngest son attempted suicide while away at college. We had missed all the warning signs and behaviors when we dismissed them as typical teen behaviors. In looking at my son in such pain, I vowed that no other family, military and civilian alike, would be blindsided like we were. DASIUM was born to help families through education, awareness, and action. Now along with my son and business partner, our team at DASIUM is leading the way with programs to prevent depression, addiction, and suicide in teens/young adults.

What was your first move towards working in a remote capacity and/or becoming a military spouse entrepreneur?

I have always been an entrepreneur, but when we became a military family, I struggled because my business, while successful in Michigan, wasn’t mobile. And for a short time, I put my entrepreneur brain on hiatus and focused on figuring out how to be a military spouse. About a year in, while attending a milspouse event, the keynote speaker got sick moments before she was supposed to talk. Next thing I know the event planner is running over because someone suggested that I could fill. Long story short after sharing my story of how I navigated the emotional side of military life and fielded questions from the group, I was invited to mentor some spouses who were struggling. It was such an honor but true to military life, PCS orders came, and I had to go. I struggled with not wanting to stop supporting this group, and thank goodness for the internet. A logical solution was to create an online space where we could still talk, and I could continue to mentor them no matter where we were. In that moment “The Direction Diva” was born.

I hadn’t intended on starting another business (or 2 😊), but I saw an opportunity to help others, and the rest has truly unfolded organically. My books Right Side Up and Warning Signs along with DASIUM were created as a way to help military families deal with the challenges of military life in a positive, empowered and stress-free way. Whether it’s navigating military life or creating awareness on ways to identify and prevent depression, addiction and suicide in teens/young adults everything I do comes from trying to fill a need.

I believe that we can make the biggest difference in the world by sharing our experiences. Am I the person with all the answers, no. Am I the only one with a passion to serve, absolutely not. Am I the only one who has been through tough times, definitely not. But I am someone who listens and shares my life in a way that provides hope and provides tangible steps toward a happier life. And for me, that’s what entrepreneurship is all about.

What is your definition of military spouses as an ‘untapped resource’?

I honestly believe that military spouses are “a secret weapon” that is underutilized by our community. I characterize the military spouse as a silent, powerful warrior that is an asset when it comes to ensuring that our troops are prepared not only for duty but the battle beyond the battle. Spouses are the first to notice red flags when something is amiss and have intimate knowledge on the needs of their service member. They also support and empower in ways leaders can’t, by providing strength and encouragement behind the scenes. Spouses have also become the driving force behind programs and organizations that help our service members get the treatment and care they need during and after they serve.

What would you tell other military spouses looking to start a professional career?

Find something you are passionate about which also brings you joy. Military life can be draining so you need something to fill you up and make you feel good about who you are. Additionally, as you begin any new profession, whether it be traditional, entrepreneurial or something from home, be sure to strike a healthy balance. Set boundaries and learn to say no so that your career helps you grow and enjoy your life not take away from it.

If you were put on a panel involved in an initiative to improve military spouse employment opportunities and corporate awareness of the MadSkills that professional spouses bring to the workforce, what suggestions would you make?

I think this is a topic that really needs to be discussed from multiple angles.

The impact on the spouse: There is a misconception that spouses are unable to balance military life and a career. There is an assumption that spouses won’t be as committed to a position as their civilian counterparts due to frequent moves. Employers often penalize the spouse during the interview process rather than seeing that they can function in a variety of situations and opportunities. These stereotypes do a huge disservice to our community and the spouse.

The impact on the workforce: Military spouses bring a unique skillset to the corporate/business environment. They can manage change, make decisions and take action effectively. Spouses have learned to be flexible and are quick to see potential fallout and adjust on the spot, making them strong team members. Additionally, they are solution-oriented and are receptive to growth. In an environment that must adjust to ever-changing technology, the military spouse is a quality resource that is often overlooked by the workforce.

Connect with Judy at TheDirectionDiva.com and DASIUM.net. View her MadSkills here.