Have you ever met someone and thought, “How do they manage to do it all and still care so deeply?” That’s what I felt after sitting down with Deana Cavanaugh for an episode of Rock Solid: The Round Rock Business Leaders Podcast.

Deana’s journey didn’t follow a neat line. It zigged from government contracting into construction and then zagged into fundraising. That jump wasn’t random. It was intentional, driven by a need to make a difference. She wasn’t chasing a paycheck. She was chasing impact.

Let’s get real for a second. Most people don’t wake up one day and decide to jump into nonprofit healthcare fundraising. But Deana did. And not because it was easy. Because it mattered.

Here’s what really hit home. Deana’s work with Ascension Seton Williamson Foundation isn’t just about raising money. It’s about relationships. Long-term, trust-built, purpose-driven relationships. The kind that take years to build but last even longer because they’re rooted in something deeper than dollars.

I call this being the guide, not the hero. In business, too many try to be the hero. They scream, “Look at me!” But customers, donors, communities – they want someone to walk with them. Deana lives this every day. She shows up. Not just for the easy wins, but for the hard stuff too. That’s what community engagement looks like when it’s real.

And let’s talk about Round Rock. This place is special. Not because of any flashy marketing. Because people like Deana help weave a culture of connection. It’s a place where diversity isn’t just a buzzword. It’s baked into the DNA. Programs like Leadership Round Rock aren’t networking events. They’re blueprints for building something that lasts.

This isn’t just a warm fuzzy story. It’s a strategy.

Let me explain. When Deana raises money for vulnerable patients, she’s not pitching. She’s telling a story of why it matters. That’s Buyer Legends 101. The narrative that shows how your customer or donor becomes the hero. It’s not about the product. It’s about the transformation.

She’s also proof that long-term discipline beats short-term hustle. Whether it’s her health journey or her career, she understands that big results come from small actions, consistently applied. That’s what we call compounding value. It’s not sexy, but it’s effective.

Deana also embodies a key principle we talk about all the time. People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. And you can’t fake that. You either care, or you don’t. And Deana? She cares. Deeply.

That’s the kind of leader we need more of.

So here’s my challenge to you. What’s your cause? Your community? Your story? Are you building relationships or just collecting business cards?

If you’re stuck, here’s a simple path forward. Start small. Listen more. Give before you ask. And focus on helping people feel heard. That’s how you build a brand that lasts, whether you’re fundraising for healthcare or building the next big SaaS platform.

Oh, and one more thing. Don’t underestimate the power of showing up. Every day. Like Deana does. That’s the secret sauce.

Catch the full conversation with Deana on the podcast. You’ll walk away with more than just inspiration. You’ll get a roadmap for building a life and business that actually matters.

Until next time, stay rock solid.

P.S. If you’re serious about building long-term success, remember. Stories sell. But only if they’re rooted in truth, fueled by passion, and told by people who give a damn.