Utah Valley Women Spotlight with Dr. Paula Fellingham: Entrepreneur finds authenticity with age

Glenna

It is my joy to highlight an exceptional Utah Valley woman each week. Our “Utah Valley Women Spotlight” is on Glenna DeLisle.

What an amazing woman. I recently watched as 10,000 people leaped to their feet and enthusiastically applauded DeLisle in the Salt Palace. I have also seen her with small groups of women as she touches their hearts and teaches them life-changing principles.

Paula Fellingham: What was your life like growing up?

Glenna DeLisle: My life growing up was very competitive! I was raised with four brothers. My dad sold magazines and we really struggled financially. My dad refused to go on welfare, so my mom needed to be quite creative. We ate a lot of buttered noodles, jello, and ketchup-and-Miracle Whip sandwiches. Mom sewed our clothes from old dresses and clothes given to us by neighbors. My brothers and I were always outside playing some kind of game or sport. They taught me not to throw like a girl and there were no special rules for me because I was a girl. That actually helped me become a successful athlete. We were taught about Christ and my dad was always doing missionary work. Many people stayed with us because my parents were so loving and kind.

PF: What is your life like now?

GD: My life now is exciting and intense because I am involved in two global projects that help and strengthen people worldwide, and I’m a competitor and a perfectionist. At my age I know what I’m good at, I know what I like, and I know how to be successful. I’m pretty intense about things being accomplished quickly. However, my greatest mentor told me, “You will get there fast by going slow.” I have to constantly check my patience level to be sure I’m not skimming over the processes.

I love being a grandma and being older than my dentist and doctor so I can be more silly and have fun. Like, I can push my grandson wildly in a supermarket cart and no one bothers us or tells us to stop because we are “cute” now! I’m more free and authentic with my language and goals. And I understand people better. I know now that all people just want to love and be loved.

PF: What is your biggest challenge?

GD: My biggest challenge is balancing my life. I started a huge branch of a company called Modere Cares. We help nonprofits, teams, and cause-oriented programs get funded. It is exciting to see these programs get the funding they need. We even run compassionate campaigns that help fund people who can’t pay their medical bills. It is a blessing to help this industry be independent rather than having to rely on government grants or corporate sponsors or selling cookies and pizzas. What I’m doing with Modere Cares is revolutionary and very exciting.

PF: What are your biggest successes?

GD: One of my biggest successes was helping coach the BYU Women’s Basketball team in 1993 when they won the WAC Championship.

Another success is being an entrepreneur and building a winning program that allowed me to take my three sons wherever I went. They saw the world with me at young ages and they understand people now. They are charismatic and driven, in positive ways. I also loved passing on the family gene of music to my sons. They all sing, play the guitar, and write their own music.

I have written more than 300 songs and have performed internationally. My favorite was opening for Colin Ray in the Spokane Opera House and being asked to open for Jewel.

PF: What is your advice to women?

GD: My advice to women is to love. Especially love yourself! We beat ourselves up too often. And, added to that advice would be to find ways to unselfishly serve. Find an organization or like-hearted community that has a divine purpose. Then, while you are serving selflessly, you will find joy and discover your own purpose.

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