The Dr.Des Show

Dr. Des
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Join Dr. Des as she shares her journey, lessons, and expert advice to empower professionals and entrepreneurs to make an impact and build the life they deserve.

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    How to Read an RFP (as a Public Health Consultant)

    Join the Public Health Club  In this episode of The Dr. Des Show, Dr. Desiree “Dr. Des” Strickland breaks down one of the most misunderstood—and anxiety-producing—topics for new and aspiring public health consultants: the Request for Proposals (RFP). Using clear, accessible language and practical examples, Dr. Des explains what an RFP actually is, how it differs from an RFQ, and why understanding that difference matters before you ever decide to apply. Rather than treating RFPs as paperwork hurdles, this episode reframes them as strategic decision-making tools. Dr. Des walks listeners through how to read an RFP with intention—evaluating fit, capacity, and opportunity—so consultants can make confident, informed choices instead of chasing every available contract. Using a real public health RFP from the Connecticut Health Foundation as a case study, Dr. Des unpacks each major section, including the scope of services, timeline, budget, proposal requirements, and submission details. She highlights what experienced funders are really asking for, where applicants often misstep, and why strong proposals are built on demonstrated expertise—not potential. By the end of the episode, listeners walk away with a practical framework for evaluating RFPs, positioning their value clearly, and avoiding common mistakes that cost otherwise qualified consultants the opportunity. 5 Key Takeaways An RFP functions like a job description for consultants, outlining a defined problem and expected outcomes while relying on your expertise to shape the solution.RFPs and RFQs are not interchangeable: RFPs focus on strategy and approach, while RFQs prioritize pricing for already-defined work.The scope of services is the most critical section of any RFP and should be reviewed first to assess true fit based on experience and expertise.Timelines and budgets are decision tools, not just details—they determine feasibility, pricing, and whether collaboration or subcontracting is needed.Strictly following proposal instructions (format, page limits, deadlines) is non-negotiable and often determines whether a proposal is reviewed or rejected.https://www.drdesshow.com/ https://www.publichealthclub.com/

    22 min

  2. 5 FEB

    Where to Find Public Health Consulting Contracts

    Join the Public Health Club In this episode of The Dr. Des Show, Dr. Desiree “Dr. Des” Strickland addresses one of the most common questions she hears from public health professionals: Where are the consulting contracts—and is there really money in public health? Drawing from her lived experience as a public health consultant and firm owner, Dr. Des breaks down where consulting opportunities actually exist, the different forms they take, and how professionals should think strategically about pursuing contracts—especially when they are new to consulting. She explains why many people feel stuck or discouraged, and how the issue is often not a lack of opportunities, but a lack of clarity around where to look and how to position themselves. The conversation contrasts curated, non-federal consulting opportunities—such as those available through professional communities—with federal contracting pathways, including subcontracting. Dr. Des walks listeners through how these opportunities differ, what makes each accessible, and why understanding the landscape is essential for long-term consulting success. By the end of the episode, listeners gain a clearer framework for navigating consulting pathways, approaching contracts with intention, and writing proposals that align with the expectations of different audiences—moving from overwhelm to strategy. Key Takeaways Public health consulting opportunities exist across nonprofits, foundations, and community-based organizations, not just within federal systems.Curated, non-federal contracts are often more accessible for solo consultants and small teams and can serve as a strong entry point into consulting.Federal contracting is a long-term strategy that requires preparation, relationship-building, and often begins through subcontracting rather than prime contracts.Subcontracting provides a lower-risk way to gain experience, build past performance, and get paid while learning the federal contracting landscape.Successful proposals are audience-specific—community organizations respond to clear, value-driven language, while federal opportunities require more technical and structured writing.https://www.drdesshow.com/ https://www.publichealthclub.com/

    15 min

  3. 28 JAN

    Behind the Scenes of the Public Health CEO Circle

    Join the CEO Circle Enrollment Closes February 6th, 2026 and will not open again until next year! In this episode of The Dr. Des Show, Dr. Des took listeners behind the scenes of the Public Health CEO Circle, explaining why it exists, how it works, and who it is designed to serve. Drawing from her own experience as a public health entrepreneur, Dr. Des reflected on the isolation many public health business owners face when trying to scale impact-driven work in spaces that don’t understand grants, contracts, government systems, or equity-centered missions. The episode centered on the importance of being in the right room—one where CEO-level strategy, revenue conversations, and long-term planning are normalized rather than avoided. Throughout the episode, Dr. Des walked through the structure of the CEO Circle, including quarterly expert-led workshops, ongoing strategy sessions she personally facilitates, the CEO Book Club, and monthly accountability meetings. She emphasized that the Circle is intentionally designed as a year-long commitment, not a drop-in community, to support sustained growth and real business building. For listeners considering entrepreneurship or already running public health-focused businesses, the session clarified how the CEO Circle differs from general professional development spaces by focusing squarely on operations, scaling, and leadership at the CEO level. 5 Key Takeaways The Public Health CEO Circle was created to meet a specific gap: public health entrepreneurs need business strategy support that understands social impact, equity work, and complex systems.Being in consistent community with other CEOs helps normalize strategic thinking, revenue planning, and scaling conversations that are often missing in public health spaces.The CEO Circle combines Dr. Des’s leadership with external experts in finance, marketing, legal, and operations to provide well-rounded, practical guidance.Learning inside the Circle is application-focused, from the CEO Book Club to hands-on workshops and tools members can immediately use in their businesses.Monthly accountability meetings foster real CEO-to-CEO dialogue, collaboration, and problem-solving beyond surface-level check-ins. Sign up for Public Health Club https://www.drdesshow.com/ https://www.publichealthclub.com/

    18 min

  4. 24 JAN

    How I Built a Multi–Six Figure Public Health Business

    Links Mentioned: Join CEO Bootcamp Get on the CEO Circle Waitlist Join the Public Health Club In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly how I scaled my public health business in 2025—what changed, what didn’t, and why shifting into true CEO leadership led to a 118% increase in revenue. This wasn’t about grinding harder or adding more to my plate. It was about making a strategic decision to stop operating like an employee inside my own business and start leading it like a CEO. Once that shift happened, the growth followed. I also share why I created CEO Bootcamp and who it’s actually for. If you attended the Public Health CEO Summit, this episode explains why Bootcamp is the next step. If you’re still casually exploring entrepreneurship, I’m honest about why this may not be the right season yet. We talk strategy, AI implementation in public health businesses, burnout prevention, and what it really takes to scale—whether your business is full-time or currently a side hustle. This episode is for public health professionals who are serious about building sustainable businesses, increasing revenue, and leading with intention in 2025. Key Topics Covered  -How to scale a public health business in 2025-CEO vs employee mindset in entrepreneurship-Public health business strategy and revenue growth-Avoiding burnout while scaling a service-based business-Using AI to support business operations and decision-making-Who CEO Bootcamp is for (and who should wait) Listeners will walk away able to: Understand the mindset shift required to scale a public health businessIdentify CEO-level strategies that directly impact revenue growthRecognize how burnout shows up when entrepreneurs operate without systemsSee how AI can be applied practically in public health businessesDecide whether they are ready to operate as a CEO or need more foundation firsthttps://www.drdesshow.com/ https://www.publichealthclub.com/

    24 min

  5. 14 JAN

    Building Multiple Revenue Streams in Public Health for 2026

    Register for the CEO Summit: https://www.publichealthclub.com/ceo-summit-2026 Upgrade to VIp & Access the CEO Bootcamp: https://www.publichealthclub.com/ceo-bootcamp-welcome-1a456e-1-1 Kit For Email Newsletters: https://partners.kit.com/5hnworu6rcad In this first episode back for the new year, Dr. Des breaks down how public health professionals can build multiple revenue streams without creating another full-time job for themselves. This episode is for consultants, entrepreneurs, and aspiring CEOs who want to increase income, create time freedom, and scale impact — all while staying rooted in public health and social impact work. Dr. Des shares how she turned one consulting business into several revenue streams and walks through practical, realistic ways you can do the same in 2026. You’ll Learn: Why your consulting business should be your anchor, not your only incomeSimple ways to add revenue streams without overcomplicating your businessHow newsletters, digital products, and speaking fit naturally into public healthThe role of marketing, systems, and AI in scaling sustainablyHow to stop operating like an employee and start thinking like a CEOIf you’re ready to work smarter, protect your time, and grow your income — this episode is for you. https://www.drdesshow.com/ https://www.publichealthclub.com/

    24 min

  6. 11/12/2025

    How I Built a Public Health Consulting Business While Becoming a Mom

    Join The Public Health Club CEO Circle Waitlist  In this powerful and personal episode of The Dr. Des Show, Dr. Des opens up about what it really looked like to start and grow a public health consulting business at the exact same time she became a mother. From launching her business while seven months pregnant to landing a $40K consulting contract days after giving birth, this episode takes you behind the scenes of entrepreneurship, motherhood, resilience, and building systems that work. If you’ve ever tried to build a business, juggle a demanding public health career, raise kids, or simply keep yourself afloat while pursuing your purpose — this episode will speak directly to you. This is honest, funny, vulnerable, and deeply relatable for every public health professional who’s trying to “do it all” while still becoming the highest version of themselves. 🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode✔️ The reality of starting a public health consulting business while pregnant ✔️ The day everything went wrong during her public health CEO Bootcamp ✔️ How entrepreneurship and motherhood grew side-by-side ✔️ The importance of support systems in business AND motherhood ✔️ The mindset shifts that changed everything https://www.drdesshow.com/ https://www.publichealthclub.com/

    19 min

  7. 04/12/2025

    Rewrite Your Rules: Book Review for Public Health CEOs & Entrepreneurs

    Join The CEO Circle Waitlist  Join the Public Health Club  In this episode of The Dr. Des Show, Dr. Des takes you inside the CEO Circle book club and breaks down her biggest takeaways from Rewrite Your Rules by the creator of AfroTech and founder/CEO of Blavity. This isn’t a “was the book good or bad?” type of review. Instead, Dr. Des shares how this book completely shifted the way she thinks about: Her purpose principle as a public health entrepreneurWhat a truly wealthy life looks like (beyond a six-figure job or seven-figure business)Why knowing your numbers and KPIs is non-negotiableHow to build a team and SOPs so your business can run without youThe reality of fear of success and rewriting the rules of your life—again and againIf you’re a public health professional, consultant, or CEO who is tired of being “the glue” holding everything together, this episode will give you mindset shifts and practical strategies you can implement right away. 🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode 1. The Power of a Purpose Principle Why you can’t say yes to everything just because it’s a “good opportunity” 2. Wealthy Life vs. Rich Life Why a six-figure job or multi–six figure business doesn’t automatically equal a wealthy life 3. Why You Must Know Your Numbers (KPIs) How public health professionals understand data for programs—but often ignore it in their businesses 4. Building Your Team Like a CEO (Not an Employee) What it feels like to be “the glue” in your business—and why that’s not sustainable  5. Step-Change Goals (Not Small, Safe Ones) What “step-change goals” are and why they matter (Example: Not “I want to hit $1M,” but “What if I aim for $5M or $10M?”) 6. Work–Life Integration (Because Balance Is a Myth) Why “work–life balance” wasn’t working for Dr. Des 7. Fear of Success & Rewriting Your Rules (Again and Again) Why many entrepreneurs quietly fear success, not just failure https://www.drdesshow.com/ https://www.publichealthclub.com/

    28 min

  8. 24/11/2025

    Black Friday for Public Health Professionals: The Tools You Need to Level Up in 2025

    Learn More About Black Friday: https://www.publichealthclub.com/blackfriday In this special episode of The Dr. Des Show, Dr. Des breaks down all 5 days of her Black Friday deals designed specifically for public health professionals who want to increase their income, grow their consulting business, or advance their career in 2025 and beyond. Whether you’re exploring entrepreneurship, trying to pivot into a higher-paying career path, or looking for templates and strategy guides to work smarter—not harder—this episode gives you a full walkthrough of what’s included, who it’s for, and how to get early access before the deals expire. This is the only Black Friday sale of the year, and each deal is available for 24 hours only. 🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✔️ The full breakdown of all 5 Black Friday deals Including: The Public Health Power Bundle (LinkedIn Brand Guide + ChatGPT Resume Guide + Entrepreneurship Guide)The Entrepreneurship Power Bundle (consulting templates, capability statement, CEO Playbook & more)The Digital Course Workshop (50% off)The Public Health Club membership dealsCyber Monday repeat deals & new bonuses✔️ How to choose the best Black Friday deal for your 2025 goals If your goal is: A higher-paying public health jobA new consulting businessA salary increaseA personal brand makeoverConsistent consulting clientsBreaking into non-traditional careers—Dr. Des walks you through what to grab.✔️ How to use ChatGPT + these digital products to customize your entire strategy Including: How to upload guides into ChatGPTHow to turn them into personalized career or business plansHow to build posts, resumes, or portfolios from all included templates✔️ Why 2025–2026 is a MAJOR opportunity for public health professionals Dr. Des explains: Shifting funding patternsThe rise of consulting demandDemand for digital skillsWhy LinkedIn visibility matters more than everhttps://www.drdesshow.com/ https://www.publichealthclub.com/

    18 min
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Join Dr. Des as she shares her journey, lessons, and expert advice to empower professionals and entrepreneurs to make an impact and build the life they deserve.

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  • Creator
    Dr. Des
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    48
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Dr.Des Show
  • Show Website
    The Dr.Des Show