Exploring Life & Business with Donna Musilli of DM360

Today we’d like to introduce you to Donna Musilli.

Hi Donna, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit. After earning a degree in Fashion Design, I began my career in sales. I spent three years in giftware followed by 14 years in pharmaceutical sales. In 2004, after a two-year break to raise young children, I took a leap with a startup called cabi, LLC. That leap turned into a 22-year journey, building a thriving business with a team of 60 women across 15 states. (https://donnamusilli.cabionline.com/)

Eight years ago, I realized that while I was a strong trainer and mentor, I lacked the deeper skill of coaching. So, I became a certified coach, and that changed everything. My team flourished, and before long, coaching extended beyond cabi into its own standalone business, built organically through word of mouth and referrals. (https://www.donnamusilli.com/)

The Conway Center for Family Business has been a great support in the growth of my business and wonderful learning partner. (https://www.familybusinesscenter.com/)

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like most entrepreneurs, I’ve faced my share of challenges. What’s unique about this coaching chapter is that I let it evolve without a rigid plan. Rather than chasing business, I focused on doing meaningful work, and the business grew on its own.

A turning point was hiring a business and marketing coach early on. While I had sales experience, I lacked the tools to position myself as a coach. That investment (equal to my earnings that year) was one of the smartest buisiness moves I’ve made.

As you know, we’re big fans of DM360. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Coaching is the most challenging and rewarding skill I’ve ever developed. It demands constant curiosity, deep listening, and a willingness to grow. Over the past eight years, I’ve pursued additional education and certifications in StrengthsFinder, Conscious Leadership, Somatics, and Internal Family Systems (IFS). And, I always have a coach myself. I believe great coaches never stop learning. (TIP: if you are in the process of hiring a coach, ask them who their coach is, and if they don’t have one, I would consider that a red flag!)

I specialize in coaching leaders in rural education and family-owned businesses. I’m especially passionate about helping next-generation leaders step confidently into legacy roles. Many of my clients are women leading in traditionally male industries. I also work with teams navigating conflict, helping them turn tension into transformation. I enjoy working with conflict, because once addressed in a skillful and compassionate way, there is always a better outcome on the other side. (If you ignore conflict, it doesn’t go away, it just gets bigger).

I work with a few local companies that are on their 4th and 5th generations! These family-owned companies are over 100 years old! It is so empowering to help these young leaders develop competencies and lead with confidence. The 100+ years legacy is a benefit, and can also be a burden. They have BIG shoes to fill, and I am honored to be their thinking partners.

I’m proud to be known for my genuine presence and grounded, intuitive approach. With clients, we often start with a handshake but we always end with a hug.

Any big plans?
These days, I’m embracing a slower pace. My husband is semi-retired, and we’re in our “travel era.” The flexibility of my business lets me set strong boundaries. This is something I encourage my clients to do as well!

I’m also excited about how AI can support my clients. I’ve been introducing leaders to ways AI can help streamline their thinking, writing, and planning. One client joked, “It’s like having Donna in your back pocket!” While I can’t be replaced, I believe there’s real opportunity to coach leaders in using AI to make their work more efficient, and more human.

Contact Info:

• Website: DonnaMusilli.com and donnamusilli.cabionline.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnamusilli/