.png)
“...Now I feel so secure and confident in what I'm doing that, you know, it's completely different than what I originally set it out to be. But I'm really grateful that it is.”In this episode of Startups and Stilettos, host Ingrid Zapata-Read sits down with Darcy Bennett—founder of DB Executive Services and the powerhouse behind Elevating Administrative Professionals, a fast-growing global event series and community transforming how administrative leaders show up in the workplace.
With more than a decade supporting executives at the highest levels, Darcy has made it her mission to shift the administrative role from behind-the-scenes support to strategic partnership. She shares how she built a business that bridges the worlds of administration and event planning, empowering admins to step confidently into leadership, strengthen operations, and create the connections that lead to real opportunity.
What we talked about:
Connecting With Others [6:25]
Connecting the Attendees [13:08]
Offering a Mentorship [16:56]
Changing the Mind Set [21:47]
The Biggest Challenge [24:09]
Join hundreds of ambitious, purpose-driven founders at The PGA National Resort for a life-changing weekend of inspiration, motivation, and transformation for the 2026 Founders Weekend!
Connect with Darcy:
@dbexecutiveservices on Instagram
Darcy Bennett on LinkedIn
Connect with Carlyn:
@carlynbushmanconsulting on Instagram
Carlyn Bushman on LinkedIn
Carlyn Bushman Consulting
Connect with Ingrid:
@itsingridsworld on Instagram
Ingrid Zapata-Read on Linkedin
Members of our Entreprenista League get access to live Office Hours with top founders that have been on our show! Join the Entreprenista League today! We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!
Get Featured on Startups in StilettosWant a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show! Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE!
Grow Your Startup with Startups in StilettosThanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Startups in Stilettos, powered by the Entreprenista PodcastNetwork. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeart Radio
Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more startup founders, like you, and have a chance to win a one-on-one mentor and strategy session with Stephanie Cartin.
Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. And for even more exclusive content and information – and to get access to the 8 Secrets to Success in Your Business video course and worksheet – visit our website.
Guests
Darcy Bennet
Hosts
Ingrid Zapata Read
Ingrid Zapata Read is a community strategist and founder of Grow With Community. She helps businesses get closer to the people they serve and build stronger, more intentional relationships around their mission.
After building a global community for moms of over 200,000 members, and through her experience in sales, startups, and customer experience, Ingrid brings a people-first perspective to growth across industries. She’s known for her thoughtful, practical approach and believes community building should be a part of every business strategy.
Join 2,000+ supportive, ambitious founders in the
Highlights
The Latest
How to Actually Read Your P&L (And What to Look For)
A practical guide to turning your profit and loss statement into a real decision-making tool.
