Chanda Coston – From Profound Hardship, Service in the Navy, Success in Business to Coaching

Chanda Coston, is a business strategist and coach dedicated to helping women entrepreneurs in the third quarter of life create businesses that truly reflect and support their current season. Her work centers on clarity and confidence instead of burnout, offering straightforward systems so women can reclaim their vision and thrive. With over two decades in corporate strategy, extensive entrepreneurship, and a background as a USN veteran and mother to five, she knows what it’s like to navigate new directions after life changes. She guided more than 100 women to build businesses that fit where they are now, using focused project management, automation, and actionable steps. Chanda Coston Vroom Vroom Veer Show Summary Overcoming Adversity Through Education Chanda Coston discussed her journey from a challenging upbringing in Hampton Roads, Virginia, to becoming a business strategist and coach for women over 40. She shared her experiences of dropping out of high school at 15, obtaining a GED through Job Corps, and later joining the Navy as an aviation storekeeper, where she earned an associate's and bachelor's degree. Chanda also talked about leaving an abusive marriage and using the military's educational benefits to further her education. She emphasized her passion for helping others transition into entrepreneurship and viewed her own experiences as a testament to overcoming adversity. From Military to Entrepreneurial Mentorship Chanda shared her career journey from the military to government contracting and eventually starting her own firm, which she had to pivot from when she lost her brother to gun violence. She established a nonprofit in response to this tragedy, which led her to explore mentorship and coaching. Chanda discussed her professional background in logistics, engineering, and project management, and the challenges of transitioning from a corporate to an entrepreneurial mindset. She also described the devastating story of her brother's murder and the subsequent lack of justice in the case, which deeply affected her and her family. Trauma and the Pursuit of Justice Chanda shared her experience of a traumatic event involving her brother's murder, which was initially pursued as a case but was later dismissed due to witness intimidation. She expressed frustration and anger over the justice system's failure to prosecute the perpetrator, despite the evidence and her willingness to relive the trauma for justice. Chanda concluded by reflecting on the importance of love and support, emphasizing that love often requires selflessness and sacrifice. Government Contracting Career Transition Jeffery and Chanda discussed Chanda's military background and transition to government contracting and coaching. Chanda shared her experience as an aviation storekeeper in the Navy and her subsequent career in consulting and contracting. They explored the challenges of starting a business and the importance of building relationships in the government contracting sector. Connections Website