Meet DeAnna Busby-Rast, CEO and Founder at Authentica Group (authentica-group.com)

Tell us a little about your business (in your own words). – Authentica Group is a business coaching and professional development training company bringing solutions that help business owners, executives, leaders and professionals grow themselves and their businesses.

How did you get started in the business? – In 2020 and 2021, I noticed a shift in myself, and I wasn’t completely sure if the shift was giving back through volunteering or creating something new. In 2022, after spending 30 years in Corporate America, I figured it out. Throughout my entire career, I have always had a deep passion for helping others learn and grow. Tapping into the passion created Authentica Group because I wanted to take my years of experience in training, sales, marketing, and account management and bring the forward to businesses and individuals seeking to grow and prosper.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – My biggest challenge was overcoming the fear of leaving behind something I had worked so hard to build — making the final decision to step away from an industry where I had invested so much of myself, leaving behind the income, and embarking on the journey to reinvent myself. I also faced the challenge of convincing some of those I had worked with that I was capable of more than what they had seen from me in the past. I had to let go of worrying about what others thought and focus on doing what I knew was right in my heart and mind. When you start a business, self-doubt creeps in — and so does doubt from others. I had to let it all go and stay committed to my vision.

What has been your most important achievement professionally? – Recently, I would have to say, reconnecting to the Omaha Business community. I worked the majority of my 30-year career outside of Omaha. I lived in Omaha but worked in different states, so I was extremely disconnected. For me to grow my business, I needed to find a way to reconnect, get closer to what this great city has to offer, and find my way. I did this through a very disciplined networking strategy. I am grateful for the various chamber offices, networking groups, and family and friends who helped spread the word about Authentica Group.

Tell us a little about your family. – I have a beautiful family. I have been married for 17 years, and together we have 4 adult children. My greatest joy is when the family is together around the dinner table, eating pasta on Sundays.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – Oh, my goodness, this one is hard because there are many turning points in your life, school, sports, work, family, birth, death, etc. But if I must pick one…I would have to say the birth of my children. They amaze me every day. And I consider myself so lucky to be called mom.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Listen to music

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
DeAnna@Authentica-Group.com
Text: 612-845-3736
linkedin.com/company/authentica-group
facebook.com/AuthenticaGroupOmaha