VBE Spotlight: DEI Recruiting and Consulting
Veteran's Business Enterprise®: DEI Recruiting and Consulting
Headquarters: Dallas, Texas
Year Founded: 2021
# of Employees: 2
Website: www.deirecruitingandconsulting.com/
Service Overview: Recruiting, HR Consulting (fractional HR), training and Development
Founder/CEO: Michelle Jolivet
Service Branch: U.S. Air Force
Years Served: 1982 to 1993
Military Occupation: Intelligence
Highest Rank Attained: E6
Fun Facts:
- I joined the Air Force because I wanted to fly and the closest I got to a plane was American Airlines.
- I have been to 17 Barry Manilow Concerts.
- It is more fun to jump out of plane then it is to get into a plane.
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What types of services do you offer?
Recruiting, HR Consulting (fractional HR), training and Development,
Who do you primarily serve?
Small to Medium Size Business
When and how did you start your business?
I bootstrapped my business during COVID, driven by a deep desire to create the kind of leadership representation I never saw in over 30 years in Corporate America—so that my kids and grandkids could see themselves in the leadership room
What challenges did you face when starting your business?
Lack of funding
What has been the key to your business's success?
Relationships and Community
What important lessons have you learned that can help others succeed in business?
"Two of the most important lessons I’ve learned:
Focus on solving real problems for your clients—not just what you think is a great idea. True success comes from listening, adapting, and delivering value.
Build a community of experienced, supportive people around you. The right advisors and allies will keep you grounded, lift you up when you feel like giving up, and offer the wisdom you need to get over the next hill."
What common mistakes should they be aware of and avoid?
Don’t try to do it all yourself. That’s one of the fastest ways to burn out, lose focus, or miss opportunities.
You don’t have to carry every role or have all the answers. Leaning on others is not a weakness—it’s one of the smartest strategies for long-term success.
What else would you like the NaVOBA community to know about you and your business?
Don’t get discouraged during rough waters. Every entrepreneur, leader, or changemaker faces storms—it’s part of the journey. The key is to keep your rudder pointed toward your purpose and sail on. Stay focused on your mission, trust your values as your compass, and remember: calm seas never made skilled sailors. Keep moving forward—you’re learning with every wave.
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