Terry Deakin’s journey is a powerful testament to the idea that quitting can sometimes create space for profound transformation. She began with a dream of becoming a devoted mother, but life took several unexpected turns—from a teenage experience of sexual abuse kept secret for years, to bouts of drug addiction that nearly destroyed her family and sense of self-worth.
A wake-up call came from her 13-year-old daughter, inspiring Terry to seek counseling and rebuild her life from the ground up. Through perseverance, she returned to school, discovered a calling in supporting individuals with disabilities, and eventually launched her own business, INEO Employment Counseling Inc.—aptly named after the Latin word for “new beginnings.”
Over 25 years, Terry expanded INEO into multiple social enterprises that not only provide critical community services but also meaningful employment opportunities to those facing barriers. She has earned a prestigious Career Development Leader of the Year award and continues to evolve, most recently shifting focus to career coaching for women across North America.
Terry’s story reminds us that every end can be a new beginning—if we have the courage to keep going and believe in ourselves. By embracing her own struggles, Terry now empowers others to find their own paths to success.
