What do Ferris wheels, jazz, and recovering $6 million in 60 days have in common?
They’re all part of Dee Bowden’s incredible story — one of resilience, courage, and unapologetically asking for what you’re worth.
Dee is the author of Collect the Cash and founder of a revenue recovery company that helps small business owners overcome the fear of following up and finally get paid. In her recent appearance on the Hello Moxie Podcast, Dee shared not only the moment that changed her life, but also the lessons she’s now passing on to entrepreneurs around the world.
When the Company Closes — After You Save It
Two decades ago, Dee was working part-time for a small IT company outside of Boston. She was handed a project few would envy: an aging report with $8 million in unpaid invoices.
“I said, y’all did what?” Dee recalls. “You sold all these IT services, and you have $8 million sitting unpaid? And a full-time collections team?!”
Dee, a natural problem-solver, rolled up her sleeves. Through relationship-building, persistence, and grace under pressure, she collected $6 million in just 60 days.
But the triumph was short-lived.
“Two months before the holidays, the CEO gathered us all and said, ‘We’re closing the company today. 100 people are being let go.’ Just like that.”
That gut-punch moment — after the enormous effort she’d put in — could have shattered her spirit. Instead, it planted a seed.
What Had Happened Was… a Mission Was Born
It wasn’t until years later during the COVID-19 pandemic that the mission truly took shape. Broadway shut down. Small businesses lost major contracts. And Dee kept seeing versions of her own story on repeat.
“Nobody was talking about it. Nobody was talking about the vendors who had finally gotten into these big spaces — and weren’t getting paid.”
Her book coach said it plainly: “You don’t want to see another small business go out of business because of what happened to you.”
That was the spark. Dee wrote Collect the Cash, launched a consulting business, and began helping small and medium-sized businesses avoid the same fate she’d faced.
“Do It Afraid”
One of the most powerful moments in the podcast was when I asked Dee if she thought it was possible to be fearless.
“Yes. But in order to be fearless, you have to do it afraid,” she said. “You may feel the fear — but you don’t let it stop you.”
This idea of doing it afraid is central to her philosophy. Many small business owners, especially women, feel uncomfortable chasing overdue invoices or speaking up about money. But Dee reframes collections not as confrontation — but as a continuation of service.
“As confident as you were to ask for the sale, you have to be just as confident to ask for the money.”
Why Gratitude and Customer Service Still Matter
Dee’s approach to collections is surprisingly gentle — and effective. She teaches her clients to use problem-solving, customer service, and gratitude as tools for recovering outstanding revenue.
“Every person who helped me untangle a payment issue — I thanked them. Gratitude builds trust. It softens people. And it opens doors.”
Whether it’s a missed invoice or a backordered product, her approach is clear: express empathy, dig for the real issue, and make it easy to resolve. In a business world often built on automation, Dee’s human-centered methods stand out.
From Joyce Meyer to Oprah: Women Who Inspire Dee
When asked about the women who inspire her, Dee named three: Joyce Meyer, Oprah Winfrey, and Robin Roberts. What unites them?
“They’re all storytellers. They take their pain, their process, and their power — and they pass it on.”
It’s no surprise that Dee, too, is a master storyteller. She uses her lived experience to teach others how to step into their own voice and ask for what they deserve — even when it’s uncomfortable.
Final Takeaway
Dee’s episode is a masterclass in grit, grace, and getting paid. If you’re a small business owner who’s ever hesitated to send a follow-up email, this episode will light a fire under you.
And if you’ve ever wondered whether you have what it takes to speak up, show up, and serve with both confidence and kindness?
“You do,” Dee says. “But you may have to do it afraid.”
