We were lucky to catch up with Dana Washington recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Dana, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
In my professional career as an engineer, I have usually always been the minority in the room; whether it be by race, by gender or both. This is something that became the norm for me, so I did not look at it as a hurdle to overcome but more-so an opportunity to represent those with my background. I learned to be successful in this environment by firstly being knowledgeable of the tasks and topics at hand, being prepared before every meeting and have the capability and confidence to speak to what I am managing. I also don’t hesitate to suggest improvements and show initiative to implement positive changes that affect everyone around me. I had to learn that sometimes being the only one in the room can make you invisible or it can highlight your existence. Making the positive impacts makes me the highlight, giving the status quo made me invisible. I ask the necessary questions to make the progress I need, and I don’t let those who are not eager to help me slow me down. I never take things personally, even if it is personal, as long as it is not a hinderance to my work or my reputation. Letting things roll off my back, keeping a professional attitude at all times, while never letting anyone run over me has proven to be successful for me in my experience.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Professionally I am an Engineer working in Tech, an aspiring real estate investor, and a travel planner as a hobby. Most of all, I love to explore new opportunities and environments and help others see the world as well. TheTravelPointe came about because many people around me were intimidated by the thought of traveling abroad. It’s a new experience, can be expensive, planning can be daunting. I created theTravelPointe to try to ease the apprehensions and show others how simple and easy it can truly be to travel abroad. In addition, I am growing my real estate portfolio and would love to invest abroad in the near future. Lastly, I’m excited to announce the launch of our travel planning app called BuddyPass created by a great team of minorities. We are hoping to help make group planning and budgeting so much easier for those who are excited about traveling with their peers.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Being curious has helped me become more comfortable with taking on these new opportunities. Research research research, talk with people who have done what you want to do and surround yourself with the knowledge you need to achieve your goal. I also found that being persistent and consistent makes progress happen. Lastly paying attention to detail, especially in planning travel is a must. It can make or break a trip and turn what is supposed to be a calm and peaceful experience into a chaotic one.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
While trying to juggle many different things, it can get very overwhelming and FAST. What had worked most for me is to write down my tasks and prioritize them accordingly. Seeing them written out on paper makes it feel a lot less daunting and helps me clear space in my head for problem solving. I also take breaks or go for a walk to break up the routine. Sometimes I even evaluate all that I’m doing or want to do at the moment and figure out if I truly have the bandwidth to support it all. And if I don’t have the bandwidth, I make the decision to put a project on the back burner until I clear some things off my plate.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @livingherdream
- Linkedin: Dana Washington
