Meet Augustine Dokolas

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Augustine Dokolas. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Augustine, thank you so much for agreeing to open up about a sensitive and personal topic like being fired or laid-off. Unfortunately, there has been a rise in layoffs recently and so your insight and experience with overcoming being let go is relevant to so many in the community.

Getting laid off twice by the same company in just four months was not what I had in mind when joining the start-up world. The first time, my position was eliminated. A month later, they invited me back for a higher-level role—cue the comeback music! But three months in, I found myself on another familiar call with HR. This time, it was because the company was acquired, and I was laid off again. It felt like God was trying to tell me something, but I wasn’t quite sure what.

Through it all, I reminded myself not to take it personally. Businesses often face impossible choices, and layoffs are one of those brutal decisions. Both times, I reached out to the executive team, thanked them for the opportunity, and asked them to keep me in mind for future roles. I wasn’t about to burn any bridges—especially not ones that might lead me to my next gig.

I immediately started applying for jobs, casting a wide net and hoping something would stick. Out of hundreds of applications, I got exactly one interview—for a role I was overqualified for and not at all excited about. I passed on it and found myself at a crossroads, questioning whether I was even cut out for the corporate world anymore.

It was during one of those reflective moments with my dad that he suggested reaching out to a childhood mentor. I took his advice, and it was like a lightbulb moment. My mentor connected me with some entrepreneurs, and before I knew it, I had a short-term gig that reignited my confidence. My husband, family, friends, and mentors encouraged me to keep pursuing this new path, which led to the launch of my own marketing agency.

Today, I’m on retainer with that initial company and have five other clients I support. Getting laid off forced me to evaluate my strengths and passions, and ultimately gave me the push I needed to start my own business. It also showed me just how incredible my support system is—they were ready to cheer me on, even when I wasn’t sure where I was headed.

The lesson? Surround yourself with the right people, stay true to your values, and remember that what feels like a low point might just be the start of a beautiful opportunity.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

Hi there! I’m Auggie, founder of Augustine Dokolas Marketing, LLC. I am a proud Cal Poly SLO alumna but most recently I was the Director of Consumer Marketing at Flying Embers, a hard kombucha and canned cocktail company. Before then, I worked in sales for Gallo Wine Company, and Justin Vineyards & Wines in Growers Relations.

I have expertise in field and experiential marketing, trade marketing, sales development, project management, social media management, and email campaign development,

I function as the bridge between sales, marketing, and operations. I will always plan and advise with the entirety of your business in mind.

I’m committed to helping small businesses and non-profits grow through customized marketing and sales strategies.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, three qualities have been the most impactful in my journey: confidence, communication, and integrity.

1. Confidence: Confidence is something you can choose. I remind myself daily that I’m doing what I love and what I’m good at. My clients choose me for a reason, and I owe it to them—and to myself—to approach every task with confidence. This isn’t just about feeling sure of yourself; it’s about trusting your process and your reasoning. When you believe in your decisions, it shows in your work. For those early in their journey, I’d say: Don’t wait for confidence to magically appear. Choose to be confident, and let that choice guide your actions.

2. Communication: Clear, thoughtful communication is key. It’s not just about sharing what you’ve accomplished; it’s about setting expectations from the start so everyone knows what to anticipate. Be empathetic in your communication style—understand where your clients and managers are coming from, and tailor your messages accordingly. For those just starting out, practice being proactive in your communication. Don’t be afraid to share your progress, ask for feedback, and clarify expectations. It’s a skill that will pay dividends throughout your career.

3. Integrity: Honesty and transparency are non-negotiables. Being honest with yourself and your clients about your expertise and skillset builds trust and sets a high standard for your work. It’s okay to say, “Let me collect my thoughts on that request before sharing.” This not only shows integrity but also demonstrates that you value delivering thoughtful, well-considered work. My advice? Always be upfront about what you can and can’t do. Integrity will earn you respect and long-term success.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed, the first thing I do is acknowledge it—sometimes that means taking a moment to shed a quick tear, and that’s okay. Running a business or working in general is hard, and it’s natural to feel overwhelmed at times. What matters is how you choose to respond. I choose to show up and keep trying, even when things feel daunting.

I have ADHD, so I’ve learned that my day might look very different from someone without it—and that’s perfectly fine. We all have our own ways of working, and there’s no right or wrong approach as long as you’re showing up and giving it your best.

Some strategies that help me manage are:

Morning Quiet Time: Whether you can spare one minute or one hour, taking time in the morning to check in with yourself is invaluable. It helps me start the day with a clear mind and a focused perspective.

Calendar Blocking: I commit specific hours to work on particular tasks. By breaking down my day into manageable chunks, I can stay on track and avoid the feeling of being pulled in too many directions.

Creating a Checklist: There’s something satisfying about crossing items off a list. It helps me prioritize my tasks and provides a sense of accomplishment as I move through the day.

My advice? Find what works best for you and embrace it. It’s okay if your way of working looks different from others. The important thing is to keep showing up and giving yourself grace as you navigate the challenges.

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