Meet Genise Dawson

We recently connected with Genise Dawson and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Genise with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

Growing up, my mom was a huge influence on my approach to work. As the only girl among three kids and the second oldest, I often found myself wanting to escape the chaos at home. My mom, a single parent, was always involved in social work and often brought me along to her various engagements. I never saw her miss a day of work or shy away from helping people. She led support groups for young mothers and women struggling with substance abuse, and her dedication left a lasting impression on me.

When I was nine, my mom decided to return to college to get her degree from the University of Washington. To pay for school, she took a job at the Office of Diversity Affairs. That summer, I often went to work with her because I didn’t want to stay home all day. At the office, I learned to type, make copies, and greet students. But what really fascinated me was the office’s first computer, which everyone else seemed to fear. My curiosity got the better of me, and with the help of my mom’s boss, I learned to navigate the computer, logging in and printing out student class schedules. This was the beginning of my love for technology.

As I grew older, my passion for technology only deepened. I found myself drawn to the corporate environment, eager to learn new things and work on exciting projects. My early experiences in the Office of Diversity Affairs had ignited a thirst for knowledge and a desire to be part of a dynamic workplace. I loved the diversity of people I met and the constant opportunities to learn and grow.

However, as my career progressed, I realized the importance of balance. My values of integrity, authenticity, and respect guided me, but I also learned the hard way that my dedication could sometimes be taken advantage of. I had to find a way to balance my work and personal life, ensuring I didn’t burn out and miss out on the important things in life.

My journey taught me that it’s okay to strive for excellence at work, but it’s equally important to understand why you do what you do and to support that desire with balance and self-care. My mother’s unwavering dedication and the lessons I learned in that small office with the mysterious computer had instilled in me a work ethic that was both strong and compassionate, driven by a desire to be my best self while staying true to my values.

And so, my story is a testament to the power of early influences, the importance of curiosity, and the need for balance in the pursuit of one’s passions.

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?

In my current role, I work in the executive office at a large technology company, where I lead the intern recruiting and early-in-career programs for a 40,000-person organization. I’ve been doing this for the past seven years, and my focus is primarily on the experience, enrichment, and empowerment of these communities. Before this role, I spent 15 years as an executive assistant supporting the leader of this organization.

I absolutely love the work that I do because it shares components of my responsibilities as an Executive Assistant, but with a key difference: I can wholly focus on these two programs without having to balance a multitude of tasks that come with managing a senior leader’s demanding schedule. Leading an entire team of admins (143 globally) and addressing the needs of leadership teams, mentoring, time negotiation, and leadership were all part of my previous role. Now, I get to concentrate on the exciting aspects of connecting with recruits and guiding them as they come onboard as full-time hires.

What excites me most about my current work is the opportunity to have meaningful connections with the recruits and help guide them through their onboarding journey. There’s so much they don’t know, and I’m glad to be part of their learning process. I believe that my authenticity and openness make me successful in my role. I’m approachable and knowledgeable about how the company operates, and I can help them navigate their new environment.

Having been with the company for over 24 years, I’m now looking to pivot into the world of speaking to audiences. I want to help people understand who they are and what they need to do to stay faithful to their values while bringing their best selves to the workplace. Throughout my career, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting people from all walks of life. We all share a common thread of moments when we feel we aren’t doing enough or worthy of where we sit in our lives and careers. I’m here to give you that push to keep going and to be okay with all the experiences that have made you who you are and good at what you do.

Currently, I’m co-hosting a podcast with a friend and colleague of mine called “Chief and Assist: The Power Behind the Chair” on YouTube (@chiefandassistpodcast). In our podcast, we delve into the partnership between Chiefs of Staff and Executive Assistants. With a combined 40+ years of experience, we provide expert insights for navigating executive support roles and advancing careers.

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?

Reflecting on my journey, I believe there were three key qualities and skills that had the most significant impact: authenticity, adaptability, and mentorship.

Authenticity: Being true to myself and my values has always been a cornerstone of my approach. Authenticity helped me build trust and strong relationships with colleagues, recruits, and leaders. My advice for those early in their journey is to embrace who you are and let your genuine self shine through in your work. Don’t be afraid to share your unique perspectives and ideas. Authenticity fosters trust and respect, which are crucial for long-term success.

Adaptability: The ability to adapt to changing circumstances and new challenges has been essential in my career. From learning to navigate the first computer in the Office of Diversity Affairs to transitioning from an executive assistant role to leading intern recruiting programs, adaptability has allowed me to thrive in various environments. For those starting out, I recommend staying open to new experiences and being willing to step out of your comfort zone. Embrace change as an opportunity for growth and continuously seek to learn new skills.

Mentorship: Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of both receiving and providing mentorship. Mentorship has been invaluable in guiding my career path, offering support, and providing insights that I might not have discovered on my own. For those early in their journey, I encourage you to seek out mentors who can offer guidance and support. Additionally, be open to mentoring others as you gain experience. Mentorship is a two-way street that enriches both the mentor and the mentee.

Staying true to yourself, being adaptable, and engaging in mentorship can significantly impact your career journey. Embrace these qualities, and you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the challenges and opportunities that come your way.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

Reflecting on my journey, my former manager, who currently leads our organization, has been incredibly instrumental in helping me overcome challenges and develop essential skills. He is a prime example of how a leader can inspire others to bring their best selves to the table. His empathetic approach and genuine interest in understanding the people who do the hard work for the organization have left a lasting impact on me.

He taught me the importance of paying it forward, helping others up, and taking the time to understand the people I work with. He was the first manager who empowered me to step outside of my comfort zone, trusting and having faith in my ability to lead efforts that would benefit the team. He understood that without a healthy, happy, and productive team, the business would not be successful. This perspective allowed me to focus on the big picture and find solutions that work for everyone.

One of the most valuable lessons he taught me was that good leaders never shy away from hard conversations, and you don’t have to be a jerk when having one. His approach to challenging situations was always supportive, and I never wanted to disappoint him because he was rooting so hard for me to succeed. His favorite line to me, which he only needed to say once, was, “Don’t tell me what I can’t do, tell me what I can. Find a yes, where you can.” This mindset has helped me be more creative in identifying solutions and maintain an optimistic outlook on both my life and profession.

His unwavering support and belief in my abilities have made him my biggest cheerleader, and I am incredibly grateful for his guidance and mentorship. His influence has shaped my approach to leadership and has been a cornerstone of my success.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://chiefandassist.my.canva.site/
• Instagram: chiefandassist
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genise/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc5ePQ3GnqSlo4gXoEbsjgA

Image Credits

Photos taken by Genise Dawson and Emazing Photography