We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dawn Myers. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dawn below.
Hi Dawn, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
Throughout my life and professional journey, I’ve encountered significant challenges that have shaped who I am today. Growing up with an alcoholic parent and battling my own inner demons of depression, I faced obstacles that tested my resilience. However, these hardships have ultimately fueled my quest for purpose and inspired my commitment to helping others.
With over 30 years of experience as a leader in human resources, I understand the complex dynamics of the workplace and the importance of fostering a supportive environment. Having personally confronted and worked through my own struggles, I have developed a deep well of empathy and compassion for those facing similar adversities.
My purpose emerged from this transformative journey, as I recognized the tremendous value of coaching and mentoring leaders. Drawing from my expertise and personal experiences, I am dedicated to guiding leaders through their own challenges, enabling them to cultivate environments that empower and uplift their teams. By sharing my story, offering insights, and providing a listening ear, I help leaders navigate the intricacies of their roles with wisdom and empathy.
However, my purpose extends far beyond coaching leaders. It encompasses a broader mission of advocating for mental health and fostering a workplace culture that embraces open dialogue and support. Through speaking engagements, writing, teaching, and community involvement, I aim to shed light on the importance of mental well-being, breaking down stigmas, and encouraging organizations to prioritize the holistic growth and development of their employees.
In essence, my purpose revolves around transforming pain into resilience and leveraging personal experiences to make a positive impact in the lives of others. I am committed to fostering inclusive, supportive, and mentally healthy work environments. Together, we can create a ripple effect of positive change that reverberates beyond the workplace and uplifts individuals to reach their fullest potential.
Embracing adversity, finding purpose, and empowering others—it’s a journey I’m grateful to embark upon every single day. Let us remember that our stories matter, and by turning our pain into purpose, we can inspire transformation and create a brighter future for all.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
At Guided Leadership Solutions, our journey began with a simple passion—to empower small business owners and leaders with the knowledge, tools, and resources needed to navigate the intricate legal landscape of California. As we progressed, we realized a recurring challenge faced by many owners and managers: a lack of leadership skills and experience. Often, these individuals excel in their specific roles but struggle when it comes to leading people. This calls for a fundamental shift in mindset, as they transition from being exceptional “doers” to becoming authentic leaders.
This realization prompted us to launch a new division dedicated to addressing this pressing need and leveraging my expertise in a meaningful way. We are thrilled to offer support to emerging leaders, helping them hone their skills and unlock their full potential. We guide executives in navigating complex organizational dynamics, and facilitate team development to foster cohesive, high-performing units.
Our approach is grounded in creating a safe and nurturing space for individuals to explore their strengths, identify areas for growth, and set meaningful goals. We firmly believe that everyone has untapped leadership potential, and our mission is to empower both individuals and organizations to reach their highest capabilities. With a focus on fostering personal growth, we enable leaders to unleash their true potential, navigate challenges with confidence, and drive transformative change.
Leadership is not an overnight journey—it takes practice, dedication, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Our team at Guided Leadership Solutions is here to provide the guidance, support, and expertise needed for individuals to embark on this transformative path. Together, we will navigate the complexities of leadership, unlock untapped potential, and foster a culture of growth and achievement.
Our purpose is clear: we are dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations to thrive through effective leadership. With a focus on personal and professional development, we are committed to taking this transformative journey with our clients.
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 on my journey the areas that have had the most significant impact on my growth and success are:
1. Self-awareness: Developing self-awareness has been crucial. It has allowed me to understand my own strengths, weaknesses, and values, which in turn has helped me be my authentic self. I recommend individuals at any stage in their leadership journey to prioritize self-reflection and introspection. Engage in activities like journaling, seeking feedback from mentors or peers, and undergoing personality assessments to gain a deeper understanding of yourself. This self-awareness will provide a solid foundation and allow you to better connect with others.
2. Continuous Learning: I am a true believer in life-long learning and I am committed to continuous personal and professional growth; it is important for any leader. I stay updated on the latest employment laws, trends, and best practices in the workplace and in leadership. Engaging in professional development activities and seeking out opportunities to learn from leaders and coaches provides insight I can’t gain on my own. I would encourage everyone to embrace a growth mindset. The more you invest in your own learning and development, the more effective and impactful you’ll be.
3. Building Relationships: I believe that everything flows through relationship. I would not be where I am today If it weren’t for the relationships that I have cultivated along the way. Developing strong relationships and building a supportive network is invaluable. Connect with other coaches, mentors, and industry professionals who can provide guidance, share insights, and offer support. Building a strong network expands your reach and establishes trust and credibility.
My advice for individuals early in their journey is to embrace curiosity and openness. Be willing to step outside your comfort zone, take on new challenges, and embrace feedback as an opportunity for growth. Seek to learn from those that are different from you, in various backgrounds and industries, and be open to different approaches. Never forget the impact that you have on others – be sure it’s a positive one.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
Growing up in a tumultuous household, I experienced firsthand the challenges that come with conflict and strained relationships. However, through my personal journey of healing and growth, I have come to understand that everyone in my family was doing the best they could with the circumstances they faced. It was in this environment that my parents taught me a valuable lesson: when you truly love and care about someone, conflicts are inevitable. What matters most is how you navigate and resolve those conflicts.
As a child, I found myself playing a pivotal role in resolving the conflicts within my home. This experience became my training ground for developing crucial skills in communication, empathy, and conflict resolution. These skills became ingrained in me, shaping my natural instincts. Today, I consider it a privilege to be able to utilize these skills to make a positive impact on the lives of those I work with.
I learned the power of working through conflict with empathy and understanding. I recognized that addressing difficult situations head-on, with open and honest communication, can lead to stronger bonds and healthier relationships. This mindset has become an integral part of who I am as a person and as a professional.
I am grateful for the lessons I learned from my past, as they have equipped me with the tools to help others navigate their own challenges. It is my passion to share these insights and skills with individuals and teams, empowering them to enhance their relationships, overcome obstacles, and thrive both personally and professionally.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://guidedlead.com/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnemyers/
Image Credits
Jon Menville
