Meet Dawn Myers | Leadership Coach | HR Consultant | Public Speaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dawn Myers and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dawn, do you have any habits that you feel contribute to your effectiveness?

Success in any leadership role is often the result of a combination of skills, traits, and habits. As a leader in the human resources arena for the last 30+ years, I have found that one of the most impactful habits I have cultivated is the relentless pursuit of learning.

This habit of continuous learning is instrumental in my current role as a Leadership Coach and HR Consultant, enabling me to adapt to a constantly evolving landscape, make informed decisions, and foster growth within the organizations I work with.

Outlined are various examples of how staying curious and never settling in the pursuit of furthering my knowledge has made an impact. I will add that some of my biggest lessons have come from my own mistakes. Taking the time to evaluate what went wrong and why has helped me develop strong problem-solving skills.

Evolving HR Landscape
The field of human resources is in a state of constant evolution. New laws and regulations, emerging technologies, and changing workforce dynamics demand adaptability and up-to-date knowledge. I am able to stay ahead of these changes and better support my clients by being a (self-proclaimed) HR Junkie.

Informed Decision-Making
In the employment realm, decisions often have far-reaching consequences. Whether it’s hiring, firing, compensation, or employee benefits, informed decisions are essential. Providing industry best practices, and innovative approaches that empower companies to make well-informed decisions comes from my learning and development.

Empathetic Leadership
Empathy is not a new skill, but it has a new level of importance, and current research shows how empathy is the leadership competency to develop and demonstrate now and in the future of work. Acquiring knowledge about the challenges employees face, the latest trends in employee well-being, as well as the psychology of motivation is critical in my work with emerging leaders. This results in a more inclusive and supportive work environment, which in turn, has led to increased employee satisfaction and retention directly related to the coaching I am able to provide.

Employee Development
Investing in employee development is critical in the workplace. By staying current on the latest methods in training and development, I am able to design and provide customized trainings that have a lasting impact. It not only benefits the teams I work with, but it increases the organization’s bench strength.

Conflict Management
In today’s dynamic workplace, conflicts are inevitable, and the ability to effectively manage them is key. Understanding conflict resolution strategies, negotiation techniques, and interpersonal dynamics has equipped me to navigate and resolve disputes within an organization. This skill not only minimizes disruptions but also fosters a harmonious work environment, improving teamwork and overall productivity. I am able to use what I learn to help businesses create a more peaceful and collaborative atmosphere, ultimately contributing to their success.

Leading by Example
Regardless of my role, it is crucial to set an example. My passion for personal and professional development demonstrates the importance of continuous self-improvement and growth. This, in turn, encourages others to embrace a culture of learning, which is essential for true success in work and life.

Networking and Collaboration
Learning doesn’t happen in isolation. The habit of learning has not only expanded my knowledge but also enabled me to build a strong professional network. Collaborating with peers in the field has provided valuable insights and solutions to complex challenges. The exchange of ideas and experiences with other professionals has broadened my perspective and enriched my life.

The habit of learning has been the foundation of my success. In a world where change is the only constant, continuous learning has allowed me to stay relevant, informed, and agile. It has empowered me to develop leaders, build community, and ultimately start my own business to share what I’ve learned with others.

My mission to develop leaders for the modern workplace and to cultivate healthy and resilient cultures would not be possible had I not embraced learning as a core value.

What should our readers know about your business?

I left my HR Advisory company to launch Dawn Myers Consulting with the vision to shed light on the importance of mental well-being, to breakdown stigmas, and encourage organizations to prioritize the holistic growth and development of their employees.

I realized that providing guidance alone was not addressing the fundamental issue which is the lack of leadership development for middle managers within organizations.

While I still provide HR Consulting, my focus is to develop leaders through group coaching. I spend six-weeks with managers in the squeeze between the goals of the organization and the lack their employee’s engagement. Each week we work to deepen our knowlege, practice simple strategies, and collectively process current problems.

I realize now that I have been in training for this role my whole life and I have the privilege to help stressed out managers transform themselves into strong, confident, leaders! There is no greater joy!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am a fairly simple girl. I would stay in a cabana at the Hotel del Coronado with my best friends (that happen to be my sisters). We would sit out on the patio with a firepit on the beach and watch the sunset. It would be hard to venture out because we would be in our happy place, but we would take time to explore the city. Maybe Clayton’s for breakfast, The Henry for lunch, and Peohe’s for dinner.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

The San Diego Hospitality Human Resources Association has played a vital role in my success. Being new to the industry, I knew I needed support and that came through joining the group and eventually serving on the board for 12 years. Although I am no longer in hospitality, I have remained on the board, and I consider many in the group close friends in addition to being colleagues.

Most notably, Dari DeSousa has been my biggest teacher, supporter, and fan. I met Dari when she was interviewing for the Director of HR position at the hotel I was doing temp work for. I am so grateful that they waited too long to offer her the position or my story would be very different. I was eventually given the position and we worked at neighboring Marriott hotels for 16 years and continue to collaborate together as consultants.

Website: https://www.dawnmyersconsulting.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnemyers/

Image Credits
Jon Menville | Dari DeSousa