Dawn Morton-Young stands as a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change in the corporate world. As a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Strategist, Executive Coach, and Speaker, Dawn has dedicated her career to the empowerment of underrepresented leaders, aiming to shatter the glass ceilings that have long hindered true corporate inclusivity.
From her early days observing the dichotomies of teaching and business through her parents, to her ascent into the realms of high-level corporate strategy, Dawn’s journey has been anything but conventional. Her unique approach to executive coaching is deeply rooted in an empathetic understanding of the barriers faced by those often left on the fringes of the corporate ladder, particularly women of color, individuals with disabilities, and those from diverse ethnic backgrounds.
Dawn’s coaching philosophy goes beyond traditional methods, integrating Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) to address the psychological hurdles that underrepresented groups face. This innovative approach has not only distinguished her in the field but has proven effective, with an impressive success rate of 89% in advancing senior leaders from diverse groups into C-suite roles over the past three years.
The path to recognition has been filled with challenges. In the noisy world of coaching, where differentiation is crucial yet difficult, Dawn has carved out a niche by focusing on the unique needs of underrepresented leaders. She has built her reputation and clientele by leveraging personal recommendations and creating a strong community presence, especially through LinkedIn and now, Instagram. Her dedication to these platforms has allowed her to connect directly with corporate clients and individuals alike, spreading her message and services through organic growth and heartfelt testimonials.
The accolades Dawn has garnered, including being listed on the Most Influential list at the HRI awards in 2021 and her nominations for the Positive Role Model for Gender at The National Diversity Awards, underscore her impactful work. Yet, her mission extends beyond personal recognition; it is about fostering a corporate culture that recognizes and nurtures diversity at every level.
Dawn’s wisdom is simple yet profound. She advocates for empathy, not just towards others but towards oneself. The journey of self-improvement and corporate ascent is fraught with obstacles, but with kindness and a steadfast focus on one’s ‘why’, progress is inevitable. Her message to leaders everywhere is clear: embrace your unique identity, and let it inform your path to leadership, without succumbing to the pressures of conformity.
Looking ahead, Dawn envisions The Diverse Leaders Coach growing into a global consultancy that influences corporate policies and cultures on a large scale. Her goal is to have her group coaching and mentoring programs implemented in at least 25% of all listed organizations. Moreover, Dawn aims to expand her influence through media appearances, books, and more speaking engagements, hoping to reach a wider audience and empower more underrepresented individuals to rise up the corporate ladder without compromising their authenticity.
The urgency of Dawn’s mission in today’s corporate environment cannot be overstated. As businesses worldwide strive to mirror the diversity of the society around them, the need for specialized coaching that addresses the specific challenges faced by underrepresented groups is increasingly critical. Dawn Morton-Young is not just participating in the conversation about diversity and inclusion; she is leading it.
For more insights and to follow her journey in transforming corporate leadership, visit her website at www.dawnmortonyoung.com, and connect with her on LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube under the handle @thediverseleaderscoach. Her pioneering work and ongoing projects promise not just to inspire but to effectuate tangible changes in the way the world does business.
