Dee Hall, Head of Corporate Marketing at Zayo, discovered from a young age that she had an innate ability to get others to open up to her. She learned that if she discovered the “why” behind a person’s actions, she could work with them.
These qualities have remained consistent throughout Dee’s journey from an inquisitive child to a collaborative peer at Spelman College to a marketing leader for 20 years at IBM and finally Zayo. As a seasoned marketer in the tech space, Dee shares her three pieces of advice for women in tech.
View personal success as collective success
Dee Hall’s career journey is a testament to the power of championing others’ accomplishments alongside personal success. She believes that collective success surpasses individual achievements.
She attributes this understanding to her college days at Spelman, where she double majored in mathematics and computer science while working to pay for school. Everything in these two fields involves collaboration, and Dee took full advantage of the teams she was a part of — asking for help when she needed it and providing support for her fellow teammates when they struggled.
Her belief in collaboration and support has been a driving force throughout her career, fostering environments where diverse voices are not just acknowledged but celebrated.
“Surround yourself with good mentors, sponsors, and people you can talk to.” – Dee Hall
Respond to “no” with “why?”
From a young age, Dee’s curious nature led her to understand the motivations of others by questioning the reasons behind their decisions. This habit of responding to “no” with “why?” has not only shaped her leadership style but has also enabled her to connect with people on a deeper level.
By seeking to understand the ‘why,’ Dee has been able to work effectively with individuals and build strong, lasting relationships. She continues to be curious to learn more about those around her. The gift of curiosity serves her well today as a leader and mentor in a space where women – and women of color, in particular – make up a small percentage of her peers.
[Listen to the Podcast Episode: What’s Your Story? With Dee Hall]
See beyond biases
As the head of corporate marketing at Zayo, Dee Hall brings together teams from diverse backgrounds and challenges them to look beyond their biases. She advocates for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging at every level of business, emphasizing the importance of creating a shared vision based on values and camaraderie. Dee’s approach highlights the significance of recognizing and overcoming biases to foster inclusive and innovative environments.
Overall, Dee’s journey underscores the power of connection, curiosity, and advocating for oneself and others. She continues to elevate those around her, fostering environments where diverse perspectives are valued. Dee’s story is a testament to the impact one can have by understanding and valuing the motivations of others, making her a true leader in her field.