We recently connected with Dawn Paul Aka The Dr. Dawn and have shared our conversation below.

Dawn Paul aka, appreciate you joining us today. Looking back, what’s an important lesson you learned at a prior job?

The most important lessons I’ve learned as a business owner didn’t just come from great jobs—they also came from the tough ones, the toxic environments, and the challenging leaders I’ve worked under. Those experiences taught me just as much, if not more, about the kind of leader I strive to be as an entrepreneur.

I’ve worked under micromanagers who didn’t trust their teams, and it showed. High turnover was common because people don’t stay in environments where they feel stifled. That kind of mindset makes it hard for people to feel valued or motivated to stay.

Then there’s the issue of hiring. I’ve seen leaders bring in someone—or meet them and bring them on—without doing their research, only to have that person disrupt the entire team dynamic. A good leader needs to use their God-given discernment—it’s not just about qualifications or charisma. If you let the wrong person stay, you risk losing the loyal, hardworking people who were already there.

I’ve also been in environments where backstabbing wasn’t encouraged, but it wasn’t discouraged either. That kind of culture creates distrust and damages productivity. And I’ve worked at companies that ruled with fear—where mistakes weren’t seen as opportunities to learn but as reasons to humiliate. I’ll never forget the time a manager sent an email to the entire team, copying other leaders, and called out individuals by name for a project delay. I was one of those names. It didn’t teach me anything except how to doubt myself. It was discouraging and left me questioning my abilities.

At the same time, I’ve been fortunate to work under incredible leaders, too. Those were the environments where I thrived. We were trusted to own our roles, empowered to make decisions, and encouraged to bring ideas to the table. Even if an idea wasn’t approved, we were given the “why,” which helped us align better with the company’s goals. The mistakes we made became learning experiences that helped us grow, improve, and contribute more effectively. How a leader responds to mistakes can either build someone up or tear them down, and it can make or break the team’s spirit. That kind of leadership inspired us to go above and beyond—not just for ourselves, but for the success of the team, the company, and the clients we served.

One of the best lessons I learned from a great boss was this: don’t just check the box—think about the long-term impact of what you’re doing. That mindset stuck with me and shaped how I approach my own work. It taught me that leadership isn’t just about results—it’s about creating an environment where people feel empowered to grow and contribute.

Now, as a business owner, I carry those lessons with me. I’m mindful of how I communicate with my team and how I set expectations. I have high standards, but I make sure to communicate them in a way that’s clear and encouraging. I always say thank you—not just with financial compensation, but with words of appreciation. It matters. Showing genuine concern for the people you work with—their lives, their challenges—makes a difference too. Your team needs to know you care.

And when things don’t go as planned (because let’s face it, they won’t always), I remind myself to stay calm. Mistakes hit differently when it’s your business, but how you react matters. I focus on solutions, give constructive feedback, and discuss how we can improve moving forward. If someone has a good attitude and is willing to learn, they’ll thrive. But if they don’t, they’re not the right fit for my team.

At the end of the day, every experience—good or bad—has taught me something valuable. And I’m grateful to God for all of it because it’s shaped the way I lead today.

Dawn Paul aka, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My journey has been anything but straightforward, but it’s taught me that failure often leads to God’s grace, and rejection is His way of redirecting us. Of course, it rarely feels that way in the moment.

I moved to Houston with dreams of becoming an attorney, but when law school didn’t work out (I flunked out), I felt lost and unsure of what was next. What seemed like a major setback at the time turned out to reveal my true gifts in media, coaching, and entrepreneurship. That unexpected turn opened doors I never imagined—leading Microsoft workshops, earning recognition in radio and podcasting, and appearing on TV and the news. I’ve come to see rejection not as an ending, but as God’s way of guiding me to something better.

Today, as The Dr. Dawn®, I’m a certified life coach, national speaker, and founder of Obsessed With Media®. Through my award-winning platform, It’s No Judgment! Just REALness! I’ve been able to uplift others, share wisdom and my faith, and connect with audiences in meaningful ways.

To anyone reading this: failure doesn’t define you. It refines you. Challenges bring lessons and opportunities. I’m still learning to embrace the unknown and enjoy the ride, knowing God’s plans are always greater than mine (Ephesians 3:20-21).

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I had to pivot during a really challenging time in my life a few years ago. I was dealing with a personal setback and struggling to find my way. At the same time, my media company wasn’t growing the way I had hoped. I felt stuck and overwhelmed.

Then, I came across some advice from a successful businessman who said, “Take small steps.” That really spoke to me. I realized I had been so focused on trying to make these big, bold moves to push my business forward that I forgot how powerful small, intentional steps can be. Small steps bring big success.

One of the first things I did to pivot was get off social media. Now, don’t get me wrong—I love social media. But at that time, it felt like a distraction. I didn’t want to post just to look busy or keep up appearances. I even stopped posting on my personal page. I needed to step back, focus on God’s Word, and really listen for His direction.

From there, I started to pivot by making small but meaningful changes. One of the biggest was removing services from my business that I didn’t enjoy doing, even if they brought in money. It wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. Scaling back and simplifying my media business helped me scale and grow.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

It’s all about reputation. Whether it’s good or bad, it will always precede you.

People may see me on news platforms or hear me as a speaker, but the real question is: Am I an effective life coach? How is my character? Do I handle my business with integrity?

What sets me apart as a certified life coach (beyond getting results) is my natural ability to communicate in a genuine way that builds connection and trust. If people don’t trust you, the process simply won’t work. I’m also transparent about my journey and mistakes. I don’t pretend to have it all together or act as if I’ve never faced challenges. In fact, those mistakes have become one of my greatest assets—they allow me to help clients avoid the same pitfalls I’ve encountered. I often hear people say, “You’re just real!” And honestly, I can’t be anything but myself. Trying to be someone you’re not is exhausting—I’ve been there, and it’s not worth it.

In a world where so many are trying to imitate others or market themselves like everyone else, I stand out because I stand firmly in who I am and whose I am—a child of God. The freedom in that is indescribable, but it brings me peace. If I’m not the coach for you, that’s okay. If I’m not the guest for your TV show, that’s okay. If I’m not the speaker for your event, that’s okay. God calls us to different assignments to reach different people, and I know I’m not meant for everyone. Rejection isn’t always personal—it’s purposeful. Where there’s a “no,” I trust that the road ahead holds many “yeses.”

Another reason I’ve built a strong reputation in both my media company and communications work is that I always deliver with excellence. I’m committed to providing clients with an exceptional experience. As a professional writer, editor, and former managing editor for a publication, I’ve developed a sharp eye for detail. Your average graphic designer won’t check your content for grammatical or spelling errors—they’ll focus on design, as they should. But at Obsessed With Media®, we do both. Not only will you get superb design work, but I’ll also review and edit your content to ensure it aligns with the message you want to convey. Yes, AI tools are helpful, but there’s no substitute for a human eye to make sure your content truly resonates with your audience.

Part of what inspired me to start Obsessed With Media® was my own frustration as a client. I dealt with businesses that didn’t deliver, didn’t value me, or produced subpar work with no passion behind it. I had to chase them down for materials, and the quality often didn’t match what I paid for. That experience shaped how I approach my own business. I go above and beyond for my clients, offering professional writing and editing services, media coaching, consulting, graphic design, and other first-rate communications services.

Whether it’s through my media company or my coaching practice, my goal is always to provide everyone I work with an amazing experience. I once heard a business owner say, “Serving is the key,” and that really stuck with me. Yes, business is about being profitable, but I never lose sight of the purpose. With a servant mindset, I’m able to successfully serve my clients.

By working and delivering with a standard of excellence, my reputation has not only brought me returning clients but also referrals and incredible opportunities.

To stay connected, follow me on all social media platforms (@TheDrDawn)—TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube. Follow me, and I’ll follow you back!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://obsessedwithmedia.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedrdawn/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheDrDawn/
• Twitter: https://x.com/TheDrDawn
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDrDawn