Celebrating the Women of Collabera in Honor of International Women's Day

Q&A: SVP Dawn Serpe shares her best advice and how she found balance in an ever-changing world

In recognition of International Women’s Day, we’ve interviewed one of Collabera’s female leaders, Dawn Serpe, Senior Vice President and executive management committee member. Dawn recently reached her 8-year anniversary with Collabera, where she spearheads the Women’s Leadership Advisory Board and Talent and Culture Committee.  

Q: What is the best career advice you’ve received?

I’ve received a lot of career advice from colleagues and a few mentors along the way. When I first got into our business, my first manager gave me this simple advice that has guided my career: Never settle. Those two words are always in my head, in everything I do, when I get up in the morning, every call or meeting with clients or working with our teams to help them be successful. The notion has made me stretch and challenge myself to never be limited to working in one function or managing one area. 

In addition, always have an open mind and be up for anything. When the executive team is looking to expand the business or operations, they know they can count on me since I’m always open to new possibilities and opportunities. 

Q: What is your career advice for others?

Be transparent and be honest. This is critical to build trust among colleagues, clients and other leaders.  They will know they can rely on you being truthful and sharing reality. In this way, you can become a trusted advisor who people believe in and respect.

I actively mentor a handful of women at Collabera who range in their career levels from senior account manager to vice president and in different business units. I’m always telling my mentees this same advice on how to handle a particular situation. No matter your level or area of expertise, being transparent and honest will make you a reliable and respected colleague.

Q: How can men serve as allies for women in the workplace?

This is super important. Being an ally is more about supporting the individual and what they need to be successful, rather than having a one-size-fits-all approach. People in managerial positions, including men, need to realize they serve many roles: business partner, teacher, mentor, coach. Male managers need to recognize that different people need different levels of support and you need to have different management styles for each person and be responsive to that. 

Q: What’s your take on work/life balance? How did the pandemic change your work/life balance?

I’ve always thought work-life balance is very important. You have to be happy at home and happy at work, otherwise one or the other will suffer. It’s impossible to separate completely the two and not have one area carry over and affect the other. It’s an absolute must to have personal priorities, whether that’s making time to go to the gym or spending time with your family and friends. Having the right balance for you will do so much to support that happiness both at home and at work.

As for the pandemic, many people had to figure out a different form of work-life balance, whether that was setting up a home office area or managing home schooling with children. It was a different kind of stress on how to find and manage a new rhythm.  For me, I was traveling almost every week prior to the pandemic and suddenly, I’m sitting at home on my laptop on Zoom or Teams meetings all day. On top of that, my husband was working from home too so we had to figure out how to co-work in the same space. The best outcome about the work/life balance change from the pandemic is that being home lets us spend more time with our family and pets. My dog is very happy, too.