Our Lead(H)er series features impressive women leaders in the tech industry. In this Q&A, we are featuring Debi Dowling, SVP Business Operations and COS to CEO at Onapsis.
Where did you grow up and how would you describe yourself as a child?
I grew up in the UK in a town called Reading just outside London. I had always wanted to move to America. As soon as I started traveling for work, I knew it was where I needed to be! I have been stateside now for just over 6 years in New Hampshire and most recently to escape the LONG winters have moved to sunnier climates of North Carolina, but I still get my Boston fix traveling back for work most months!
What did you study in college and what was your first job out of school?
I studied Business Studies at college and had absolutely no idea what I wanted to do when I left school. I saw an ad for Vodafone back in the day when a mobile phone was the size of a brick and only used for absolute emergencies! It was a 2-year rotation program to learn about all aspects of business from Sales to Marketing to Customer Support and it also allowed me to continue my studies with a certification with the Institute of Credit Management. I ended up staying just over 10 years at Vodafone in a variety of roles including Customer Services, Credit Analysis and ultimately became the Head of Risk Strategy for the UK.
Can you share the details on your career path and what were the critical moments that got you to where you are today?
After 10 years at Vodafone I knew I needed to make a decision - would it end up being a ‘job for life’ or should I explore the big world outside of this very structured company. I took the plunge and ended up leaving for a start-up opportunity in the city of London. Wow, it was such a change from the process and discipline I thought I loved at Vodafone to being thrown into the chaos and delight of start-ups - I think that is where I got my real passion for working in more early stage companies and having the opportunity to really help shape the future!
I really focused my career around Project Management and Business Operations with a real love for Services. I moved several times in my career from start-up to corporate and back again most recently spending just over 8 years at Juniper where I moved into the Chief of Staff world and worked with 3 very different leaders over the years and also relocated to the USA.
What is your current role and responsibilities?
I am currently SVP of Business Operations and COS to the CEO at Onpasis and this is my 4th and I have to say favorite COS role to date (I mean I have to say that right - the boss is probably reading this!). All joking aside, I think the COS in a start-up is VERY different to that in my last 3 roles in a non-start-up environment. Every day I get to do what I love and no days are ever the same. I get to work in all aspects of the business from leading hands on functional teams (Right now I am running our Marketing organization, Business Operations and Company Enablement) and I have also lead some of our most strategic company initiatives - most recently working with the Chasm Institute on our ‘Crossing the Chasm’ initiative as we move into a much more focused and deliberate GTM approach. I also get to work on what I love most, which is employee engagement initiatives - these focus on wellness activities (we launched our 4.5 day work week last year) and community events and communications and development.
Looking back, is this where you thought you’d be professionally? Was it always your goal to be in this position?
I think about 10 years ago I really started to understand what the COS role was and thought this is exactly what I want to do - I get to experience so many aspects of running a business, work with the smartest leaders and teams and help to really drive business outcomes and use my project management skills effectively. I may not always be the expert but I can ask the right questions and run a damn good project plan to achieve the outcomes we need!
What are the most important skills that you need to do your job well?
- You need to be really organized and agile - I often feel like I am spinning 10 plates!
- Ask Questions - Be curious - but more importantly LISTEN to really understand
- Always be learning - LinkedIN learning is one of my go to’s
- Be Humble and Patient
- Lean In - I often have to roll-up my sleeves, I always learned to never ask someone to do something I wouldn't be prepared to do myself, and that stands true to this day!
- Have fun! Life is short and we spend a LOT of time at work - do what you love and love what you do or you’ll end up having really really long days!
What do you find most interesting/rewarding about your work? What’s the most challenging?
I get to work with so many different people and areas of the business, I sometimes feel like I am airlifted in to work on a specific project or challenge. I love to be able to see how the outcome of the project can change the direction or results for a team - Ultimately I like to hope that I make things easier for teams to operate. The sad part is moving on to the next challenge but I always feel with every team there is something to learn and take onto my next task.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment?
I was the youngest ever senior manager in Vodafone UK history at the age of 26 - Not bad for a girl who hadn’t been to university and worked her way up from trainee to ultimately running all of UK risk strategy!
Also more recently, while working at Juniper Networks on a project in Germany, I was awarded a pair of ‘employee only’ trainers from our customer, Deutsche Telekom. These were highly sought after and were given to me as a Thank You for a Program I was running.
Are you involved with any professional organizations outside of the company? Volunteer work?
I participate in our OnaCares program. Its mission is to: "Inspire, improve, and strengthen individuals through supporting philanthropic initiatives that promote positive change in our communities". Over the years, Onapsis has supported many non-profit organizations focused on hunger, homelessness, children’s education programs, healthcare, elder care, and many other charities. With our worldwide growth, it is amazing to see our global offices share in this important initiative as part of our culture and core values.
Q&A
How do you manage stress?
I actually like a bit of stress in my day - it keeps the heart pumping and I think I thrive on it! I certainly think that switching off at the end of the day helps - I physically close my home office door and try not to look at email in the evening….which is very difficult in this technology world we live in! Also Wine - Wine helps…..and Singing - loudly that helps as well!
How many cups of coffee do you have in a day?
Ha - well probably way too many - I start my day normally at 5am and by 10am I have probably had at least 6 and then I stop!
Any book or podcast recommendations?
I mentioned LinkedIN learning earlier - I love listening to their audio ‘Blinklist’ summaries - these are a great way to get some bite-sized learning on the go. Also I would highly recommend ‘Crossing the Chasm’ by Geofrrey Moore.
What advice do you have for recent college graduates?
Never give up, always say ‘Yes’ to that additional task or project, put yourself out there - there are a LOT of people you will come across in your career that are making it up as they go! Stay strong, ask questions and be curious!
