In the intricate web of business ventures under the Global Families of Companies, Dr. Shanelle R. Dawson emerges as a visionary leader, propelling ACCESS Dental Laboratories into a beacon of excellence and inclusivity. With an extensive background in education and organizational leadership, Dr. Dawson navigates the diverse ventures under her purview, including Global SAGE Wellness, ACCESS Dental Laboratories, and ACCESS Global Group, with a remarkable balance that ensures a cohesive and impactful contribution to society. Her portfolio of work promises to provide a path for women to overcome societal obstacles and achieve true empowerment in 2024 and beyond.
How has your extensive background in education and organizational leadership influenced your approach to rebranding ACCESS Dental Laboratories as a leader in the industry and a platform for coaching women in business?
Dr. Shanelle R. Dawson: My extensive background in education and organizational leadership has taught me to consider the client first and foremost and a true leader gives others an opportunity to lead. Here at ACCESS Dental Laboratories, I believe my team is my greatest asset. I have so many knowledgeable individuals with great ideas and perspective. I enjoy listening to them and watching them solve problems. They are the true leaders. My decision to create a platform for coaching stemmed from my own needs. I recall wishing I had a coach but not being able to afford the service so I created an affordable coaching platform. Oftentimes, I sit and wonder, what is it I need, is it available, if not, I create it.
As the principal owner of the Global Families of Companies, how do you balance the diverse ventures within the umbrella, such as Global SAGE Wellness, ACCESS Dental Laboratories, and ACCESS Global Group, to ensure a cohesive and impactful contribution to society?
Dr. Shanelle R. Dawson: Fortunately, I operate in a space where I am able to focus on all businesses daily. From mindfulness and meditation to plant based eating and fitness, I embody Global SAGE Wellness. Creating a wellness plan transformed my life. I view ACCESS Dental Laboratories as a community venture. ADL is my service to others. The original mission was to be a fixture in the Syracuse community and to serve underrepresented groups. Of course we aim to turn a profit but our focus is community and people. I still believe in the mission, wholeheartedly. ACCESS Global Group is an equity company and as a Black woman, I experience issues of equity daily. The work I do in AGG empowers me to speak up when dealing with issues of inequity. I believe the ACCESS Global Family of Companies is a web of interconnected enterprises.
Your commitment to equity is evident across your ventures. How do you see ACCESS Dental Laboratories playing a role in promoting diversity and inclusion within the dental industry, and what strategic pivots have you made to support overall well-being within your organization?
Dr. Shanelle R. Dawson: We have people from all backgrounds and all levels of education at ACCESS Dental Laboratories; from technicians who hold master degrees to CADAM designers with high school diplomas. I believe everyone deserves an opportunity. At ACCESS Dental Laboratories, we value work ethic, people and community. For me, a strategic pivot is when you deliberately blow up your life and rebuild it with intentionality and authenticity. In 2023, I blew up my entire life and early this year, I reorganized my laboratory. I believe you have to be willing to listen to God’s Whispers, this is your intuition, these are the messages you receive when you need a word from God. These recent changes have transformed my organization for the better. All in all, the goal was to support my team. Based on the changes, I know they feel supported and valued.
ACCESS Global Group focuses on cultural competency and equity in education and employment. How do these values manifest in your leadership approach at ACCESS Dental Laboratories, and what steps have you taken to ensure a culturally competent and inclusive workplace?
Dr. Shanelle R. Dawson: A component of our training at ACCESS Dental Laboratories, includes soft skills training, financial literacy and home ownership. Our goal is to address the barriers to employment while creating space for people to feel seen, heard, and know they belong. Everyone has a voice at ADL and I know my team members are comfortable enough to share their thoughts, ideas, and perspectives. We are the sum total of our experiences and all experiences are valued.
Being the first 100%, African American-owned, woman-led, full-service dental laboratory in the country is a significant achievement. How do you leverage this distinction to inspire and mentor other women looking to make their mark in traditionally male-dominated industries?
Dr. Shanelle R. Dawson: Truth be told, when speaking with women, I encourage them to believe, everything is possible. I help them minimize man-centric views while nurturing woman-centric ideologies. I do not believe in limiting my ideas or thoughts. If I can see it in my mind I can create it. I help women eliminate negative self-talk and embrace everything life has to offer. I truly believe everything is possible and I can manifest whatever I envision and I help other women do the same.
Looking ahead, As a Consultant, Coach, Author, Professional Speaker, what are you most excited about for 2024?
Dr. Shanelle R. Dawson: I am excited about the trajectory and growth of ACCESS Dental Laboratories and development of leaders in my organization. I am also extremely excited about WEB, my wellness, equity, and business development framework that provides a path for women to overcome societal obstacles and achieve true empowerment.
Be sure to connect with Dr. Shanelle R. Dawson on social media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/accessdentallabs/
X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/ACCESSDentalLab
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AccessDentalLaboratories/
Website: https://accessdentallaboratories.com/
