Dionne Anderson, the principal and co-founder of The Design Group of Miami, shared with rolling out her inspiration, her role models and what success means to her.
What inspires you to show up at work every day?
My parents are my inspiration. They are my role models. They taught me responsibility and constantly remind me that God is our source.
How did you determine your career path?
I started creating events as a preacher’s kid as early as 8 years old working on holiday programs. I grew up watching my parents host and entertain. I turned my hobby of coordinating church events into managing projects. After working with clients such as Magic Johnson and Tom Joyner with the launch of his Fantastic Voyage, I clearly understood that running celebrity-driven events required a special skill set. From those and other experiences, I was able to appreciate the business of events, and not just the glamor of the end product. The experiences with Magic and Tom gave me on-the -job training that formal training would never have been able to provide.
Define innovative methods you apply to your business and life
My work requires basic logistics, project management, but lots of creativity. That’s where my team and I work very closely together to deliver a “wow” factor to every client. That means we can’t take a cookie-cutter approach to every project because every client wants something special. We sketch out the look and feel of every event in good old fashion pen and pencil first, then we our design software to create a graphic representation of how we transform rooms from the drab to the extraordinary.
Describe goal-setting methods you use and how you evaluate you success?
The SMART goal-setting guide: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely. I evaluate success [as] a person’s ability to balance spiritually and emotionally and being able to give back to your community.
Name your favorite role models for success in two industries.
My great business adviser and mentor, Al Dotson, Jr. Esq., the former chairman of the 100 Black Men of America, and partner of Bilzin Sumberg and a tremendous role model of someone who is deeply involved in the community. Magic Johnson, the former NBA All-Star and champion, who is now a very successful entrepreneur who is always finding ways to build businesses to help diverse communities — and is always giving back.
Names three books that changed how you saw life that you would recommend to others?
Who Stole My Cheese, Spence Johnson
Change Your World Change Your Life, Joyce Myers
Life Overflowing, Bishop T.D. Jakes
Define your personal culture?
Afro-Caribbean
What is your favorite vacation spot?
Port Antonio, Jamaica
