Meet Dawn Paul
We had the good fortune of connecting with Dawn Paul and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Dawn, what’s the most important lesson your business/career has taught you?
Reflecting on my experiences, some key lessons stand out: scaling back can boost your business, the ability to adapt is crucial, and holding grudges is unproductive.
A few years ago, I faced a major setback that left me struggling, and my media company wasn’t growing as I’d hoped. Then, I heard a successful businessman say, “Take small steps.” That resonated with me. I realized I’d been so focused on making big moves to propel my business forward that I’d overlooked the power of small steps. I started by eliminating services I didn’t enjoy, even if they made money. This shift in adapting to change and simplifying my operations ultimately helped grow my media company.
As an entrepreneur, it’s important to realize early on that the people who support you at the start may not be there at the finish line. Some might not want to endure the struggles and only seek the spotlight. When they can’t use you for their agenda, they leave. We live in a time where many expect instant success, like popping something in the microwave and having it ready in seconds. But when things don’t fall into place overnight, they quickly lose interest and move on to the next person or opportunity.
Then there are those who, though not bad people, may lack the maturity to tell you that your path isn’t for them. Remember, your dreams won’t always match another’s. Sometimes people are with you for a season so you can be a blessing to help prepare them for what God has called them to do. To anyone ready to leave a job, how you make your exit says a lot about you. No matter how amazing you were in your role, people will remember the way you left. Take the high road—have an honest, face-to-face (or at least over the phone) conversation that you’re heading in a new direction, and always express gratitude for the opportunity. The world is smaller than you think, and you never know when you might need a recommendation or cross paths with someone from your past. That person you leave on a bad note with? They could be the one holding the door to your next opportunity. Leaving on good terms is always the smart choice.
Believe it or not, I’m genuinely grateful for those who fell off and disappointed me. I hold no resentment or grudge towards them. They served their purpose at the time, and I’m thankful to God that they revealed their true selves so I know who does not need to be on the journey with me moving forward. These experiences have sharpened my discernment about who to work with in the future.
Now, I’m never desperate for support or assistance. In the past, my desperation led me to accept people just to fill a spot, even when their passion was lacking. I’ve learned it’s better to wait for the right person than to bring the wrong energy into my space. I want people who are not just here, but truly present in the position. Provisions aren’t just about money and resources; they include people too. Trusting in God’s plan, I believe He aligns us with the right dream team members as we follow our purpose. His provisions (Philippians 4:19 and Psalm 23:1) are always there to help us fulfill our life’s calling.
Full-time entrepreneurship is a tough road, and one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is this: don’t rush into it without God’s confirmation. I made the mistake of leaving my 9-to-5 before the timing was right. I was so eager to start my entrepreneurial journey and leave my job that I acted out of impatience and emotion. At the time, I thought having some money saved was enough to see me through. At first, things seemed to go well, and my client base started to grow, but then life hit. I found myself struggling with bad business decisions and a partnership that didn’t pan out the way I’d hoped. It wasn’t long before I wished I still had the stability of that 9-to-5 income to fall back on.
There’s no shame in building your business while working a job. Social media loves to highlight the glamorous side of entrepreneurship, but you rarely see the struggles that come with it. And, if entrepreneurship isn’t your thing, that’s okay too! Your gifts and skills are just as valuable to the company you work for, helping them grow and thrive. Whatever path you choose, make sure it’s the one that’s right for you.
Before you start your business, make sure you’ve done your research and seek mentors who truly understand your industry. Look for organizations like SCORE or other groups with experienced entrepreneurs and business professionals who can guide you and help you avoid common mistakes. A great mentor is someone with proven success in the area you’re striving to excel in—someone who’s genuinely invested in seeing you thrive, not intimidated by your potential.
And don’t judge anyone’s expertise based on social media clout alone. Just because someone has a ton of followers or popular posts doesn’t mean they’re the right person to guide you. Take the time to do thorough research, network, and pray for the right mentors who will align with your goals.
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Failure brought me here. Sometimes failure is God’s way of steering you toward where you’re meant to be. I can see that now, but it wasn’t clear during those difficult times. When things don’t go according to my plan, they are going according to God’s (Jeremiah 29:11 and Proverbs 16:9). And when the promises don’t come packaged as I envisioned, I have to remember that He orders the steps.
Disappointment led me to discover my true calling, opening doors to host events for 100 Black Men of America, Inc., leading workshops for Microsoft, and being featured on media platforms that include Atlanta News First, ATL Live Show, FOX26, NBC-KPRC, KHOU11, the CW39, and iHeartMedia.
Now, as a certified life coach, I have the privilege of helping individuals achieve their goals and lead more fulfilling lives. Coaching isn’t just a career for me—it’s a calling. Through coaching, I can support new and prospective coaches, guiding them to successfully maneuver the coaching profession. While certification and training are essential, applying those skills to help clients is a whole different ballgame. I’m proud to be the support system that helps new coaches succeed and make a positive impact in this field.
What makes me stand out as a certified life coach is my genuine way of communicating. It helps build trust and meaningful connections with my clients and individuals. Trust is crucial; without it, the process fails. I am open about my journeys and mistakes. These experiences help me support others, guiding them away from pitfalls I’ve faced.
Drawing from my experience, knowledge, and passion for communications, I proudly own and run Obsessed With Media®. My company delivers strategic marketing to boost brand awareness for both national and global growth. The name came naturally, reflecting my deep love for media—it was an obvious choice.
No matter what I’m doing—whether it’s running my media company, speaking, hosting my show, or coaching—I aim to give everyone an exceptional experience. For me, “serving” is the keyword, and while making a profit is important, I never lose sight of the true purpose. With a service-first mindset, I strive to meet the needs of the clients, viewers, and listeners.
People often tell me, “You’re just real!” Being authentic is easier than pretending to be someone else—I’ve tried, and it’s exhausting. In a world where everyone is trying to fit in and market themselves like others, I choose to be true to myself and my faith as a child of God. Being myself brings freedom and peace. With this mindset, I know I’m not for everyone, and that’s perfectly okay. If I’m not the right coach for you, or not the best guest for your TV show, or not the ideal speaker for your event, that’s fine. God assigns us to different roles to connect with various personalities and people. Rejection isn’t necessarily personal; it’s purposeful. When you face a “no,” remember that many “yeses” await you on the road ahead.
Make sure you catch me live on Thursdays at 7 pm CST for “It’s NO Judgment! Just REALness!” on my YouTube channel @TheDrDawn. I love hosting this show where I get to talk with amazing guests and have honest conversations about the struggles we all face. No judgment—just real talk that connects us all.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m a foodie, but I especially love sweets! If you’ve got a sweet tooth, check out CamiCakes in the Atlanta area and Jewel’s Treats & More in Douglasville, GA. These local spots are a must-visit for anyone who loves a good sweet treat.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost Jesus Christ. When I get out of the way, He can have His way. God always blows my mind. And my mom. I learned the importance of a strong work ethic from my Mom. She was a stay-at-home mom until my siblings and I started school. Once we were older, she joined the workforce. The transition wasn’t easy, but she secured a job at a financial institution. Starting on the night shift, her determination and character stood out over the years. Through hard work, she rose to an executive position, training employees nationwide. Her journey taught me that determination can take you far, no matter where you begin.
To everyone who believed in me when I couldn’t even see my purpose, thank you. To those who gave me a chance to step into what I was meant to do, I’m forever grateful. To every mentor, family member, friend, and supporter who poured into me with their time, resources, and encouragement, your impact has been invaluable. There are too many amazing people to name here (and I’d hate to forget someone), but each of you holds a special place in my heart. I truly believe God has placed incredible individuals in my life at just the right moments.
Website: https://obsessedwithmedia.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedrdawn/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-dr-dawn-67ba872a4/
Twitter: https://x.com/thedrdawn
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheDrDawn/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDrDawn
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