Dawn Heimer On The Importance Of Professional Business Networks

An Interview with Vanessa Ogle

Before a need arises, connect people within your network to each other; be a matchmaker. You could transform someone’s life by introducing them to the right business partner, expert, or visionary.

In today’s fast-paced business world, professional networks are more than just a pathway to opportunities; they are crucial for growth, learning, and innovation. Whether it’s finding mentors, navigating career changes, or driving business success, the right network can be a game changer. How significant are these networks, and how can professionals best leverage them? I had the pleasure of interviewing Dawn Heimer.

Dawn Heimer, PhD, is the editor of the collaborative memoir “Determined To Be Extraordinary Spectacular Stories of Modern Women in STEM.” She brings her unique blend of clinical research and executive leadership experience to her Leadership Coaching practice in Rhode Island and New York City. As a former Manager at a Fortune 500 Company, she guides clients to unleash their enthusiasm, lead with purpose, and reach new heights of fulfillment; discover more about her and modern women in STEM on her website, www.dawnheimer.com, by email at: connect@dawnheimer.com.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit more. Can you tell us a bit about your “backstory”? What led you to this particular career path?

I grew up in a small town in western New York with more cows and corn than people. After I inherited suitcases full of college nursing books, I could often be found with my nose in a book. Fortunately for me, those books had glorious illustrations of the layers of dissected frogs and human skin, sparking my interest in science. True to my upbringing, I have pursued academic and industry-sponsored research for over 30 years. I obtained my Ph.D. in Behavioral Genetics from the University of Connecticut, where I conducted family studies in dyslexia and gender differences in learning and memory in small animals. I left academics to join Industry-sponsored research, and since then, I’ve become a clinical research executive with a passion for developing best practices and maintaining regulatory relationships. I have worked at some of the largest healthcare companies in the world, including Johnson & Johnson and Bayer Healthcare, where I spearheaded clinical research operations on a global scale. My expertise lies in strategic planning, due diligence, and guiding teams in efficiency and engagement. I’ve always been motivated by the challenges of complex problems within strict guidelines and tight timelines. I have recently become a Leadership Coach with a growing practice, published my first book, and am an accomplished abstract photographer.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?

The concept for my book project started several years ago when I thought it would be great to do a book of professional portraits and motivational quotes from women engineers I worked with. Every day, these women did amazing work, but they were invisible. I wanted to show the world that we look just like everyone else and that the role models young girls are looking for are right here to inspire them. That concept bounced around in my mind for a few years, and then, after reading children’s science books targeted at young girls, my 10-year-old and I were frustrated. Most of the women in the books were dead, so their stories were written by someone else, and the books were illustrated, which I think downplays the significance of their work. Kids’ books of substance about modern women in STEM didn’t exist. That was it. I couldn’t let the concept sit in my head any longer without acting on it. I changed the original concept a little bit to become a collaborative memoir of modern women in STEM, with quotes and photographs. Once I had decided to do it, there was no stopping me. I started by researching how to develop a website to collect stories. Then, I partnered with several of the major scientific associations geared toward women to put out a call for stories. In about two years, I collected stories from 27 women from around the globe. Each step of the way was a significant learning experience for me as I was doing many things for the first time.

Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

Well, this didn’t feel funny at the time, but now I can look back on it with a smile and reflect on the lessons learned. Early in my career, I was given the responsibility of bringing critical supplies to a client meeting. I was young and very keen on making a good impression to prove myself. The night before the meeting, we had a big snowstorm, and I couldn’t park in my designated spot. The next morning, I realized my car had been towed, and I had the critical supplies in my hands.

I immediately called my boss to explain what had happened, and he said, “Don’t worry. You have practiced the material, and you know it very well. Give the presentation when you get here.” I was a little shocked that he was so kind as I was panicking, but that was exactly the response I needed to calm down and figure out what to do next.

It was a great lesson on the burden of responsibility. I learned that I shouldn’t take shortcuts in high-stakes situations where other people are depending on me. I also learned how to support employees when their emotions are high so they can perform their job well and get the company the results they need to be successful.

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?

For several years, I was working in a professional capacity and conducting my PhD research at the same time, mostly on the weekends and holidays. I came to the point where I thought I had to choose between work and school. After much deliberation, I decided to quit my job. I went into my boss’s office to resign, and I was caught off guard when he asked, “What can I do to make you stay?” I knew opportunities like this didn’t happen often, so I quickly composed myself and said, “Time off from work with pay to finish my degree.” Well, that’s just what I got. My company had a special program for employees pursuing PhD, and I started it shortly after. It changed the course of my life, and I will always feel indebted to the company, Bayer Healthcare, and my boss, Marc Thibonnier. At the time, it was the greatest gift I had ever received.

Is there a particular book that made a significant impact on you? Can you share a story or explain why it resonated with you so much?

“James and the Giant Peach” by Roald Dahl is one of my favorite books. It describes the journey of a young, orphaned boy named James, who went from being a child mistreated by his aunts to a loyal friend, navigator, and storyteller with a giant peach pit for a house in Central Park, New York City. Due to a magic potion that James accidentally spills on the lawn, everything the potion touches grows to enormous proportions. This leads him on an adventure of floating in the ocean inside an enormous peach with several life-sized insects. Through their journey, they have to defend the peach against hungry sharks, guide their way back and keep the group working together until they are lifted out of the ocean, fly away, and land on top of the Empire State Building to safety. It contains many important lessons that my young mind thrived on. It highlights the importance of resilience, friendship, teamwork, creative problem-solving, and hope for the future. I am a very optimistic and futuristic person and probably gleaned some of those personality traits from the book.

How have you used your success to make the world a better place?

I’ve had the privilege of working for companies that improve the healthcare of patients and have developed numerous medical therapies. Outside of work, I am using my experience and that of 27 other STEM leaders from around the world to empower young girls to pursue STEM fields by providing them with modern role models. Highlighting successful women in STEM in the collaborative memoir helps break down stereotypes and promotes diversity in scientific fields. Through clinical research and advocacy for girls in STEM, I am improving patient care and creating a world where the next generation of female scientists can thrive.

What strategies do you recommend for building and maintaining strong professional business networks?

1. Look for opportunities to help people in your network before they ask you.
2. Show your appreciation for anything they do for you or others and publicly acknowledge it when appropriate.
3. Always conduct yourself with tact, grace, humility, and integrity.
4. When opportunities arise, be reliable and offer solutions.
5. Always help someone in need.
6. Be empathetic.

Can you share a personal story about how a professional business network has significantly impacted your career or business?

Several years ago, I had an Executive Coach with whom I built a long-term relationship. Since then, we have done more than keep in touch. We’re each other’s sounding board, cheerleader, teacher, and coach. Our conversations are full of positive energy and aspirations for the future. We help guide each other in times of doubt and uncertainty, big and small. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for her.

In your experience, what are the common misconceptions about networking, and how can professionals overcome them?

Firstly, that it’s hard or a chore; when done well, it lifts your spirit. Secondly, there’s a funny thing about the people in your network: the people you’ve met most recently are the ones most likely to help you. The friends you’ve had for 10 years won’t lift a finger, but the person you sat next to at the museum fundraiser last month has your back; why is that? New acquaintances are often motivated by “reciprocity.” They are eager to build a positive relationship with you by being helpful. Also, since recent interactions are fresh in our minds, the emotional impact is stronger, so new acquaintances might feel more immediate emotional ties and a desire to establish goodwill. In contrast, long-time friends have settled into comfortable patterns with you where the urgency to reciprocate favors is gone.

Can you please share your “5 Ways to Make the Most of a Professional Business Network”? If you can, please share an example or story for each.

1. Make a good first impression. That often becomes the lens through which someone sees you moving forward, setting their perspective about your strengths and personality. This happened to me the first time I met a future boss during a business deal, and for years, he told the story of how we first met and the positive impression that I made on him.
2. Be nice. That’s what people will remember most about you, so when they see an opportunity that suits your background, they will recommend you. I have had several job referrals from people in my network who remembered me as someone who was nice to work with.
3. Always offer to help. It is surprisingly easy to help another person if that’s your outlook and mindset. All efforts, big or small, make the person you helped want to return the favor. Imagine if all acts of kindness were returned with more kindness.
4. Keep notes on the likes, dislikes, and personal information about people in your network in your digital contact software until you get to know them better. This will allow you to have more engaging and personal conversations, strengthen your relationship, and make true connections.
5. Before a need arises, connect people within your network to each other; be a matchmaker. You could transform someone’s life by introducing them to the right business partner, expert, or visionary.

What role does digital networking play in today’s business environment, and how can individuals maximize its potential while maintaining meaningful connections?

Digital networking has changed almost every facet of our lives, from telemedicine to crowdfunding to online learning. Some of the most exciting opportunities lie in the ability to create diverse networks of experts and professionals to optimize decision-making and innovation. Also, having access to the experts in your network’s network can be very powerful if you are in any type of research: medical, marketing, scientific, consumer, etc. Digital networking also makes collaborative projects richer and easier to execute. Despite the range and speed of access in the digital world, the cardinal rules of relationship building and maintenance still apply. People still need and crave genuine and authentic connections. I like to think that the digital world can make it easier to be yourself as there is less pressure to copy the style and attitudes of others.

You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good for the greatest number of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.

I believe that all girls have a basic human right to an education. The success and advancement of boys should not come first. Girls deserve more than being relegated to the kitchen and marriage.

We are very blessed that some very prominent names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them.

Oprah Winfrey is at the top of my list for developing a relationship. She is very passionate about advancing the lives of women and children, and her emphasis on education and reading through her foundations are in perfect alignment with my goals of inspiring girls to pursue STEM fields. I have great respect for her and her charitable works, and it would be a dream come true to collaborate with her. I sincerely believe the book project could change the lives of many, and her support could provide an enormous boost. I am looking for new contributors for the 2nd edition, and her endorsement would greatly facilitate the continuation of this great work.

How can our readers further follow your work online?

I can be found online at:

www.DawnHeimer.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-heimer-phd/

https://www.facebook.com/ModernWomeninSTEM/

Thank you for these fantastic insights. We greatly appreciate the time you spent on this.

About The Interviewer: Vanessa Ogle is a mom, entrepreneur, inventor, writer, and singer/songwriter. Vanessa’s talent in building world-class leadership teams focused on diversity, a culture of service, and innovation through inclusion allowed her to be one of the most acclaimed Latina CEO’s in the last 30 years. She collaborated with the world’s leading technology and content companies such as Netflix, Amazon, HBO, and Broadcom to bring innovative solutions to travelers and hotels around the world. Vanessa is the lead inventor on 120+ U.S. Patents. Accolades include: FAST 100, Entrepreneur 360 Best Companies, Inc. 500 and then another six times on the Inc. 5000. Vanessa was personally honored with Inc. 100 Female Founder’s Award, Ernst and Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and Enterprising Women of the Year among others. Vanessa now spends her time sharing stories to inspire and give hope through articles, speaking engagements and music. In her spare time she writes and plays music in the Amazon best selling new band HigherHill, teaches surfing clinics, trains dogs, and cheers on her children.

Please connect with Vanessa here on linkedin and subscribe to her newsletter Unplugged as well as follow her on Substack, Instagram, Facebook, and X and of course on her website VanessaOgle.