Three Questions with Sr. Customer Success Manager, Tony Dahl

Tony Dahl is a person of many talents. “Colorful, interesting and always challenging” – that’s how she describes her journey to SailPoint. She’s owned a catering company, worked in real estate, and managed marketing for a civil engineering company, to name just a few of the many hats she has worn. Now, she keeps our customers happy as a senior CSM on the SailPoint Crew. We sat down with Tony to hear how she stays grounded, what inspires her and what drives her as a leader.

Where will we find you at 10 a.m. on a Saturday, and how does that routine/ritual help you be a better leader during the workweek?

First of all, I start each day reflecting (and sometimes journaling) all that I have to be thankful for. Kids, SailPoint, friends. I have been blessed over and over in my life, and I never want to lose sight of that.

But at 10:00 on a Saturday morning, you’ll find me making pancakes for breakfast. Sometimes with chocolate chips. Sometimes with strawberries. Always with bacon. It’s a ritual that I enjoy because it’s my time to connect with my kiddos and love on them purposefully.

I don’t know that this makes me a better leader, but it certainly helps me in the mom category. All the challenges of the work week sort of disappear when I’m flipping the flapjacks.

What woman inspires you, and how do they influence your leadership style?

Do I have to choose just one? There are so many women in my life that have inspired me. My sister, Janice, taught me how to be strong. My mom taught me compassion and empathy. My friend, Shawnda, taught me how to walk in another person’s shoes. As a CSM, you need all of these qualities to be able to do this job effectively.

How do you keep yourself grounded in times of high stress or change?  

My kids definitely keep me grounded. The other day they grabbed a curtain rod and a volleyball, went out to the back yard, and started playing their version of baseball. This is a stressful period of time, and yet they found a way to make it fun.

I hope I don’t sound redundant,  but I believe that an attitude of gratitude certainly helps me feel more grounded. With this COVID-19 madness, we are living in a crazy world, and things seem to be changing daily. When I feel like I’m going nutso being at home, I again reflect on all the good that I have in my life.

I also like to get my body moving, even if it’s just for a walk around the block. Exercise seems to be a universal way to relieve stress.