50 Leading Women: Dee Maddox
In honor and celebration of our Women’s Division‘s 50th Anniversary, we will be spotlighting 50 Leading Women making an impact, raising their voice, and leading the next generation of women in the workforce and Plano community.
Introducing, Dee Maddox, CEO & Founder of DMX Consulting, LLC. DeAdrian (Dee) Maddox has more than 20 years of SHRM certified human resource experience with an MBA from The George Washington University and a Bachelor of Science in business from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dee launched DMX Consulting, LLC in January of 2021 and has since made her personal character, business expertise, and impact in the community known. Dee is currently a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. – Collin County Alumnae Chapter and was recently honored with the 2022 Volunteer of the Year award by the Junior League of Collin County.
1. Do you remember your first time attending one of our Women’s Division events? Tell us about that experience and what made you want to come back.
I first attended the March 2022 Women’s Division Luncheon. It was a sold-out event that we absolutely amazing. The guest speaker was Cynt Marshall, CEO of the Dallas Mavericks. The message of being a queen and celebrating yourself was topped off by the distribution of tiaras. WOW! After that, I knew I had to come back.
2. Describe your leadership style and how you lead others.
My leadership style is coaching. A coaching leader is someone who can quickly recognize their team members’ strengths, weaknesses, and motivations to help each individual improve. I often assist team members in setting goals and then provide consistent feedback to promote growth. I pride myself on setting clear expectations and creating a positive, motivating environment of enforced accountability.
3. How can women develop their leadership skills in the workforce?
Women can develop their leadership skills in the workforce by volunteering for stretch assignments, speaking up in meetings, and taking time to develop professionally in areas related to technical competence which can build credibility with peers and supervisors.
4. What are the most important decisions you make as a leader?
The most important decision you can make as a leader is to give control instead of orders. Providing opportunities for team members with the most information to make decisions creates an environment for better decisions and future leaders.
5. What has been one of your biggest joys as a leader?
My biggest joy as a leader has been creating other leaders.
6. What strategies could be used to promote inclusion in the workplace?
Strategies that can be used to promote inclusion begin with educating leaders on how to identify, respect, and celebrate differences while using effective communication, sharing goals, and measuring progress.
7. What advice would you give your 25-year-old self?
Don’t be afraid to trust yourself. Love who you are and dance like nobody’s watching.
8. What advice can you give to the next generation of female leaders?
Be authentic. Be unapologetic. Mentor and coach other females to become leaders.
9. Who inspired you and why?
I am inspired by my mother because she was brave and committed to seizing every available opportunity to give me a competitive advantage in my early education.
10. What do you want to be remembered for?
I want to be remembered for loving people.
