Deena, thank you so much for taking out the time to speak with us today! Tell us about Mosaic Blueprint!
Mosaic Blueprint is a two things; it’s a job board where candidates can upload their resumes confidentially and apply for jobs online, and we also conduct executive searches for companies that are seeking (and value) diversity at the executive level. I tell my clients that it’s important for people of color to see people that look like them in those executive corner offices – if we don’t see this, then filters automatically raise such as “will this organization encourage and value me as a contributor to this bottom line and create opportunities to be promoted”?
What inspired you to launch Mosaic Blueprint?
I’ve always had a ‘connector type’ of personality. I love referring people to the resources they need to take them to the next step in achieving quantitative or qualitative success. About 18 years ago I had my first thoughts of having my own temporary staffing firm as a way of helping individuals and families cross the threshold in achieving meaningful employment.
Despite recurring thoughts of entrepreneurial endeavors, I took the path of least resistance and went on to achieve a successful career as a paid public servant. I postponed my entrepreneurial desires because I suffered from a dis-ease called Entrepreneurial phobia!
As a leader and as a responsible human being, you have to be courageous enough to really listen to and pursue your heart’s voice, not the voice of fear. You must be willing to believe in yourself wholeheartedly. One day I came across a quote that struck a chord within me:
“After considering all the ways to fail, I finally took the leap of faith and found myself flying”.
That was all I needed to make my decision to make Mosaic Blueprint a reality and I haven’t looked back.
How did you come up with your company name?
Since diversity is a passion of mine I wanted something that encompassed a wide range of elements. The first thing that came to my mind was “Mosaic” which means a combination of diverse elements, and with the word “Blueprint” I wanted to display a strategic plan of action, a career blueprint to follow.
What did it entail to get started?
Networking – Asking questions – More Networking – Reinventing yourself – Networking Some more – Asking more questions – Keep Networking – and Reinventing yourself again.
Deena, you've just opened the door to one of the issues we're really big about--networking. We've all heard about the power of networking and how essential it is to business and career success. As a master networker yourself, how important do you think networking really is for all entrepreneurs/biz owners and especially to Black women--and how does one do it right to yield the most benefit?
Networking is vital for any new or existing business and there is definitely an art to it. People network in different ways, and networking isn’t a one size fits all type of thing either. Now for me, networking comes easily – it’s a natural art and it’s genuine. I believe in building authentic and selfless relationships where I can promote and encourage others without expectations. People are smart, they can tell if you’re networking with them only for self promotion – they may last for a short while, but do you really want that? Or, do you want long lasting networking relationships that may create success avenues for both parties?
For those that struggle with networking or tend to be more on the introverted side, here are some basic rules of engagement:
1. Remember that people form an impression of you within the first 20 seconds of initially meeting. So take into account your demeanor, body language, tone of voice, and attire.
2. Be able to tell people about what it is you do in nine words or less – make it dynamic enough for them to ask more about you. For instance, someone I recently met told me “I help small businesses attract more clients”. Now being a small business myself I’d want to know how she does this. Get the picture?
3. Ask about them. Be interested in learning about the person and truly “listen” to them without concentrating on “what will I say next?”.
4. Know that the person you met is probably wanting to network with others in the room as well so don’t dominate their time – move on.
5. Follow up with a simple, short and sweet email and try to schedule some time to meet for coffee or lunch to further your conversation.
And for us as Black Women it’s crucial to network. But we also have to be willing to trust each other to network more effectively. Mistrust has caused splintered communities that we must bring together in order to prosper. Some of us may think or feel “what will happen to me if she becomes successful?”. That mindset has to change. And always follow your gut instincts (your gut never lies) – if a new networking relationship isn’t feeling positive or is too one-sided, pray for them and move on. Bottom line, there’s so much out there for us and when that handful of us makes it, I encourage them to not cut off the ladder behind them. I know that I won’t…
Deena, the wisdom you just offered is priceless. I know our readers (myself included) will go back and read that piece over and over again and take something new and valuable away from it each time. Thank you so much for that! You also spoke of a principle I try to live by and which several sisterpreneurs have reverberated in recent conversations and that is that there is enough to go around for all of us--and that we must be confident enough in ourselves and our own purpose/enterprises to be able to see another sister prosper and excel and to help one another along the way.
Yes, this has to be our mindset and I think we're collectively moving in this direction more now than ever before.
Deena, describe your typical day at the helm!
My days are so eclectic. I begin each day with every intention of following my “To Do List”. However, those plans change constantly and I realize the need to be flexible enough to switch gears and come back to my list. Being especially creative can be cumbersome at times because I’m consistently thinking of new ideas and things to implement. Consequently, staying focused can be challenging.
Oh my goodness! Can we relate to that one. We'll have to have a teleconference on how to manage creativity! I'm struggling with that myself!
Yes! A typical day consists of getting my son off to school, reading emails I’ve received overnight, connecting with my recruiting director to map out the day's activities, marketing to companies, and following up with my candidates on opportunities discovered or critiquing their resumes.
We know that Mosaic Blueprint was just launched in June 2007--HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! Can you tell us how it grown or evolved since its inception?
Yes, this has been a year filled with exciting changes in growth of staff and positions, programs and additional services. These changes have resulted in a stronger, more efficient organization. Now there have been tumbling blocks along the way and that’s when you have to be flexible to shift from your original plan and do what’s best for your organization. The unique strategic alliances that have been built and continue to build have also helped us move from a national to an international company with strategic partners in London, India, Australia, Sweden and Hong Kong.
What has been your greatest challenge along the way?
I’ve had several challenges along the way. While being my own boss does give me some flexibility, like many women with careers, I too struggle with how best to parlay my time as a single mom, caretaker of a parent, running my business and having a social life. Specifically, I decide what the priorities are and sometimes that means difficult decisions have to be made. Somehow, I manage to make it work.
The next challenge was one of financial backing. I started my company with nothing but my own small savings and a prayer. The other challenge is not having staff in place to help with moving the vision along. I thought “If I build it they will come”, that’s not quite as true.
What has been your greatest reward?
I listed the challenges above, those challenges make the rewards ever so rewarding. I feel that when you’ve made the decision to create your own business, you should mold your personality into that business. I feel that I have. Mosaic Blueprint has a sense of community, there is an eclectic following that we have and our candidates know that they can reach out to me and I’ll respond and connect with them. They know that I care. So my reward is knowing that my personality was transferred into what I do and how Mosaic is branded.
Quite often candidates feel that they’re just a resume within a database and that there’s no one looking out for their interest. I love it when I engage with our candidates, help them with their resumes, share information with them and be a pivotal part of them acquiring their dream job.
From your experience, are companies truly committed to diversity in concept and in practice?
The landmark study of Workforce 2020, globalization, the demand for skills and education, an aging workforce and greater ethnic diversification in the labor market have forever changed the employment landscape. From compliance to inclusion, workplace diversity is evolving as employers recognize more and more the power of leveraging differences for competitive advantages. Is it where is should be in 2008? No, however, I feel companies have and will continue to improve their workplace diversity, as long as we keep the dialogue going, diversity and inclusion is like an IV drip – it’s a continuum.
Deena, how can our readers who may be in the market for a new career opportunity benefit from the services your company provides?
Our candidates feel that there is genuine concern about their career progression and that we work hard to share professional level opportunities. Plus, we have free resume critiques, career development, subject matter experts in various industries, and mostly, our sense of community. (Photo: Deena Pierott, center, with members of the State of Washington Commission on African American Affairs)
We have to ask, Deena, how you maintain work-life balance in the midst of managing your company and your other obligations?
Work-Life Balance is a deep understanding, that no matter what daily challenges I may face we all have the ability to experience life with a sense of power and balance. When starting your own business this becomes a daily challenge, one I have yet to master. Right now I’m working seven days a week and usually until midnight. Like anything in its infancy, a lot of time and care is currently a must.
Now that the company has realized an established presence, it’s time to bring others in to handle all of the pieces that have been developed, and to assist me in the vision of Mosaic Blueprint being a premier executive search firm, uniting employers with talented diverse candidates creating win/win outcomes.
Well, you answered my next question in part! What’s your vision for the future of Mosaic Blueprint?
Being an inclusive individual, my vision is to create an organization where we’re not only placing talented diversity individuals into fulfilling work environments where they feel valued and part of the organization, but to also use Mosaic Blueprint as a training ground for anyone looking to learn the recruiting industry. I also see Mosaic Blueprint as being a portal for a variety of Human Capital functions. But one of my plans is to be a resource for our youth and give them exposure to the variety of career options for them, starting in their middle school years - so often our youth aren’t given that succession plan or golden roadmap to success and that’s what I hope we can do here at Mosaic Blueprint.
Yes, paving the way for our youth especially in the middle years is essentially important and I am thrilled to know that this is a passion we share. We'll have to connect offline and continue that discussion! Also Deena, I've done a bit of research on you and know that your corporate and civic service has been extensive. Besides Mosaic, what other community activities are you engaged in?
Besides Mosaic Blueprint I was also appointed by the Governor as a Commissioner for the Commission on African American Affairs for the State of Washington, Former Oregon Chapter President for the National Forum for Black Public Administrators, volunteer for Chess for Success and member of the NAACP Vancouver.
What legacy do you hope to leave behind through your organization’s work?
We all leave some type of legacy that we leave, but I would hope that I’m thought of as someone who was fearless, fought for the underdog, shared and gave freely – and taught by example.
Well, we think you've managed to achieve that already and we're so proud to be able to share in your living legacy, truly! Before we go, Deena, what words of wisdom can you offer to other women who want to bring their business aspirations to life as you have?
Embrace your entrepreneurial journey: get up when you fall, revel in your triumphs. Take pleasure in the people that you meet and take advantage from the lessons that you learn. Be receptive to the knowledge that people are willing to share with you and take nothing for granted. While building the future, don’t forget to live in the moment. Be passionate in your ambitions and work as hard for others as you would yourself. Above all listen to your heart’s voice with a willing courageousness to believe in yourself wholeheartedly.
Pay it forward – learn about business alliances and that sometimes it’s better for all to work collaboratively on things. There is an African proverb that says it best, “If you want to go fast, go alone but if you want to go far, go together”. That says it all!
Priceless! Deena, thanks so much for speaking with us and sharing your valuable insights. We look forward to having you back!
You're welcome. It's been a pleasure, and I look forward to it!
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More about Ms. Pierott: Among the many hats Ms. Pierott wears, she is also a Contributing writer for emPower Magazine, an Advisory Board member for the eBlack Women’s Network and Hire Centrix, LLC; and the Founder of the International Black Women’s Collaborative of which SisterSpeak Online is a proud member!
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