Each week, we will profile an innovator featured in the 2023 edition of Az Business Leaders magazine. Today, meet Barbara Dawson, chair-elect at Snell & Wilmer.
READ MORE: Click here to read the 2023 issue of Az Business Leaders
Background: Barbara Dawson recently was selected to serve as Snell & Wilmer chair, beginning in April of 2023. She has served on both the firm’s elected executive committee and its compensation committee for several years. During her three decade career, Dawson has assisted multiple Fortune 500 and other companies navigate critical legal challenges and investigations in circumstances involving conflict and crisis management. Dawson is the former chair of Lex Mundi, a global affiliation of more than 160 law firms.
Leadership style: “I love teamwork and collaboration. I thoroughly enjoy helping to build successful teams based upon the blending of individual contributors’ unique talents and interests. I hope to foster creative and supportive teamwork centered on our firm’s credo of service to clients, community and each other.”
Leadership values: “In my experience, good leaders care deeply about, and well understand, their teams and also have a strong grasp on the external world in which their teams are functioning. An internal and external focus are important for leaders to advance a successful common vision that energizes and unites a group.”
Best actor to play you in a movie: “Let’s go with Frances McDormand. From what I have seen, she usually plays characters who are strong and well intentioned despite their other limitations. And we know from ‘Fargo’ that she can nail a midwestern accent, which would be important, too.”
About Az Business Leaders: AZ Business Leaders is an annual business-to-business publication that combines the who’s who of Arizona business community with their valuable leadership advice and knowledge. The magazine is published by AZ Big Media. To learn more about Az Business Leaders, contact Sheri Brown, director of sales.
