Portfolio
I build the systems, structure, and operational clarity that companies rely on to scale.
Chief of Staff • Director of Operations • Strategic Operations Facilitator
Operational Clarity
I bring order to complexity and create systems teams can rely on.
Cross-Functional Alignment
I align leaders, teams, and priorities so execution becomes predictable.
Enterprise-Grade Execution
I deliver programs, events, and operational frameworks that scale.
About
About Genise Dawson
I build things that outlast me. Across 18+ years at Microsoft, every framework, program, and governance structure I created was handed off, scaled, and sustained long after I moved on. I've supported organizations from 300 to 40,000 employees, led change management for a $100M campus renovation, integrated 200+ employees through multiple acquisitions, and built enterprise programs that reached thousands.
I'm a systems builder, strategic operator, and leadership partner who brings clarity to complexity. Today, I support organizations through fractional Chief of Staff work, operational consulting, and strategic facilitation.
“I build things that outlast me.”
Services
How I partner with teams
Fractional Chief of Staff
- Strategic planning
- Executive partnership
- OKR frameworks
- Cross-functional alignment
- Culture integration
Director of Operations
- Systems design
- Operational frameworks
- Workforce strategy
- Change management
- Program execution
Strategic Operations Facilitator
Hybrid facilitation blending innovation, operational alignment, and decision-making acceleration.
View facilitation servicesCorporate Programs & Employee Experience
- Intern programs
- Early-career programs
- Employee experience
- Enterprise events
Service Detail
Fractional Chief of Staff
I partner with executives to create clarity, strengthen decision-making, and align teams around priorities that matter. My work blends strategic planning, operational rigor, and leadership partnership.
- Strategic planning
- Executive partnership
- OKR frameworks
- Cross-functional alignment
- Culture integration
Service Detail
Director of Operations
I design systems that scale, create operational frameworks that teams can rely on, and lead change management that strengthens execution across the organization.
- Systems design
- Operational frameworks
- Workforce strategy
- Change management
- Program execution
Service Detail
Strategic Operations Facilitator
I lead Strategic Operations Sprints that accelerate clarity, unblock teams, and drive measurable outcomes. My facilitation blends the Jake Knapp Design Sprint model with Grove Consultants' strategic frameworks.
01
Frame
02
Diverge
03
Decide
04
Prototype
05
Commit
Experience includes
- ERG leadership teams
- Women-led nonprofit training organizations
- Division-wide administrative groups
- Cross-functional support teams
Service Detail
Corporate Programs & Employee Experience
I build and run enterprise programs that strengthen early-career talent, employee experience, and organizational culture.
- Intern programs
- Early-career programs
- Employee experience design
- Enterprise events
Recommendations
What leaders say
“Genise simplifies complexity, strengthens leadership, and builds culture. Her clarity and judgment elevate every team she supports.”
Rajesh Jha — EVP
“One of the most effective and inspiring professionals I've worked with.”
“She turns intent into action and builds durable communities.”
“She sees around corners and solves complex problems with creativity and pragmatism.”
“A rare coach and mentor who helps people realize their potential.”
“One of the smartest and most capable professionals I've ever worked with.”
“She managed major programs with excellence and strengthened employee experience.”
“She inspires people to deliver their best and executes flawlessly.”
“She empowered me to advocate for myself and created opportunities that changed my trajectory.”
“She managed budgeting, recruiting, procurement, and events with excellence.”
Experience
Career timeline
Co-Founder & COO
Catalyst Coded Foundation
Founder
The Ops Handoff
Business Program Manager
Microsoft
Co-Founder & Chair
ERG Leadership
Senior Executive Assistant
Microsoft
Administrative Assistant
Microsoft
Benefits Administrator
Microsoft
Community
Volunteer & Community Leadership
- Microsoft E+D BAM
- Junior League of Seattle
- Valley Black Collective
- The Perfect Push Foundation
Credentials
Certifications
- Artificial Intelligence for Business & Prompt Engineering
- Certified Project Manager (CPM)
- The Coaching Habit — Organizational Teams
Core Competencies
Tools & Platforms