Dana Townsend
Account Manager, Emerging Markets
Equifax
Born: St. Louis, MO
High School:
Metro Academic and Classical High School
College & Degree(s):
Lincoln University, BS, Business Administration
Webster University, MBA
RBC Young Professionals
National Black MBA Association
Regional Business Council Leaders 100
National Sales Network
Greater St Louis Lincoln University Alumni Association
Tell us about the customer service philosophy you employ with your clients.
My customer service philosophy is simple; having integrity, strong listening skills, and ability to think outside the box in order to find the best solution to improve their business and overall revenue. For me, integrity means having high moral principles while being relatable, reliable, transparent and trustworthy. I want my clients to trust me based on my consistency in providing the best quality solutions. Having the ability to listen and guiding conversations through quarterly business reviews allows clients to see my passion for my work and the value in the products and services my organization provides.
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How do you measure success in your field?
I measure success in my field by accomplishing goals. I’m a true believer in goal-setting and accountability to help measure my success. I love that my company sets goals and provides me with the necessary tools and training to accomplish those goals on a consistent basis. I’m fortunate that I have an open relationship with my director and can reach out to her whenever I need coaching or support. We meet weekly to give updates on my performance, action items and client successes. This relationship keeps communication between us open allows me to perform at a high level. Having transparency and open communication with management and my clients helps me work harder, apply feedback immediately and provide results that are successful.
For seven years, you’ve served in several volunteer capacities for City Academy. Tell us more about your involvement.
I was introduced to City Academy by a family friend who served on the board of directors and thought I would enjoy learning more about the school and ways to volunteer. I toured the school and fell in love. I immediately connected with leadership at the school and was asked to serve on the City Academy’s Friends Committee which is a group of young professionals devoted to transforming lives through education. Through these relationships, the committee goal is to cultivate new friends and donors of City Academy. I volunteer in a variety of different capacities and get my employers involved in giving back to the school as well.
You received the National Black MBA Association St. Louis Chapter New Member of the Year award in 2014. Tell us how your role with NBMBAA has grown since then.
I joined the St. Louis Chapter in 2013 as a way to gain professional development outside of my employer to enhance my skill set and learn new ways to take my career to the next level. I immediately asked how could I get involved and where could I leverage my strengths to enhance the organization. One area, I’m truly passionate about is education. I love to create ways to provide resources and scholarship for area high school, undergraduate and graduate students to further their education. Being a member has also allowed me to become actively involved in the Regional Business Council Young Professional Network, Leaders 100 and National Sales Network. I’ve grown from a committee chair to holding a position on the Executive Board in St. Louis within a three year time span.
