DAWNE HANKS

With over 20 years of experience leading marketing and brand strategies across the globe, Dawne Hanks is a dynamic force in shaping organizational culture, inspiring high-performing teams, and fostering environments where people and ideas thrive. Her career has spanned Fortune 500 companies, high-growth startups, and purpose-driven nonprofits—driving measurable success at brands like Nike, Oakley, TEDx Youth, the University of San Francisco, and Zones LLC.

Dawne’s expertise lies in building and scaling marketing operations, designing people-first workplace cultures, and developing innovative strategies that align with business objectives. From growing partner ecosystems and leading global teams to spearheading transformational change and employee development initiatives, she consistently blends strategy with storytelling to elevate both brand and internal culture.

As the founder of D-TALX and a trusted consultant to organizations navigating structural change, Dawne has led company-wide reorganizations, built departments from the ground up, and designed leadership development programs to cultivate emerging talent. Her efforts have resulted in record-breaking growth metrics, increased employee retention, and organizational resilience through times of change.

A sought-after global speaker, Dawne delivers keynotes and workshops on topics including professional growth, operational strategy, brand identity, and organizational development. Her signature approach combines curiosity, candor, and cultural intelligence—offering audiences both strategic insights and actionable tools for impact.

Whether behind the scenes building marketing roadmaps or in front of an audience challenging the status quo, Dawne is committed to shaping workplaces that prioritize growth, inclusivity, and innovation at every level.

Global Marketing Director

Here’s a little more about what I bring to the table:

  • STRATEGY & IDEATION

    I’m all about creating sustainable growth by blending timeless marketing principles with fresh, modern ideas. Every strategy starts with a deep understanding of the audience and a clear vision for what’s possible.

  • PROJECT MANAGEMENT

    Keeping all the moving parts in sync is my specialty. From managing budgets to coordinating across teams and regions, I take pride in delivering projects that are on time, on budget, and exceeding expectations.

  • TEAM DEVELOPMENT

    I believe in the power of people. Building and scaling high-performing teams across different geographies and disciplines has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career. I love empowering individuals to grow and succeed.

  • EVENT PRODUCTION

    Proven event producer in small and large scale brand events, trade-shows, training, and corporate functions.

  • ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

    From recruitment to retention, I’ve led initiatives that build strong, people-first cultures. Coaching, strategic hiring, and developing policies that foster growth and inclusivity are at the heart of my leadership approach.

  • KEYNOTE SPEAKER

    I love connecting with audiences as a speaker, sharing insights on marketing, leadership, and everything in between. My talks are rooted in real-world experiences and always aim to inspire action.

What People Are Saying

  • Dawne inspired her team to achieve outstanding results and her supportive and empowering leadership style has helped create a collaborative and innovative culture. She is a problem solver and solution creator. Any team would benefit from her experience and leadership.

    Liz Fuller - VP Global Marketing Zones LLC.

  • Her expertise is wide and varied. I've been to amazing events that she has organized, listened to her deliver great inspirational talks and developed digital strategies with her to build our eCommerce business. Her energy is contagious!

    Dan Bruton - President & CEO Sport Rx

  • She’s not only a marketer, but she truly understands product, sales, merchandising, training and PR. This well-rounded experience makes her an incredible business partner. Her drive and passion helped grow my category (Women’s Optics) in her channel by 40%.

    Stacey Sonbert - Senior Product Manager Fisher & Paykel Appliance

WHO I’VE WORKED WITH

ACCOLADES & AWARDS

2015 20/20 MAGAZINE’S 50 MOST INFLUENTIAL WOMEN IN OPTICAL - INDUSTRY INNOVATOR

GIRLS INC PNW- 2016 PURSE-O-NALITY OF THE YEAR

MILESTONE SYSTEMS - 2017 ONE PASSION TO WIN RECIPIENT

2019 CHAIRMAN’S AWARD - SECURITY INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

2023 WOMEN OF THE CHANNEL AWARD