MEET DESSERIE PEREZ
CBN: Hi ! We’d love to learn more about you, your story and what you are focused on professionally – whether it’s a business, nonprofit, artistic career etc. Please tell our readers about what you do, what you feel is most exciting or special about it, as well as anything else you’d like folks to know about your brand/art/etc.
Desserie: Hi Fam! I'm Deserrie Perez, Growth Architect: I inspire people, grow businesses and energize communities. I’ve generated over $3 Billion dollars in revenue at American Express, led high-performing Sales and Marketing teams in Tech whilst advocating equity in the corporate world. With the help of Artificial Intelligence (AI), I'm charting a new path. I’m on a mission to become a CEO, Chief Experience Officer of my own company DFP Ventures, a dynamic consulting and coaching firm that strives to help individuals and businesses achieve their full potential.
For over 20 years, I thrived in the fast-paced world of Finance and Technology, most recently at LinkedIn, owned by Microsoft. At this point in my life’s journey as a mother, wife, caregiver and business woman success for me now looks different. It's about empowerment. How can I empower my life and energize the communities that shaped me, particularly Caribbean immigrants, Women and underrepresented minorities in the US. Growing up in Trinidad vibrant and cosmopolitan / multi-racial community is the bedrock of my identity. I am Trini d Bone. My upbringing instilled a deep faith, integrity and a fierce sense of community and helping others. These values may not always align with a company’s values and the pressures of driving revenue or business growth. \At times I've felt undervalued, overlooked and misaligned. Now as a mother, and tenured aunt my perspectives widened to look beyond my career. I want to be a role model for my kids, nieces and nephews and be unapologetically ambitious with finding purpose and their unique voice. In 2023, I was featured in the Trinidad Guardian for Women’s History Month , which is a testament to the power of resilience and the incredible support network that has gotten me here – mentors, sponsors, and friends who celebrate me beyond professional achievements.
I may not see myself as unique, but my journey certainly is. It's a blend of Caribbean spirit, unwavering faith, and the lessons learned from navigating a world that doesn't always reflect my background. So, stay tuned! This is just the beginning of a story where I lift as I climb, and hopefully, inspire others to walk in the purpose, unlock individual greatness and transformation.
CBN: It’s wonderful to meet you! Thanks for that lovely insight. Could you share a particular moment in your life when you were in a deep rut. What happened and how did you overcome being in this place?
Deserrie: The netball court in Bedstuy pulsed with energy. Sweat beaded on my brow, mirroring the Caribbean sun I missed so much. This wasn't just a game; it was a Breast Cancer fundraiser for my friend Jaime’s mom, known as “Aunty Angela”. We lost Aunty Angela, a netball coach too soon to breast cancer. In 2015, I volunteered to play at this Charity Netball Match in Brooklyn to raise funding and awareness for breast cancer amongst our Caribbean community in New York.
I was there to give and volunteer as an ‘old time’ netballer. But fate, it seemed, had other plans. A wrong step, a searing pain, and my world tilted. ACL torn. Dreams deferred. At the time, I was working at American Express, I was a senior manager in Marketing, a rising star with five stellar years under my belt. The promotion to Director felt like a natural next step. But then, my boss – the woman I'd loyally supported – went on maternity leave. When she returned, she was on a mission to regain her status. My colleague, once my equal, now became the golden girl. My projects, sidelined. And the worst part? A blatant lie she fed our VP, a betrayal to my core value of trust and honesty that ripped me at the core. I was naive, stressed and feeling stuck in a toxic work environment. This was new to me.
The physical pain of my injury wasn't the only battle I fought. As the stress from my job piled on, the cracks in my mental armor started to show. The high-achieving Trini woman who thrived on challenges, crumbled. A mental breakdown, a forced retreat, a crippling self-doubt and diminished feeling of self worth. At that time of my life, in my early 30s, my career and sense of worth was intertwined. My view outlook on life was grim and dim. The promotion I'd envisioned went to my colleague, leaving a bitter taste of rejection and a shattered sense of self. Even my wedding, a beacon of hope, had to be delayed several months. I was unable to focus, anxiety and fear overtook me. I had to take time-off from work to heal mentally and physically. This failure felt like my whole world was falling apart and I became depressed, clinically diagnosed. I never felt or knew that word until then. This mental health challenge was a new world now as an immigrant trying to survive in the Corporate world. But giving up wasn't in my DNA. Therapy became my sanctuary, prayers from friends and family, my anchor, and time helped me heal. Slowly, I healed with the help of my therapist, family and doing research via Google on how to overcome ‘depression’ . There were times I thought my life was doomed! Which is a stark contrast to the amazing life and upbringing I had in Trinidad and the highs of attending The Wharton School, obtaining my prestigious MBA. However, God is good and he saw me through it all. It took months for me to regain my confidence and charismatic personality. On April 16, 2016 I walked down the aisle, a radiant bride, it wasn't just about love; it was a celebration of my resilience and my friends, family and fiancé who stuck with me. My wedding day was one the best days of my life! It was joyous and testament that I made it through. On April 16, 2016 I walked down the aisle, a radiant bride, it wasn't just about love; it was a celebration of my resilience and my friends, family and fiancé who stuck with me. My wedding day was one the best days of my life! It was joyous and testament that I made it through. A month later, after my joyous wedding, the unexpected – a layoff. But instead of despair, I felt a strange sense of liberation. The universe, in its own way, was nudging me in a new direction. With my severance package $$, I took a leap of faith. I travel, volunteer with the Clinton Campaign for the 2016 Presidential election, all fueled a newfound clarity.It's a blessing to be alive to share this story. The company, with its undercurrents of bias and stagnated business growth, wasn't where I belonged. I set my eyes on switching from Financial Services to Technology Industry, with its innovation and rapid growth.
Sharing my story is important, especially for our Gen Z who have more mental health challenges due to social media. Life is so much richer when you build a strong support system, nurture your faith and have a strong support system.
“Ultimately, maintaining optimism is an ongoing process that requires consistent effort, practice, and perspective. Stop comparing yourself to others and spend time giving and helping others while feeding your soul, body, and mind. By tending to the various facets of one’s life, individuals can cultivate a deep well of positivity and resilience, even in the face of life’s challenges. We are all unique and must find the right balance that aligns with our values, beliefs, and strengths.”
CBN: Where do you maintain optimism in your life?
Deserrie: Maintaining optimism is a multifaceted endeavor that draws upon various practices and perspectives. At the core, it requires a commitment to nourishing one's inner world through spiritual practices, mindfulness, and gratitude. As you shared, attending Oprah Winfrey's "Live the Life You Want Tour" in 2014 was a pivotal moment that helped you reframe your outlook on life. Beyond the spiritual realm, setting annual goals and measuring progress every quarter can instill a sense of intentionality and purpose. Cultivating self-awareness, self-love, and understanding one's inherent worth are also crucial components of sustaining optimism. Fostering healthy relationships, setting boundaries, and attending to physical and mental wellness further contribute to a balanced and resilient mindset. Integrating routines, milestone moments, and joyful family traditions, such as celebrating cultural festivals, can provide a sense of grounding and nourishment. Ultimately, maintaining optimism is an ongoing process that requires consistent effort, practice, and perspective. Stop comparing yourself to others and spend time giving and helping others while feeding your soul, body, and mind. By tending to the various facets of one's life, individuals can cultivate a deep well of positivity and resilience, even in the face of life's challenges. We are all unique and must find the right balance that aligns with our values, beliefs, and strengths.
CBN: What advice do you have for folks fighting imposter syndrome?
Deserrie: Dealing with imposter syndrome can be challenging, but it's essential to recognize that everyone has unique skills, abilities, and strengths that they develop throughout their lives. The key to overcoming imposter syndrome is to surround yourself with supportive people and nurturing environments that allow you to appreciate and cultivate your talents. You can boost your confidence and trust in your expertise by being mindful of your accomplishments, building credibility through your work, and demonstrating your capabilities. As you continue to learn and grow, you'll enhance your emotional intelligence (EQ) and intellectual abilities (IQ). Trust your instinct, know your values, and be clear about your unique value proposition. Lean on your faith. Moreover, building your brand across multiple channels is crucial in today's world. With 20 years of experience split between Wall Street and Silicon Valley, I have learned that we Caribbean women need to invest in ourselves, build our brand, and live our purpose. By establishing a strong and authentic personal brand, you can showcase your unique value, attract opportunities that align with your goals, and create a platform to share your message with the world. Remember that your skills and strengths are valuable. With the right mindset, support system, and personal branding strategy, you can overcome imposter syndrome and thrive personally and professionally. It requires discipline, grit, a strong network, prioritization, and strategic thinking to think about life holistically. I'm happy to share a Harvard Business Review Article - That's helped me think and strategize on living a holistic life.
We thank you Deserrie for sharing your BOLD JOURNEY!
Contact/Follow: deserrie.perez@gmail.com
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