Asana Voices: Meet David Jackson, Enterprise Sales team
Welcome to our new blog series, Asana Voices! With each post, we’ll feature one-on-one interviews with the talented individuals on our global team. You’ll get to know the people inside the company, including the twists and turns in their career journeys, what it’s really like working at Asana, and what they value most about their unique impact on our company, customers, and mission.
Meet David Jackson (DJ), a sales leader at Asana, who loves sports, travel, wine, and music! DJ first joined the company two years ago as an Enterprise Sales Rep, and since then has transitioned into a strategic leadership role focused on building out our Strategic Enterprise team. Take a look inside DJ’s career journey and learn about the growth he’s experienced, while making a real impact with customers to help their businesses thrive.
What first attracted you to Asana? What has kept you here?
I had very specific criteria when looking for my next career adventure. I was looking for a great culture, a great product, and the opportunity to build and grow within a company that was on a fast trajectory. Asana truly met all of the criteria I had and more.
What it ultimately came down to was the direction and vision that the entire team had for where we’re heading, and the real impact that we can have for businesses and our customers. As a member of the Sales team, it was clear from the start that I was going to have the chance to make a real impact and work with customers to help solve their challenges and find out how Asana can help their businesses thrive.
What’s kept me here are all of those things and more. It’s a very fast-paced environment with a ton of opportunity and responsibility. I continue to be so motivated by the continued growth and development of our business, but also the cross-functional partners that we work with including Product, Marketing, Operations, Finance, and Legal—we’re really building everything from the ground up.
Our roles are so dynamic at Asana. You don’t just show up and do one role. There are so many aspects to what we do that make it a continuously engaging place to be.
What is something you’re particularly proud of that you’ve achieved at Asana?
The results have been amazing, but I think more than anything I’m proud of all the teamwork that goes into these wins. I think back to some of the bigger projects I’ve been a part of, and they’ve included 50, 60, and sometimes 70 cross-functional Asanas across every aspect of the business, product, infrastructure, and leadership. It’s incredible being a leader within that team to deliver a lot of those wins.
I’m especially grateful for the relationships along the way, the teammates and peers that I’ve learned from, and solving these challenges together.
How has your career grown since joining the team?
I’ve experienced a lot of personal and professional development in my two years at Asana. I’ve been stretched to develop new skills and have been lucky enough to be in situations that have been career-defining moments for me. My growth journey is constant, and I’m learning to really work as a cross-functional leader across the different teams that I partner with—both as an individual contributor and a leader.
In previous roles, I’ve been really sales focused. Now, I’ve been able to work on the strategic side of things, focused on building out an infrastructure, playbook, and foundation for that next generation of Asana’s growth. This has been really exciting for me from a growth perspective.
What’s something unique about your team?
Every single person brings a different skill set, but we’re all working towards the same goals. Everyone works in their own way, and I’ve realized there’s no right or wrong way to get things done. Everybody is able to use their own skills, personality, and approach to be successful in their own way.
I’d also say that one thing unique about Asana as a company overall is the kind of cross-functional engagement you get to have with both internal and external stakeholders, the leadership team, and customers. The strategic relationships we’re building really combine all of that together, and it’s a big responsibility and really cool journey to be a part of.
Asanas are so willing to help each other and go above and beyond for their teammates. To me, that’s one of the best parts of our culture.
What was your state of work before using Asana, and what is your work like now that you have Asana?
Asana has completely changed how I operate. Asana really becomes that central hub command center for getting everything done on a day-to-day basis. It expedites the time it takes to collaborate, receive responses, and organize your work.
Most importantly, in my role, I really value velocity from a strategic perspective. Figuring out how to find the best solution isn’t always an easy thing in a growing organization. However, Asana makes it easy to collaborate, see the full picture, and align with stakeholders on how to get those things done, fast. My experience using the product aligns with our overall company values and mission. We’re enabling teams with the tools to reduce “work about work,” execute fast, and achieve their missions.
How have you been supported and stayed connected to your team through working remotely?
We connect virtually through Zoom, but really, at the end of the day, I think Asana is such a unifying platform, regardless of whether you’re in the office, hybrid, or fully remote. The clarity and transparency that the platform provides really allows you to understand what’s going on both in your micro world, but also at a macro level within the company, and keeps you connected as a result. That level of communication and transparency is pretty unique, and I think it allows us to be more successful by having that clarity and transparency to unify everyone.
I’ve also recently become a committee member and ally for our Asana Women Employee Resource Group. I’m a big advocate for women’s equality in the workplace and outside of work. I’ve never leaned into a workplace group at Asana, but I feel as a male—especially in sales—that my voice can be impactful. I’ve mentored and been mentored by several women colleagues and would love to continue that momentum. As an ally, I want to bring my support, voice, and partnership to this amazing community.
What’s your personal mantra, and where did it come from?
This one’s from my dad, and it’s pretty straightforward, but it’s something I’ve followed and prioritized throughout my entire life: “Do right, do your best, and treat others the way you want to be treated.” So, that’s how I tend to operate.
If you could give a new Asana one piece of advice, what would it be?
Learn as much as you can about Asana and immerse yourself in the product, right off the bat. There are so many ways to get things done, and there is so much power within the platform, that really understanding and grasping that is super critical for your success.
Whether remote or in person, put yourself out there and network with all of your cross-functional partners. Build relationships with them from the start. That way, when you need their assistance or expertise down the road, you’ve already established a connection.
Take the next career-defining step in your journey at Asana! If you’re passionate about helping teams thrive and excited by the opportunity to make a big impact at a fast-growing company where an inclusive culture is non-negotiable, we’d love to talk to you. Apply today to join DJ on our Sales team, or check out all our open roles across the globe.