Rick Dahlseid's Joyful Journey

About Rick

I met Rick Dahlseid in 2017 when he was the Chief Financial Officer at Jewish Family Service in San Diego and I was the organization’s Employment Service Specialist. Even though we had vastly different roles, we shared a mission to serve others and promote the greater good. For the past five years, each of our careers has grown, and our professional relationship and friendship have flourished. A licensed CPA with a Master's in Taxation, he is currently a Consulting CFO for PBO Advisory Group as well as a lecturer at two prestigious institutions of higher education—University of San Diego and UC San Diego—where he teaches courses in nonprofit financial management.?

He is a leader and public servant who drives organizational change. He is also a mentor and advisor who finds great satisfaction in helping others to transform their lives. I regularly refer my clients to him for additional guidance and support.?I treasure our partnership and was thrilled when he accepted my invitation to share his story with you.

What is new with you, Rick?

I say this often because it's true: life is truly much better than I deserve. My professional life is going extremely well as I am fortunate to work with so many wonderful organizations that are helping people to flourish. Heading up the nonprofit service sector for PBO and being part of the Senior Leadership Team has been a wonderful experience.?At PBO I also get to formally mentor my co-workers and help them grow and develop in their careers.?I have also been involved with the San Diego Chapter of Financial Executives International where— as the Director of Career Services—I am privileged to assist members who are in transition and coach them on best practices for finding their next assignment.

My family life is flourishing as well; we have just welcomed our latest grandchild (number 4), and in the next few weeks another precious granddaughter will arrive, bringing the tally to 5, (4 girls and 1 boy).?My wife Denise and I have been living and loving our life in San Diego with so much beauty and year-round activity.?

How did our work together help you?

I am grateful for your friendship and the professional assistance you provided me throughout my time in San Diego.?We met in person on Friday, August 16, 2019, at a coffee shop in Tierrasanta where we quickly rekindled our relationship from our time at Jewish Family Service.?We shared some mutual memories of our time working together, and you also helped me to recalibrate my professional outlook.?I had been working with PBO for a while at that point, and your advice in helping me think about specializing in an area was invaluable.?

Since specializing in nonprofits, my exposure to helping more organizations has grown, and my formal influence in that sector has increased.?

You also were very gracious in offering to be a resource for others I knew who were in transition that needed help with resumes or LinkedIn profiles.?Lots of success stories there and something that you also helped me with immensely.

What is your best piece of career advice?

When I think about this question, I often think of what I would tell my younger self.

For those just getting started or looking for that perfect fit in an organization, my best piece of career advice would be to have a coach or mentor.?

Everyone's journey is somewhat unique because everyone is unique.?It is important to get a coach or mentor, maybe two or three.?These are people that know you and that you can trust to tell you the truth about yourself and help you develop and reach your goals.?These can be people you pay, people you work with, or just people who love you enough to help you along your journey.?Coaches or mentors that have already traveled the portion of the road you are on are helpful when you are faced with decisions that require more forethought.?I have three of these types of people in my life and go to them when I need advice or a course correction.?They are also helpful in pointing out my blind spots, of which I have many.?Finally, don't be too busy to look for opportunities to help those coming along behind you.?Offer them a helping hand through words of wisdom when you see them struggling or when they could use some sage encouragement.

Embark on your own Joyful Journey to Career Success!

Where are you in your career journey? Need help figuring it out? Would you like a coach who can guide you, encourage you, and hold you accountable as you plan your next steps? There is no time like the present to proceed on your own Joyful Journey to Career Success.?Schedule a free consultation with Marcia to get started.

About Marcia - Career Success Coach

I enjoy helping people live their best professional lives. I am certified through the National Career Development Association and was previously a college writing instructor.??Learn more about my professional qualifications by clicking here.