Off the Record
Off the Record is a podcast exploring the lives and stories of Twin Cities executives. Join the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal, in partnership with Platinum Bank, for robust conversations with local leaders as they share pivotal moments in their lives, some of their career highlights, and their goals for the coming years. You know their names and faces, now get to know their stories.
Off the Record
Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt on trusting the process
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In her younger years, Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt felt she couldn’t look too far into the future. As someone who grew up with a lot of adversity and then became a young mom at age 15, she knew the challenges of just living from one day to the next, she says on the latest episode of the Off the Record podcast. But determination and trusting the process helped get her through.
“People have to have some sense of hope. They have to believe they do deserve better, that they can have better. But (they also need to) stay disciplined in the process — you might not see it day one, day two, month one, but it will come,” Witt says.
Listen as Witt shares her journey and career story with hosts Dave Faust, president and CEO of Platinum Bank, and Jen Hellman, president and CEO of Goff Public. The discussion touches on topics such as:
- What Witt learned from 10 years as a volunteer coach (18:24)
- The first time she considered a career in law enforcement (20:58)
- When she started “trusting the process better” (25:38)
- Asking trusted colleagues on her command staff to keep her grounded (28:51)
- Why community interactions remain a key part of Witt’s job, even in her elevated role (36:52)
- Witt’s goals in influencing the next generation coming into the law enforcement field (41:49)
Leaders like Witt understand the value of moving quickly and acting creatively, just like Platinum Bank. Learn more about business banking with a different kind of bank.