Dao Jensen ─ CEO of an AWS Partner, Oak Rocket, helping Fortune 500 and SLED customers embrace next-generation cloud readiness and computing…
November 29, 2021 • 3 Minute Read
Updated September 2022
Dao Jensen
CEO
Oak Rocket
Are you looking for an AWS Partner leader obsessed with helping customers embrace next-generation cloud computing? We know the person—Dao Jensen!
Nominated to participate in IT Wondrous Women™ by the AWS Partner Field leadership, Dao Jensen is the CEO of Oak Rocket, an AWS Partner and the first female minority-owned business technology consulting and services firm born in the cloud. Oak Rocket is recognized as a leader in AWS sales, Cost Optimization, Digital Transformation, and Professional services. Prior to launching Oak Rocket, Dao ran sales nationally and internationally at corporations such as Symantec and Oracle. Dao is a founding member of First Board.io, is on Loyola University’s Business School Advisory Board, is the Membership Chair of YPO (Young Presidents’ Organization) Pacific West Integrated Chapter. Today, Dao is a mother of four and a community activist. When she is not working, you can find her reading, traveling, cooking, and sharing meals with friends and family.
Please meet this IT Wondrous Woman™, Dao Jensen!
Our 10 Questions for this IT Wondrous Woman.
Fun Facts
1. What’s the one thing about you that your business colleagues don’t know about you?
That I never expected to be an entrepreneur, I wanted to be a CEO or CFO of a public corporate entity.
2. Before the pandemic, how many air miles/KMs did you flying annually?
50,000.
3. What is the most adventurous food you have eaten and what city/location did you eat it?
Stinky tofu in Taiwan.
Your Career
4. What are the top two experiences, achievements or failures that shaped your journey as a successful leader?
Youth Governor for the State of MN at the age of 17 and National Affairs debate winner.
Losing an “invaluable” partner who wanted 49% of my business 3 years into the business and concerned I would never grow the way I wanted to.
5. Did you have a mentor in the early part of your career and, if so, what is the biggest lesson you learned from your mentor or influencer?
Yes, I learned to do things right away after a client meeting because things will pile up if you don't delegate and get to it right away.
Walking In Your Shoes
6. What is one piece of business or career advice you would give to your younger self?
You are more capable than you think, ask for more and take more risks earlier.
7. As a leader, how do you remain a resource for people early in their careers?
I am part of DEI programs as a mentor, Board member for women entrepreneurs in Afghanistan and Rwanda (IEEW.org), and bring new young women and men into my circle and offer my advice and help.
Today’s Business Environment
8. What is the most interesting project you have worked on in the last few years?
Public WIFI heat map, analysis and install for low income kids in the Bay area.
9. What skills are you currently developing or refining (in yourself) that will make you a more successful leader in the digital economy?
Stronger and more engaging Social Media presence, and being as effective on zoom and podcasts as being in person.
10. What is your greatest business challenge today?
Hiring and finding the right talented person that fits in our culture.
