Jeanette Söderlund Sause
Vice President, Industry Relations & Marketing at Dot GLOBAL; Freelance author.
Dot GLOBAL
Fast Facts
Location: Wherever I lay my hat.
How long have you been in the domain industry? 5 years
Favourite extension: I’m going to shock everyone and answer .global on this one. There’s quite a few other really good ones too though, obviously.
Now reading: A Swedish crime novel, a philosophical book about time by two journalists, and various articles on everything from domains to real estate to corporate regulations and organic products…
Best city for conferences: Vegas certainly isn’t bad.
Q&A
Describe your company and how long you have been there?
Dot Global is the registry operating and managing the .global namespace, and I’ve been with the company since May 2014, going through all stages of the launch. It’s a single-extension registry, consisting of a relatively small number of highly dedicated individuals spread out all over the globe. We don’t just promote going global for brands, organizations and ideas, it’s also a part of who we are as people and an overall way of life that we support and encourage.
It is my belief that we must steer the discussions away from the rather one-dimensional DUMs and .com comparisons, into a more nuanced approach that will actually help registrants understand how domain names can be used and how they can benefit from this.
What are your thoughts on the new TLDs?
I think that the idea of introducing new TLDs is, at its core, great, but that the way that it was done has caused a bit more confusion than what would’ve been necessary. I believe that it’s a shared responsibility for everyone in the industry to properly package this development in an understandable way, in order to educate the registrants and the general public. Most registrars are doing an amazing job with categorizing the TLDs and passing along information to its customers, although this is something that will take time regardless. Especially when it comes to building awareness and generating acceptance outside of the industry. In order to do so, it is my belief that we must steer the discussions away from the rather one-dimensional DUMs and .com comparisons, into a more nuanced approach that will actually help registrants understand how domain names can be used and how they can benefit from this. “A rising tide lifts all ships.” This is a process that involves a lot of psychological and practical aspects, and it will be interesting to follow the developments during the next couple of years.
What are you most looking forward to at the upcoming NamesCon?
Reconnecting with the usual suspects, as well as meeting and exchanging ideas and knowledge with new interesting people. I may or may not throw a bit of gambling in the mix too, if I’m feeling lucky.
How does your career compare to what you envisioned in your youth?
Well, when I was a kid I either wanted to become a writer or a cop, so I guess the writing part came true (although I have a lot more writing in me that needs to get out). As far as the cop part goes, I reasoned with myself that going through law school was ALMOST the same thing, and it ended up getting me to where I am today. I think I’m pretty pleased. This is probably a better fit for me than wandering the streets catching criminals.
What are you proudest of in your life?
Most likely something as cheesy as genuinely believing that people are good at heart, and a leap of faith that I took back in 2012 that turned my whole life around.
Latest and greatest accomplishment in your career?
To co-write (with Malin Edmar), translate and have our book “Domain Names – Strategies and Legal Aspects” published in English.
Name 3 things you can’t travel without.
Neck pillow, iPhone and yoga pants.
Where is your favorite place to escape?
Santa Monica, CA.
What was the best advice you were ever given?
Why the hell not? If you can, and want to – do it.
What object would you put in a time capsule that best represents who you are today?
A compass or a passport.
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