Our second Alumni Spotlight for May 2020 is Kiah Davis, a graduate of Fayette High School (2010) and of Georgia Institute of Technology (2013). She currently works as Operations Transformation Leader at Equifax and is a new member of the 21CL Junior Board of Directors.
Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now.
As an Operations Transformation Leader at Equifax, I lead large cross-functional initiatives that reduce cost, optimize processes, increase speed to revenue and improve the customer experience.
How did participating in 21CL transform you and lead you to where you are now?
21CL taught me winning strategies in personal branding, corporate America navigation and servant leadership. I was able to have my first overnight experience at my alma mater (Georgia Tech) through my participation in the summer leadership institute, CNN Leadership Unplugged (now known as WarnerMedia Institute for Future Leaders). 21CL provided me with a platform to dream bigger and create a plan to achieve my goals.
How did 21CL prepare you for your next steps? Going into college and taking on leadership roles, heading into a new era of professionalism, etc. What skills/tools/perspectives have helped you along the way?
21CL taught me the importance of rolling up your sleeves and really getting engaged in whatever org/activity/job that you’re a member of. At Georgia Tech I was a Resident Adviser, Vice President of the Minority Recruitment Team, worked 20 hours a week my entire tenure and was a serial volunteer. Based on my learning from 21CL I knew that it was important to not just obtain an education but to really immerse myself within the overall Tech experience. 21CL emphasizes the importance of relationships and networking which is something that I’ve always kept front of mind since then. Building strong relationships and always being willing to “jump in” has helped me in all realms of my life (personal, professional, extracurricular). Another call out is the power of beginning with the end in mind. Earmarking time to reflect and develop strategic plans can make all the difference when it comes to performance and results. Just because one is documented doesn’t mean that pivots aren’t allowed but having something to anchor, to help to really keep first things first while managing various projects with all of life’s many moving parts.
What was a memorable or ‘aha’ moment in 21CL? (Particular program, meeting a professional and diverse peers, speaking in public for the first time, etc.?
It was really powerful being around so many talented students from all across the state at the programs that I participated in. When you’re younger (& pre-social media) you learn about all of the countries in the world and even all of the states within the US however it’s very easy to get caught in your own “little world.” The schools in your district, the friends you’ve already met and the experiences that you’ve already had. 21CL initiated my thirst for becoming a true global citizen and dreaming beyond what I could currently see & adventures yet to come. Since then I’ve traveled to 26 countries across 6 continents.
Did 21CL assist you in developing a leadership style that makes you an effective leader? if so how? And have you recently learned something else about leadership? Please share!
21CL is an organization that focuses on servant leadership. That quality, along with effective communication, are skills that I leverage on a daily basis. I find that being transparent with stakeholders of all levels, concisely sharing the value prop and doing your part to get a job done (despite if it’s technically your “role”) goes a long way with earning people’s respect and trust. I look forward to continue sharpening this skill set through new challenges professionally and beyond.
