Kim Steele

Kim Steele
Senior Manager, Global Planning & Strategy

Education: Master of Business Administration, Baylor University; Bachelor of Science, marketing, Grambling State University
Company Name: AMD (Advanced Micro Devices)
Industry: Semiconductor
Company CEO: Dr. Lisa Su
Company Headquarters Location: Santa Clara, California
Number of Employees: Approximately 11,400
Your Location (if different from above): Austin, Texas
Words you live by: “Be the change you want to see.” –Mohandas Gandhi
Who is your personal hero? My mother and father
What book are you reading? Books related to organizing and personal development
What was your first job: Deli Supervisor at Honey Baked Ham
Favorite charity: Mobile Loaves & Fishes
Interests: International travel, long walks around the lake, and movies
Family: Parents and three siblings

I Hold You Able

First, I’d like to thank the Profiles in Diversity Journal for selecting me as part of their inaugural 2020 Black Leaders Worth Watching.

People along my career have often asked, “What drives you?” For one thing, I am passionate about learning and understanding what I am doing and why I am doing it. Knowing the “why” fuels me to solve and drive towards solutions. Helping others and mentoring are also important as building blocks of leadership.

Throughout my 14-year journey at AMD, I have held various roles, from customer facing field marketing to my current role as senior manager, leading Global Planning and Strategy. My team supports AMD being in the right place at the right time through end-to-end planning.

As a people-first leader, I have been able to transition my passion for helping others to inspiring and supporting others to bring their best selves. One of my pillars, “I hold you able,” is a source of strength for my team to challenge the status quo. This people-focused leadership style came from my undergraduate experiences while attending Grambling State University, where I benefited from learning through different and unique perspectives.

Leadership through service is important. I have had the opportunity to serve at my local church, be part of several employee resource groups at AMD, which strive to increase belonging and inclusion, and support STEAM and career opportunities within the community.

The success I have achieved has only been as good as the support around me. Faith is my source of strength. Family and friends pouring into to me has enabled me to be where I am at today.

My charge to the next generation of black leaders is to support each other. To help foster a stronger community, reach back and pull others forward.