Category: Black Heritage

African-American Heritage Month

I knew my team would be counting on me returning for the conference meet so that I could contribute my share of the points in what was sure to be a battle for the title. In my mind, being a leader meant returning to the top of my game and winning my events…

African American Heritage Month

Tax Partner Who in your family had the most impact on your success? Many family members have supported me throughout my career, and enabled me to achieve success. If I had to point to one person, though, it would be my grandfather, Steve Spann, who had the greatest impact on me. He instilled in me… Read the full article

President Who in your family had the most impact on your success? My mother, Carolyn Gardner, who put a Bible in one of my hands and a math book in the other. She gave me my personal and professional foundation and helped me realize that I have an obligation to use this life the Lord… Read the full article

Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer Who is/was your most influential leadership mentor and why? One of my first managers. A demanding leader, she has an amazing ability to motivate and lead people toward her vision, always encouraging people to be their very best. She has a unique ability of making each team member… Read the full article

Executive Vice President and Branch Manager Who is/was your most influential leadership mentor and why? The late Darwin Davis, who had an exceptional career at AXA Equitable. Darwin was a great husband, father, and friend, and highly respected in the workplace and community. Darwin was an example of success for African Americans and he encouraged… Read the full article

Senior Vice President and General Manager, BestBuy.com Who is/was your most influential leadership mentor and why? Dick Gray, my manager at General Electric Company, was the “king of accountability” and believed that integrity was what you did when no one was watching. Therefore, being a self-starter, anticipating issues, and developing alternatives were lessons I learned… Read the full article

Senior Manager, Inclusion Practices Who is/was your most influential leadership mentor and why? There are several mentors that have influenced me along the way. I enjoy speaking with a variety of leaders from varying walks of life to understand their journey, challenges, successes, and insights. Some came along earlier in my career, others much more… Read the full article

Division Vice President, Franchise Operations Who was your most influential leadership mentor and why? I once worked with a gentleman named Alan Houston, a senior executive who inspired me because of his commitment to do the right thing. The company we worked for expected high year-over-year growth and he was the first executive I saw… Read the full article