Meet Kayla Works

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kayla Works. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kayla, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

When being the only one in the room, I’ve learned how to be adaptable and innovative in real time. For most of my life, I’ve been in spaces where I was the only one who looked like me, and that experience has taught me how to navigate conflict, command a room, and create brave spaces where others feel empowered to speak up. I always tell people: instead of leaning negatively into “I’m the only one in the room,” I lean into the positive truth that I’m the only Kayla Works there is! That means I bring unique strengths to the table, but it also means others bring strengths I don’t have.

I believe it’s important to lead with your strengths, because they’re what makes you shine. But I also believe that true growth comes from being open to collaboration and learning from others. You don’t have to be great at everything, you just have to be willing to listen, ask intentional questions, and build with people who complement your skillset.

As Toastmasters District 63 Program Quality Director, I’m responsible for developing a year’s worth of educational and developmental programming. Right now, we’re planning our Fall Summit in Nashville, and while I’m naturally strong in project management, I’ve learned that leading a successful event isn’t about doing it all myself. It’s about building a team that believes in the mission and feels seen in the process. Early in my leadership journey, I saw how some leaders pushed their own agendas and shut out other voices. I knew that wasn’t me. I’m colorful with hot pinks and reds, strategic with checklists, and I’m the person who’s always going to ask, “What do you think?” That’s how I make sure others know their voice matters.

Being the only one in the room has taught me that success isn’t just about standing out, it’s about creating space for others to stand with you.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

This is a great and fun question. Recently, I heard Thasunda Brown Duckett say the words “I rent my title; I own my character”. She eloquently broke it down to what it means by using definitions and her stories. It was fantastic and I’d love to tell you what I own. What I own is my essence which is composed of my voice, my passion, my resilience, and my values.

Honestly, when I first joined Toastmasters International, I joined to become better at giving performance evaluations, but I gained so much more. Today, I serve as the Program Quality Director for Toastmasters District 63 (the Greater State of Tennessee). It’s a title I hold for 365 days, and whether or not I’m elected as District Director next, I know this title is rented. What’s lasting is how Toastmasters is an organization that aligns with my values and allows me to help others grow while continuing to develop myself.

I also serve as the Arkansas Chapter Vice President of the National African American Insurance Association (NAAIA), and starting January 1st, 2026, I will step into the role the chapter President. This title allows for me to embrace my passion supporting emerging leaders and driving innovation and resilience in the insurance industry.

Beyond titles, I’ve made a silent pact with myself to positively impact 10 million lives through what I call the Kay Works Impact. Essentially, I want to have a positive impact in this world. I look at servant leadership being the way that I develop myself for my job, my livelihood, and for the next generation. As a leader, I may have a title, but the values and character that I have matter the most to me.

So I always tell individuals to be intentional about where you invest your time, because when your passion aligns with your purpose, your impact becomes unstoppable.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

In no particular order, I’d say vulnerability, continuous improvement, and self-awareness.

Embracing my vulnerability as a strength and not a weakness was one of the hardest skills for me. I always thought no one wanted to know if I did not want to do something or if I was having an off day and needed a break. Sometimes, feeling as though you’re alone or the only one in the situation doesn’t just hinder yourself, but hinders others around you.

Recently, I realized something, as a leader you are seen as a standard for those who are looking at getting to where you are today and one day surpassing you. Make sure you show them the human aspect of leadership. Make sure you show them the servant side of things. Make sure to show them self-care.

Continuous Improvement plus Self-awareness = Know You ARE Worthy. Don’t just try to get to the table, reinvent the table, and create some innovative side dishes along the way. Make sure you invite the right guests to your dinner. I tell individuals all the time that I am business and I have the right Board of Directors on my team. They’re quality individuals who make sure that I continue to strive to meet my metrics of success. The best way that I do that is by aware that I am naturally a curious person and I like to work in uncertainty. At least once a year, I do an activity where it’s a stretch outside my comfort zone: leading a team of individuals on a project that is outside my usual wheelhouse, travel somewhere new, or simply try a new hairstyle. But I try! Remember you don’t have to achieve perfection you just have to achieve progress.

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?

Over the past 12 months, my most significant area of personal and professional growth has been learning to extend grace to myself and embracing the importance of authenticity both in how I show up and in how I support others in doing the same.
As someone who is frequently leading or contributing to multiple projects, I’ve historically operated in a fast-paced rhythm, often moving quickly from one initiative to the next. This year, I’ve made a conscious effort to slow down and be more present in each moment. I’ve learned to pause and reflect, to absorb the genuine insights and lessons that come from each experience, and to appreciate the value of simply being in the moment. This shift has helped me cultivate a deeper sense of awareness and gratitude, which in turn has enhanced my ability to lead with empathy and intentionality.

Another key area of growth has been learning to acknowledge and celebrate my own accomplishments. Like many women, I’ve wrestled with internal narratives that suggest I’m not doing enough or that I don’t fit certain societal expectations. Whether it’s the pressure to meet traditional milestones or the quiet self-criticism that can creep in during everyday moments, I’ve realized how important it is to challenge those thoughts and replace them with grace and self-compassion. I’ve learned that it’s okay to be proud of my work, to accept compliments without deflection, and to recognize that success doesn’t always look like a checklist. It can look like resilience, authenticity, and showing up fully as myself.

This growth has also shown up in how I communicate with others. I’ve become more intentional about listening, affirming, and encouraging those around me to embrace their own authenticity. I’ve learned that vulnerability is not a weakness, it’s a strength that fosters connection, trust, and collaboration. By modeling this mindset, I’ve seen positive ripple effects in my relationships and team dynamics.

Ultimately, this journey has taught me that grace is not just something we extend to others, it’s something we must learn to give ourselves. And in doing so, we create space for growth, confidence, and deeper impact.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://d63.toastmastersdistricts.org/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tk.works.3/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaylaworks/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7R470fs5yg-LMYVWPvt2dg