Sue Newton’s leadership journey is rooted in growth, resilience, and redefining success. From early career goals driven by performance to a deeper focus on supporting others, she shares an honest perspective on balance, confidence, and leadership. Her story highlights the power of showing up, asking for help, and embracing both humility and pride.

Audra Emerson’s career in Talent Acquisition wasn’t planned; but it became a path defined by relationships, trust, and impact. From growing a startup recruiting office to leading with confidence in high-stakes environments, she shares how strong relationships and trusting your voice can shape a successful career and meaningful leadership journey.

Ciara Flotka’s journey from STEM to HR leadership highlights the powerful connection between people strategy and business performance. With experience in manufacturing, organizational change, and leadership development, she focuses on building cultures where clarity, trust, and growth drive results. Her story is a compelling example of modern leadership in action.

Shannon Milliman believes leadership begins with curiosity and connection. From facilitating leadership development across organizations to serving as Poet Laureate of Florence, Alabama, she has spent her career helping others discover their voice and potential. Her story highlights how mentorship, resilience, and a commitment to humanity at work can unlock meaningful impact.

James Ferguson’s leadership journey began in 3rd grade, when he used bake sale funds to create a confidential “Free Store” for classmates in need. Today, his commitment to dignity, representation, and access continues through initiatives like Advancing Black Pathways and mentorship programs that open doors for future leaders. His story is one of resilience, service, and building systems that help others rise.

Marcus Manning’s journey into technology began with inspiration from his father’s work at NASA mission control. Today, as CIO and Head of Cybersecurity, he leads with integrity, excellence, and a commitment to service. From building IT infrastructure for a $220 million hospital to serving his Houston community, Marcus demonstrates that leadership is measured not only by systems built, but by people lifted along the way.

Chakla Davis is a visionary HR leader whose non-linear career path spans manufacturing operations, finance, and human resources leadership. Known for leading “outside the lines,” she brings a rare ability to connect human potential directly to business impact. In this Black History Month spotlight, Chakla shares the lived experiences that shaped her leadership, her VTAW principle, and the legacy she’s building through the Phoenix Rising Scholarship.

In operations, success is often measured in metrics: output, efficiency, cost reduction. But if you ask the most respected leaders in this space what truly drives results, many would agree: it’s not just process. It’s people. And leading people takes more than technical expertise. It takes emotional intelligence. What Most People Get Wrong About Ops Leadership There’s a misconception that operations leaders are just there to push numbers and hit production targets. But great

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