Entelo is pleased to announce and welcome Kevin Walters as our new Senior Director of Diversity! Kevin previously held DE&I roles in learning and development and a change agent role at Amazon.
Kevin will lead our internal diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at Entelo and will be an instrumental part in defining strategic opportunities with our diversity services. Mr. Walters brings over 20 years of global talent acquisition management expertise in the retail, consumer, software, financial services, and technology industry. Read on to find out more about Kevin both professionally and personally in an in-depth Fireside Chat:
Where are you from and how did you get where you are now?
I am originally from NYC and my parents are from Jamaica in the West Indies. I mention both places because my history and culture are part of my persona and make up. I moved from Atlanta, GA to Las Vegas, NV about 6 years ago for family reasons.
What makes you most excited about joining Entelo?
I am excited about Entelo because I will have the opportunity to innovate and apply my overall ability in Talent Acquisition, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Entelo has something that is rare. We have a team of smart people that work hard and collaboratively to do what is best for customers.
As you know Entelo has gone through a lot of changes recently. What do you think are Entelo's greatest strengths in succeeding in today's world?
Entelo has gone through a lot of changes recently but that is not necessarily a terrible thing. Change is necessary for growth. Entelo’s greatest strengths are our people, recruitment marketing technology, and the value proposition we bring to the market.
What do you think are areas of improvement for Entelo, and how do you think you can help?
We want to continuously improve in the messaging of our value proposition and service offerings. My role as the DEI Leader will be instrumental in ensuring we are a truly diverse and inclusive company. Additionally, I am excited about the opportunity of helping our customers create DEI strategies and solve problems.
With all the challenges that the talent acquisition space is facing right now, what continues to make you excited about our industry?
The biggest challenge talent acquisition organizations face right now are themselves. The pandemic has forced businesses to examine their hiring strategies and business operations. TA organizations now feel the urgency to address areas that they have historically ignored; Ex. Inclusion & Diversity. Talent Acquisition organizations are now tasked with figuring out how to attract and engage talent from underrepresented communities. I am excited with the industry because we are finally moving from a period of awareness to taking actionable steps for change. What continues to excite me about our industry is how technology continues to evolve and change. I am loving the innovation and the collaborative engagement tools that exist on the market. The content is truly on steroids!
What sorts of changes do you want to implement for Entelo's success in the next month, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months?
My first goal is to do an audit to better understand ourselves. If we understand who we are, that will help us be more inclusive in our communications and relationships. This transformation will transfer to how we relate to our customers. Concurrently, I will be working collaboratively across all areas of our business, Sales, CS, Services and Product to ensure we are DEI enabled. Within 12 months? I am not sure I am there yet; however, I know that I will be continuously listening and creating innovative practices that will help us grow as a company and solve problems for our customers.
What's one piece of advice that you've carried with you on your path to success?
The advice that I have always carried with me on my path to success is to stay humble, continue learning, work hard, and have fun doing what you love to do. When others see my passion, they are engaged and want to join in. One of my favorite Bob Marley Quotes is “The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and ability to affect those around him positively.”
Outside of work, what hobbies and activities do you enjoy?
I have too many! I draw, paint, DJ music, play competitive International Chess, ride a bike, cook, workout and travel with my family.
What does company culture mean to you?
Company culture is everything. It truly is how people interact and engage with one another. If people are working hard and having fun while doing it, they are engaged. The culture is what gives me the energy to work hard and seek ways to make my company better.
Can you name a person who has had a tremendous impact on you as a leader?
The person that has had the biggest impact on me as a leader is my father. He is one of the hardest working people I know. He was a natural leader for our immediate and extended family.
What have been the biggest challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As a Black American with Caribbean roots, I have faced multiple challenges in life. However, one of the biggest challenges has always been trying to overcome people’s biases and stereotype(s) of who they think I was or should be. Without realizing it, these biases caused me to put my own limitations on myself, “Imposter Syndrome”. When I finally realized this, I stopped underestimating my own capabilities. I genuinely believe that I am the only person that can ultimately stop me from reaching my goals and achievements.
What’s the most interesting thing about you that we can't Google?
The most interesting thing about me is that after college, I did an internship with the Orlando Magic when Shaq first got drafted in the NBA. I had the pleasure of getting to know him personally and hang out with him. He is down to earth and I like that because I am the same way; I am down to earth too.
What is your number one priority as you start at Entelo?
My # 1 priority is to help Entelo be more inclusive and diverse. Additionally, work with our customers to deliver DEI services that are fair for their business. We have the best technology in our industry and the team working behind it with the ability to execute.
Keeping with the season, what are you most grateful for in your life?
I am most grateful for my health, family and belief in God.
--
Entelo has been lucky enough to work with Kevin in the past as a customer, on live events, and in a consulting capacity with our team. Suffice it to say, it was a perfect match.
Welcome, Kevin!
comments