15. The Long Game with James M. Davis, Jr.

"If you're not managing your brand, someone else is. And I will not have someone else manage my brand. I understand that my brand precedes me before I get in the room." - James M. Davis, Jr.

After graduating from Florida State University, James moved to Los Angeles in 2005 to begin working for Enterprise in Southern California. He's held multiple roles including Talent Development Manager and HR Generalist Manager. In 2015, James was promoted to his current role, Corporate Inclusion & Diversity Manager at the World Headquarters in St. Louis, supporting more than 70,000+ employees.  He is responsible for creating content, training and development for employees, and ensuring that the business case is clear as it relates to diversity, equity, and inclusion. During this conversation, James shares his approach to playing the long game in his career. From day one, he has had a long-term vision for the impact he wants to have within the Enterprise organization, and has been playing chess--that is being incredibly strategic and intentional--in order to get there. This is a true masterclass in influence!