Kayla Works shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Kayla, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
Lately, I’ve found myself stepping more into the role of a mentor—someone who helps others grow into the leaders they aspire to be. While I’ve always felt comfortable leading, the idea of mentoring used to intimidate me. That changed about four years ago, during a low point in my life, when I received some of the best advice I’ve ever heard: “You have to meet people where they are.” Once I embraced that mindset, I realized it was the missing piece. I also learned that my role wasn’t to lead for them, but to guide them toward where they needed to go. In doing so, I discovered my path to becoming a true mentor.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! I’m Kayla Works—an innovative and analytical problem solver who thrives on collaboration and loves motivating others with generosity. I currently serve as an Underwriter for Unum’s National Client Group and co-lead our employee network, upLIFT. With over 14 years of experience in high-pressure environments, I bring a strategic yet people-centered approach to everything I do—whether it’s managing complex caseloads, leading initiatives, or mentoring future leaders.
What makes my journey unique is the blend of professional growth and personal passion. I’ve held various leadership roles within Toastmasters International and community organizations, all while staying grounded in my love for travel, food, and adventure. I believe in meeting people where they are and guiding them toward their goals—something that’s become central to my leadership and mentoring style.
Right now, I’m focused on expanding my impact through leadership development, community engagement, and helping others discover their own paths to success. Whether I’m solving problems at work or exploring new cultures around the world, I’m always looking for ways to connect, uplift, and inspire.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
The person who saw me clearly—long before I could see myself—was my mother. She never tried to define me; instead, she took the time to truly listen and understand who I was becoming. Like many parents, she dreamed of traditional success for me—doctor, lawyer, something prestigious, of course. But more than that, she recognized something deeper: that I was a leader at heart, someone destined to reach and uplift others, even before I realized it myself.
She taught me that virtues and values are the foundation of a meaningful life. That judging others by appearances limits not only them, but also ourselves. She instilled in me the belief that every person matters, and that we each have a responsibility to lift those around us. Her wisdom shaped how I see the world: as a shared community where real change begins with personal action—but never at the cost of excluding others. She showed me that in the pursuit of happiness, the most powerful thing we can do is bring others along with us and relish in that diversity of thought.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me how to sit with discomfort and still move forward. It taught me patience, humility, and the quiet strength of resilience in a way success never could. When everything is going well, it’s easy to believe you’ve got it all figured out. But in the moments when I felt unseen, uncertain, or overwhelmed, I discovered who I really was.
One of my most pivotal lessons came during a low point in my life, when someone told me, “Your authentic self is enough.” That simple truth reshaped how I lead, how I mentor, and how I show up for others. It reminded me that empathy isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential. Suffering stripped away the need for perfection and replaced it with purpose. It taught me that strength isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about showing up as who you really are.
That lesson became even more personal during my mid-twenties, when I was trying to find my way in the world. My mother—who had always been against tattoos—surprised me by choosing two for me as a birthday gift. One shoulder reads, “There’s a light in the darkness,” and the other, “Suffering produces perseverance.” She told me to place them on my shoulders for the days when she wouldn’t be able to put her hand there or wrap her arms around me.
At the time, I didn’t fully understand the depth of that gesture. How such a small act would become my anchor. But after losing her—my biggest cheerleader—four years ago, I finally did. Those words have carried me through some of my hardest days. When I’m tired, when the journey feels too long, when I can’t see the end—I remember her love, her wisdom, and her belief in me.
Success can validate you, but suffering transforms you. And that transformation is what’s made me a better leader, a more grounded mentor, and a more whole version of myself—a compassionate human being.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
I would say respect, integrity, and accountability. I build relationships and foster collaboration on my deep belief that every person is a valuable resource and inherently worthy. Whether I’m leading a team, mentoring someone, or simply listening, I try to show respect by being fully present and honoring their perspective.
Integrity is a compass I don’t often talk about, but it guides every decision I make. Whether I’m working through a complex underwriting case or volunteering in my community, I hold myself to a standard of honesty and fairness. It’s not about recognition—it’s about knowing I stayed true to my values.
I believe in owning my actions, my growth, and my impact. I don’t always say it, but I hold myself accountable for how I show up—for my team, my community, and myself. That intentional mindset has helped me grow as a leader and a mentor, and it’s something I try to model for others.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Yes, I could—because I do. Giving my best isn’t about recognition; it’s about integrity and purpose. I’ve always believed that the quality of your work and the way you show up should reflect who you are, not who’s watching. Whether I’m speaking to a potential customer, mentoring someone through a tough moment, or leading a difficult team initiative, I bring my full self to the table—organized, resourceful, and driven by a desire to uplift others.
Praise is nice, but it’s not the fuel. What drives me is knowing I’ve made a difference, even in the smallest way, and the growth that I will always receive. That’s what keeps me going—because at the end of the day, I’m accountable to myself and the values I stand on.
Contact Info:
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaylaworks/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tk.works.3/
