Resilience, Advocacy, and Leadership Built Through Courage

Kimberly Twiggs’ powerful journey, from an early career in sales to Associate Vice President at DIRECTV, reveals a leader shaped by grit, reinvention, and an unwavering commitment to elevating others. She shares how 18 years at DIRECTV allowed her to grow, rebuild, and redefine her personal brand, embracing change, relocation, and continuous learning. Her career foundation was strengthened through data analysis, communication excellence, and the belief that success begins with influencing and inspiring people.

Kimberly credits mentors and sponsors who advocated for her in rooms she wasn’t in yet, reinforcing the power of excellence, recognition, and authentic sponsorship. Her profound DEI advocacy, across hospitality, technology, and within DIRECTV, reflects her belief that belonging drives performance and that leaders must model inclusion from the top. She emphasizes accessible conversations, multidimensional diversity, and the responsibility to create cultures where people feel seen and valued.

Her reflections deepen as she shares adversity, tragic loss, illness, motherhood, and the courage to lead while broken. Kimberly reminds listeners that resilience comes from meaning-making, connection, and allowing others to bring “gold paint” into their lives. Her story inspires professionals to invest in one-on-ones, lead with humanity, and build environments where excellence and belonging thrive.

Notable Quotes/Highlights

• "Everything begins with data."
• "My currency has always been being the best at whatever I set out to do."
• "Being brave enough to lead broken makes us human."
• "Belonging is the outcome."
• "You don’t need to know all of the answers."

Closing Reflection

Kimberly Twiggs’ story reminds us that courage, authenticity, and advocacy fuel true leadership. Her journey inspires every professional to embrace growth, lead with empathy, and build workplaces where people experience genuine belonging.