In a world where technology is the backbone of modern connectivity, LaKesha Small has spent over two decades at the forefront of the semi-conductor industry, ensuring families stay linked through the power of innovation. As a seasoned senior manager, she has not only achieved remarkable success but also discovered her true purpose – inspiring others to reach for the stars and envision a future without limits.

From her professional endeavors to her personal mission, LaKesha’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Fueled by a passion for encouraging young minds, she penned the acclaimed children’s book, “Professor Circuitry Explores Engineering,” igniting curiosity and ambition among the next generation of engineers and technologists.

Armed with a bachelor’s degree in Electronics Engineering Technology from Grambling State University, LaKesha has been an inspiring role model for aspiring engineers, and her impact extends far beyond her corporate achievements. The pandemic-driven challenges of social distancing prompted her to create “Lunchbox Ladies ATX,” a virtual networking series fostering connections among women in Austin, proving that innovation knows no bounds.

Yet, her dedication to community service remains her most significant calling. In Manor, Texas, she emerges as a leader, a mentor to the youth, and an active member of several nonprofit organizations. Moreover, as the founder of the Lee Small Foundation, LaKesha tirelessly champions scholarships for individuals pursuing engineering education, underscoring her unwavering commitment to uplifting others.

In this exclusive cover story, we delve into LaKesha Small’s remarkable journey – how she ascended in the semi-conductor industry, kindled the dreams of young minds, and cemented her role as a connector of communities. Join us as we uncover the story of a visionary leader whose influence resonates far beyond the circuits and into the hearts of all those she touches.

Journey from Numbers to Semiconductors and Beyond

When LaKesha was a kid, she loved math and knew she’d work in science, computing, or technology someday. Throughout her adolescence, she was fascinated by numbers and solving problems. She saw that engineers play a vital role in expanding the boundaries of scientific knowledge and discovering technological solutions to problems, both of which have a significant impact on the development of society. Initially, she worked in manufacturing, but she quickly transitioned to become more knowledgeable about the testing technologies used for semiconductors. She believes that testing is essential to the process because it prevents defects from reaching the end user.

From Silicon Valley Start-up to Global Computing Leader

AMD is the high performance and adaptive computing leader, powering the products and services that help solve the world’s most important challenges. Its technologies advance the future of the data center, embedded, gaming and PC markets. Founded in 1969 as a Silicon Valley start-up, the AMD journey began with dozens of employees who were passionate about creating leading-edge semiconductor products. AMD has grown into a global company setting the standard for modern computing, with many important industry firsts and major technological achievements along the way.

At AMD, the team dares to imagine a better world and gets inspired by their customers to offer innovative solutions for the challenges and opportunities of the digital age. They don’t create technology just for the sake of it; instead, they innovate to assist consumers in achieving their goals.

Transformational Leadership

As the years went by and LaKesha dedicated more time and effort to her personal growth, her approach to leadership underwent a transformation. In the beginning, when she first started her professional journey, she thought that being a leader meant being strict and unwavering. She believed that this was the way to gain recognition and respect from her peers.

But as time passed and she gained more experience, LaKesha came to a profound realization. Effective leadership was not just about being authoritative and commanding. It was about so much more. It was about having the ability to influence and inspire others, to be honest and transparent in her actions and decisions. She understood that encouraging her team to take calculated risks was essential for progress and innovation.

Most importantly, LaKesha learned that true leadership was rooted in resilience and integrity. It was about being strong in the face of challenges and setbacks, and always staying true to her values and principles. As she embraced these essential qualities, her leadership style evolved into one that was not only effective but also compassionate and empowering.

Empowering Through Communication

As a senior leader and Engineer, LaKesha is focused on enhancing her communication skills to become a more effective communicator, despite her introverted and less proactive communication styles. However, she firmly believes in her company’s mission, goals, and the importance of fostering transparency. As a result, she nurtures open communication and strives to develop strong relationships that promote a community-based work environment.

Leading with Purpose

Leading by example is the first step in motivating and inspiring her team members to perform at their best, a value instilled in her by her ancestors’ strong work ethic. To motivate and inspire others, LaKesha emphasizes the importance of being aligned with one’s vision and setting clear goals. She recommends using a collaborative planning process that involves more than just the leader to define these goals. Additionally, she advocates providing positive feedback and rewards throughout the goal-attainment process while always offering opportunities for growth.

Balancing Success and Well-Being

In order to be a successful leader, LaKesha believes that she must stay highly engaged in her work and sometimes work for extended periods. However, she also understands the importance of balancing that with time to unwind and recharge in her private life. Her morning routine includes prayer, meditation, and manifestation, which brings her a sense of calm and emotional balance. It also helps her develop positive emotions and fosters good interactions with others. During her evening downtime, she often enjoys binge-watching reality television, which adds excitement to her day.

Embracing Cultural Uniqueness

In LaKesha’s experience, Black Women bring a unique perspective to the table, influenced by their beliefs and experiences. However, she acknowledges that this perspective may not always be well-received. So, she advises not to let fear, shame, or anxiety control you. Instead, embrace the uniqueness of your culture and use it to lead effectively by providing valuable content and using an effective communication style.

Website: https://lakeshasmall.com/