Defying the Odds: Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace’s Inspiring Path to Purpose-Driven Leadership and Service Part 2
Season 13: Ep. 586
Leadership isn’t defined by a title, it’s revealed through how we serve, connect, and empower others. In Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace, we dive into her book Made for This and explore how faith, purpose, courage, and authentic relationships shape meaningful leadership. She shares why investing in people always creates lasting impact and how leading with compassion builds stronger communities.
From mentoring future leaders to navigating uncertainty with confidence, this episode offers practical wisdom for anyone striving to live and lead with intention. Dr. Burns-Wallace reminds us that our greatest legacy isn’t what we accomplish. It’s the lives we encourage, uplift, and inspire along the way.
Key Takeaways:
- Leadership begins with relationships, proving that genuine connection creates stronger teams, deeper trust, and more meaningful results than authority alone.
- Leading through uncertainty requires both courage and compassion, allowing us to make difficult decisions while staying grounded in our values.
- Everyone has unique gifts and a purpose, and embracing those talents with confidence creates lasting impact in our communities and workplaces.
- Mentorship and sponsorship change lives by opening doors, encouraging growth, and helping others recognize potential they may not yet see in themselves.
- The greatest legacy isn’t measured by titles or achievements, but by the people we’ve empowered, the lives we’ve influenced, and the opportunities we’ve created for others.
Kim Newton Episode: https://smallchangesbigshifts.com/pressing-pause-on-life-to-discover-your-truest-joy-with-kim-newton-season-10-ep-409/
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About Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace:
Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace is president and chief executive officer of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, a private, nonpartisan foundation that provides access to opportunities that help people achieve financial stability, upward mobility, and economic prosperity – regardless of race, gender, or geography.
Working across the public service, academic, and philanthropic sectors, Dr. Burns-Wallace carries a career commitment to enriching and strengthening equitable economic mobility. With Ewing Kauffman’s vision serving as the centerpiece for the Kauffman Foundation, Dr. Burns-Wallace guided a comprehensive community engagement process to solidify the Foundation’s enduring bond with Kansas City and renew its focus on college access and completion, workforce and career development, and entrepreneurship.
Prior to joining the Kauffman Foundation, Dr. Burns-Wallace was the secretary of administration and the chief information technology officer for the State of Kansas under Governor Laura Kelly. She was the first African American to hold either cabinet seat in the state’s history.
Dr. Burns-Wallace’s career in higher education includes serving as vice provost at the University of Kansas, assistant vice provost at the University of Missouri, and assistant dean at Stanford University. She began her career as a diplomat with the U.S. Department of State, serving tours in China, South Africa, and in Washington D.C.
Service is a cornerstone of Dr. Burns-Wallace’s journey. She was elected to the Stanford University Board of Trustees in 2020, and she has held board roles in numerous local, regional, and national organizations including the College Board and Heart of Missouri United Way. She was recently elected as a life member to the prestigious Council on Foreign Relations.
While her career has taken Dr. Burns-Wallace around the world, she has never been far from the neighborhoods of Kansas City where she was raised and drew inspiration for leading a life of service. Her most important title is mom to her son, Xavier.
Connect with Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace at:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G3W8CGCH?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback
https://www.facebook.com/kauffmanfdn/
https://www.instagram.com/kauffmanfdn/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/kauffman-foundation/
https://www.youtube.com/user/KauffmanFoundation
Connect with Dr. Michelle and Bayleigh at:
https://smallchangesbigshifts.com
hello@smallchangesbigshifts.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/smallchangesbigshifts
https://www.facebook.com/SmallChangesBigShifts
https://www.instagram.com/smallchangesbigshiftsco
https://www.youtube.com/@smallchangesbigshiftsco
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