

As a Black woman in a male-dominated industries Kelley Walton, VP of Marketing at NBA, knows what it’s like to be an ‘only’ in the workplace.
Through her experience, she has learned to leverage her unique perspective and build confidence to show up authentically and thrive in her...
As a Black woman in a male-dominated industries Kelley Walton, VP of Marketing at NBA, knows what it’s like to be an ‘only’ in the workplace.
Through her experience, she has learned to leverage her unique perspective and build confidence to show up authentically and thrive in her career.
Join us as Kelley shares her best tips to bolster confidence and minimize the challenges of being an ‘only’ in the workplace.
In this chat, you’ll learn:
For over 15 years, Kelley has helped top global brands drive business results by connecting with consumers through innovative & integrated marketing strategies. Her career has spanned industries, including media, sports, apparel, luxury, and wine & spirits. Whether in an established company or an emerging brand, Kelley has paired her intuitive leadership style and culturally driven approach with modern marketing techniques to drive corporate imperatives.
How do I overcome self doubt?
I don't have any questions at this time.
What habits should high school students (or anyone!) start practicing that’ll set them up for success in the future?
learning and networking
Excited to hear from Kelley!
What advice would you give to young professionals to build their confidence.
What's next for your career path with NBA?
No question, just here to learn.
How do you avoid the trap of being labeled the "Angry Black Woman" when presenting a dissenting opinion in a male dominated field?
No questions at this time. Thank you.
How were you able to connect with top companies like Under Armour and the NBA to land jobs?
What are the things that is needed to be done to get the role you want in your company, how to get an advance in your career?
What the answer we gives the parents when we fail through their expectations? How to over come the fail?
How do you manage to connect with team members professionally and socially as an "other" How to get confidence speaking up as an "other"
How do you still maintain being a team player when you are an only on the team
How to show your self when applying to a marketing job that you don't have experience with but you want to start stepping up in the area?
What advice do you have for transitioning into brand mktg in the sports/NBA space? I've held mid-senior level mktg roles in tech for 20+ years. I’ve been the only black person in the room my...
Being an "only" how do you create and maintain connection, morale, and engagement with others?
Did you have a mentor at one point that gave you a "Word" of encouragement for that big push forward to gain the achievement you dreamed of? If so, what is that "Word."
What does being confident mean to you? And do you have any example of what it means to someone (maybe a friend) completely different from you?
This will be very helpful.
No questions at this time.
How to stay motivated during your job search?
Is the NBA looking to make any innovative changes for their 75th Anniversary Season?
Thank you my life is the same thing in my life
How to keep the strong self confidence in COVID time
What is the greatest challenge you see for brands post-Covid?
I'd like to view a recording of this event as I can't be there for the event when presented. Thank you in advance.
How do you best deal with egos as an only in the workplace?
None as of the moment.
How has the NBA embraced digital transformation?
How do you get your voice heard being among the only few black women in a predominantly white male industry? Is it ok not to climb the corporate ladder yet not be seen as complacent? How do you...
Will forward in due course
How to pinpoint where to put your energy to move forward
How important is personal branding in the marketing space, and how did you shape/mold your personal brand?
Advice on returning to work after one year of sabbatical/time off?
Knowing what you know, have experienced and accomplished what would you say to your younger self? Looking forward, what are your personal goals for next 20 years?
What is your advise in maintaining your authenticity as a black woman in predominately white male spaces while advancing your career.
No specific questions, thank you
When you're asking for strengths and weaknesses from a candidate applying for a managerial role, what would be a weakness you would not be able to ignore. (Even if they've overcome it)
What are some strategies you use when faced with an opposing view, that’s very important to you?
What are the most important skills you must have to succeed in the company
No questions as of now. Looking forward to hearing about Ms. Walton's journey & techniques.
With the pressures of your job, what do you do to refresh and renew yourself?
What have you found success in alliancing within your company?
I’m a Marketing Director at a big tech company and part of my role is getting internal buy-in along with budget allocation. Sometimes I don’t have data yet to backup my case so I have to rely on...
What's your advice to mid-level senior leaders that want to make a career pivot (with some alignment to your career industry) or take a deeper dive into their specific industry? In a world with so...
As a recent college graduate and woman of colour, I would love to hear how you got to where you are today. Do you have any advice on building authentic, genuine connections with those in the...
How important is it to have a personal brand established when job searching/ going into an interview?
Sport as a product is very unique. Here we address our customers as fans and not just customers. Can you please share your experience in working as VP of Marketing at NBA and how unique is it...
What is your biggest challenge in working for such a largely male dominated organization?
My job is in Administrative support. I worked these types of jobs as a divorcee to provide for my two sons and put them through college. My question is, through the years I have created an LLC on...
In your experience, what have you seen as the area(s) that separates an average marketing team from a great one?
What was the most important factor on your confidence building?
What was the moment or project when you knew that you found the confidence to make yourself heard? I know how hard that can be when you are the only woman (and woman of color) in a room
What advice do you have for women who feel like they may be moving up in their career too fast (who feel like they are not qualified enough)?
How does on get to the point of an interview if they do not have NBA connections?
What do you wish managers knew about effectively managing employees who are 'onlys'?
What advice or tips do you give mid-level women who have either lost their passion and purpose or rediscovering themselves personally and professionally?
What are your best strategies for networking?
How do you get a male dominated team to take you seriously?
What advice do you have for young women who are looking to start a career in the sports industry? Or for young women who look to follow your career path?
What are recommended strategies to establish & develop formal or informal relationships with mentors and sponsors?
Do you have any tips to building your self confidence - especially when starting a new career?
In your case, has it been important for you to have a healthy private life, like – surround yourself with good people, doing activities that strengthen you, in order to build confidence to thrive...
I am a mid-level manager and would welcome any any tips for having my voice heard and influencing decisions by senior leadership, particularly in a group setting when one person continuously...
Is there a specific question you have for the speaker? Let us know!