In this powerful episode, host Brooke Skinner Ricketts delves into the incredible story of Travis C. Hunter, Jr., the Office Managing Partner at KPMG in Chicago. Travis opens up about his journey from growing up as a military child—moving over 20 times before the 9th grade—to becoming a leader in corporate America. Despite facing numerous obstacles, Travis credits his success to his unwavering perseverance and the support of key mentors who believed in his potential.
You’ll hear Travis recount the challenges of being the only African American in his office and how he navigated through adversity. With a focus on mentorship, Travis shares how he has used his leadership position to create opportunities for others and reshape the narrative around diversity in corporate leadership. This episode offers a rare glimpse into the mindset of a leader who rose above his circumstances to succeed.
Key Takeaways:
- Discover how mentorship played a pivotal role in shaping Travis’s leadership path.
- Learn how perseverance and adaptability helped Travis overcome personal and professional challenges.
- Gain practical insights into how to leverage your unique background and experiences to become a successful leader.
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Highlights
The key moments in this episode are:
[00:00] Introduction to Beyond Barriers
[00:00] Introduction to Beyond Barriers
[00:30] Personal Story: Overcoming Challenges
[01:17] Introducing Travis C. Hunter Jr.
[01:32] Travis's Early Life and Family Background
[06:05] Navigating Education and Career Choices
[08:43] Career Journey at KPMG
[11:23] Mentorship and Key Lessons
[21:16] Resilience and Family Legacy
[23:47] Embracing Vulnerability and Sharing Stories
[24:39] The Power of Representation and Influence
[26:15] Navigating Corporate America with Mentorship
[28:24] Building Authentic Connections
[32:10] Defining Success and Personal Growth
[34:07] Daily Habits and Self-Care
[36:21] Mentorship vs. Sponsorship
[41:10] Longevity and Growth at KPMG
[42:26] Lightning Round: Insights and Reflections -
Lightning Round
Q: What book has greatly influenced you?
A: Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success by Adam Grant.Q: What is your favorite inspiring quote or saying?
A: "Iron sharpens iron." ~ Proverbs 27:17Q: What is one word or moniker you would use to describe yourself?
A: “He’s just a real one.” ~ Travis’ daughterQ: What is one change you've implemented that made your life better?
A: I had to slow down to go faster.Q: What power song would you want playing as you walk out onto a stage?
A: E-40 & Lil Jon - Snap Your Fingers.Q: What do you want your legacy to be?
A: I think my legacy will be defined by others, so I'm not going to say what they would say. What I hope people will say is that Travis cared. He cared enough to do the right things, to impact his community, to grow the business, and to create opportunities for others. Whether it was a one-on-one interaction or a push to help them be their best, he cared. If that's how they define my legacy, I'd be happy. -
Quotes
Grit and perseverance got me through the toughest challenges, but mentorship is what helped me rise to leadership.
Travis C. Hunter, Jr.
Every challenge I faced was an opportunity to grow, and I used those moments to redefine my path..
Travis C. Hunter, Jr.
Success isn’t about where you start, it’s about how hard you’re willing to push forward.
Travis C. Hunter, Jr.
I’ve always believed in lifting others up—mentorship has been key to my success, and I make it a priority to pass that on.
Travis C. Hunter, Jr.
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About
Travis C. Hunter, Jr. is office managing partner for KPMG LLP’s Chicago office where he leads more than 3,000 professionals in providing Audit, Tax, and Advisory services to our clients, and adhering to our firm’s Values. Beyond Chicago, Travis facilitates collaboration with eight Midwest markets as the Chicago market Hub Leader.
With more than 20 years of strong operational leadership, business development, people development and client service to KPMG’s clients, Travis is known for his deep commitment to serving KPMG’s communities and clients and supporting and developing talent. He is focused ensuring that KPMG is a great place to work and build a career, where diversity, equity and
inclusion is embraced and practiced.
Before taking on this role, Travis served as the Dallas Business Unit Partner in Charge (BUPIC) in the Audit practice, providing Audit and business services to a variety of public and private entities across industries, with a specialized focus in healthcare. His audit experience ranges from public home health, hospice, long term acute care facilities, private integrated healthcare
systems, end-stage renal dialysis providers, teaching hospitals, and diagnostic imaging centers in accordance with PCAOB, SEC, and AICPA requirements. In addition, he has many years of experience with Medicare, Medicaid, and private payor regulations, including cost reports, reimbursement rates and estimates, and statutory reporting.
Travis is committed to giving back to the community and, in Chicago, will be deeply involved with United Way of Metro Chicago, Civic Committee of Chicago, World Business Chicago, The Executives Club of Chicago, and the American Cancer Society, as a chair of its Discovery Ball this year. He has previously served as a member of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Dallas Board of Directors, the Board of Directors for Hargrave Military Academy and the Texas Christian University Neely School of Business Inclusive Excellence Board. At KPMG, has served as a member of the KPMG Board Nominating Committee and is currently on the Women’s Advisory Board.