Learn About The 2025 Laureates: David Kay
Laureate Q&A
Author: JA of Greater Washington Community Involvement
Corporate Responsibility
Published:
Wednesday, 27 Aug 2025
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Image caption: Photo of David Kay
WASHINGTON’S BEST IN BUSINESS: DAVID KAY
From building one of the region’s most respected consulting firms to launching community initiatives, David Kay has shown that strong values and service go hand in hand.
Explore his story and discover why he’s a shining example of business excellence and this year’s Laureate.
Did you have a mentor over the course of your career? If so, who was it, and how did they impact your career trajectory?
David Kay: I’ve had the privilege of learning from several mentors, but one in particular stands out—a former boss who taught me the value of strategic patience. Early in my career, I was eager to make big moves quickly. He helped me understand the importance of timing, listening, and building consensus. His guidance helped me develop a more thoughtful leadership style, one that balances urgency with empathy. That mentorship shaped how I approach complex decisions and how I now mentor others.
What is the hardest job you have ever done? What made it so difficult?
David Kay: Starting my own company was by far the most challenging. There’s no playbook, and every decision feels high-stakes. You’re responsible not just for your vision, but for the livelihoods of your team. The emotional weight of that responsibility is real. But it also taught me resilience, humility, and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who believe in the mission as much as you do.
If you could choose one person to have dinner with, living or dead, who would it be and why?
David Kay: I’d choose Nelson Mandela. His ability to lead with grace, even after enduring so much, is something I deeply admire. I’d want to understand how he maintained hope and vision in the face of adversity. His legacy reminds us that leadership is about service, and that real change often requires both courage and compassion.
What should students be doing today to help prepare them for a successful tomorrow?
David Kay: Students should focus on developing adaptability and emotional intelligence. The world is changing fast—technologically, socially, and economically. The ability to learn, unlearn, and relearn is critical. But just as important is the ability to connect with others, to lead with empathy, and to collaborate across differences. Those are the skills that will define the next generation of leaders.
What is one thing you want the Greater Washington business community to know about your company?
David Kay: We’re not just in the business of strategy—we’re in the business of transformation. Our work is about helping organizations unlock their potential by aligning purpose with performance. We believe that when companies lead with values, they create more sustainable impact. I’d love for the business community to see us as a partner in building not just better businesses, but better futures.
If you had to pitch a new business concept today, what would it be and why?
David Kay: I’d pitch a platform that connects underrepresented entrepreneurs with capital, mentorship, and market access. There’s so much untapped talent out there, and the barriers to entry are still too high for many. By creating a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem, we can drive innovation and equity at the same time.
Invest in the Future — Honor David Kay
Support David Kay’s induction into the Washington Business Hall of Fame and help advance the mission of Junior Achievement of Greater Washington. Your contribution directly fuels experiences that equip local students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to succeed in a competitive world.
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