Inspiring Conversations with Kamika Dillard of Black Women S.A.VE. Black Women / Fail Forward Coaching

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kamika Dillard.

Hi Kamika, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve spent over 20 years leading large-scale transformation work across companies like Microsoft, Equifax, and AT&T, where I learned how businesses operate at scale — how revenue grows, how systems are built, and how leadership decisions ultimately impact people.

My journey started in Los Angeles, where I was raised in South Central by a single mother from Tupelo, Mississippi. I went on to attend University of California, Los Angeles for undergrad and later earned my MBA from Pepperdine University. While that path may sound straightforward, the reality was far from it. As a first-generation student, I was navigating spaces without a roadmap — making mistakes academically, nearly losing my place at UCLA, and learning hard lessons early in my career, finances, and personal life simply because I lacked access to guidance.

Those experiences were formative. Over time, I built a strong career in corporate America, grounded in performance, leadership, and results. But in 2025, everything shifted when I was laid off from what I believed was my dream role after seven years — an experience that mirrored what so many Black women across industries were facing at the time.

That moment became a turning point. It forced me to confront a deeper truth: Black women are often expected to perform at the highest levels within organizations, yet are among the most vulnerable when those systems change.

Out of that realization, Black Women S.A.V.E. Black Women was created. What began as honest conversations among peers quickly evolved into a platform centered on support, strategy, and rebuilding — a space where Black women could process transition, regain clarity, and move forward with intention.

Today, my work sits at the intersection of leadership, resilience, and ownership. Through coaching, consulting, retreats, and community-building, I support women in navigating disruption and redefining what success looks like on their own terms.

My story isn’t about overcoming where I come from — it’s about using every part of that journey to build something that creates more clarity, access, and opportunity for the women coming behind me.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. A lot of my journey has been shaped by figuring things out in real time without a clear blueprint.

Early on, I struggled academically and nearly lost my place in college, which forced me to confront how unprepared I felt navigating those environments as a first-generation student. That pattern continued into my early career and personal life — making decisions around work, money, and relationships without the guidance or access that many others have.

Even as I found success in corporate America, there were challenges that came with being a Black woman in leadership — navigating expectations, visibility, and the pressure to consistently perform at a high level without always having the same support systems.

The most significant turning point came when I was laid off. That experience was both humbling and eye-opening. It forced me to re-evaluate not just my career, but the systems I had placed trust in — and to confront the reality that stability isn’t always guaranteed, no matter how hard you work.

But each of those challenges ultimately shaped how I lead, how I build, and how I show up for others. They pushed me to create something more intentional — not just for myself, but for other women navigating similar transitions.

We’ve been impressed with Black Women S.A.VE. Black Women / Fail Forward Coaching, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Black Women S.A.V.E. Black Women is both a platform and a growing movement centered on support, validation, and strategy for high-achieving Black women navigating transition. Whether it’s career disruption, burnout, or a shift in identity, the goal is to create a space where women can be honest about where they are while also being equipped with the tools to move forward with intention.

Alongside that, Fail Forward Coaching focuses on helping individuals reframe failure, setbacks, and uncertainty as part of a larger growth strategy. It’s rooted in the belief that disruption — whether expected or not — can be a powerful entry point into alignment, ownership, and long-term success.

What sets this work apart is the combination of lived experience and executive-level insight. I’ve operated inside major corporations and understand how systems work, but I’ve also experienced firsthand what it means to be impacted by those systems. That dual perspective allows me to offer both empathy and strategy — not just motivation, but practical, actionable guidance.

Across both platforms, I’m most proud of the community that’s being built. It’s not just about individual success, but about creating spaces where Black women feel seen, supported, and empowered to redefine success on their own terms.

Ultimately, this work is about shifting the narrative — from simply surviving disruption to using it as a catalyst for clarity, ownership, and forward movement.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Cali is just a vibe! It’s the perfect melting pot of what America thinks it is. We literally have something for everyone and we get the best of all foods, all cultures. It’s very reflective of the state of California itself – it just has everything.

What I dislike is what I think most locals would say – we don’t measure distance in miles, we measure it in minutes regarding the time it takes us to get to certain places. Because of that, it becomes a bit restrictive in where you can go in the city to really take advantage of ALL the city has to offer. You don’t get to experience everything the city has to offer as much as you would like to because of how long it takes us to get to places. I think better public transportation would be a huge help in solving this.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.koachkam.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kamikatdillard/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamikadillard/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@blackwomensaveblackwomen
• Other: https://www.blackwomensaveblackwomen.com/ and https://failforwardcoaching.com/

Image Credits
Jevone Moore/360 Photos