As one of the most regarded business leaders in Kansas City, Andre' Davis takes care of business a little differently. Those who have the pleasure of connecting with Davis in a classroom, conference stage, or perhaps, just casually on the street might hear phrases like: "I never ask for anything before I give something.” “Stop presenting and start listening!” “I have information, but I never have an agenda.”
This is the mindset that has contributed to his incredible success and influence. While the opposing mentality leverages popularity and power for selfish reasons, Davis chooses to approach all people the same way -- in humility and with curiosity.
"I'm wired in a way that I'm just curious about people and didn't really know that would be a business mantra," he says.
Relationships are at the core of everything Davis does. In the business world, where presenting and talking are everything, he has learned a better way to engage, a way that eventually leads to better, more authentic business.
“People are fatigued at being talked at, they want to be talked with, he emphasizes. “I believe some people operate in a one-shot mentality. I don’t think that way. I think I am going to have multiple shots. I have information, but I never have an agenda.”
Davis did not grow up in a family where he was taught the ropes of business. As the youngest of three and full of burning curiosity, he became very comfortable watching and listening, which has served him well throughout the years in various industries.
“Active listening– that’s where I play! You don’t have to be an expert in that industry to have success in that industry. You have to listen,” he says. “I am very aware of what I am, but I am very aware of what I am not.”
This posture of humility is not just in business. Servant leadership is intertwined with everything Davis does. It is who he is and cannot be compartmentalized.
“Servant leadership is static. It is how you operate. It’s about acknowledging and seeing people for who they are. My servant leadership is legacy and impact on people and organizations,” he explains.
His heart for underserved kids and education is displayed where Davis chooses to spend his free time – serving on community boards. Even outside city limits, this passion culminated in a scholarship fund Davis and his friends started at Doane University. Birthed out of a trip to the old stomping grounds, this group saw a need and decided to fill it, offering funds to help students of color with basic needs so they can stay in school.
He issues a charge for everyone to adopt this outlook:
“We need more servant leaders in this country. Stop worrying about how it impacts you and start thinking about how you impact other people. How do we change the trajectory of people who are growing up with a hard start? Anyone who has the power to help another human being should exercise that power.”
To all of this – his approach to business, community and people – he says, “It is so simple.”
While it is very simple, when someone is incredibly gifted in what they do best, they make it look very easy, too.
“Servant leadership is static. It's how you operate. It’s about seeing people for who they are."