Carlonda (Londee) Davis began her banking career with Community First Bank of Indiana in 2018 and, after serving in a Senior HR role with the Brooklyn Nets, New York Liberty, and Long Island Nets, returned to the bank in 2023 as Chief Administrative Officer. She holds her Certified Community Banking Risk Specialist (CCBRS) certification and is a graduate of the Graduate School of Banking- Colorado. In addition to her professional responsibilities, Londee is an active community leader. She serves on the Executive Committee for the Board of Directors for One Zone Chamber, serves as Program Chair for the Carver Community Center Board of Directors, and holds a position on the board with Bridges Outreach Program.
Recently, in an exclusive interview with CXO Outlook Magazine, Carlonda shared her professional trajectory, insights on diversity and inclusion, the secret mantra behind her success, her favorite quote, future plans, pearls of wisdom, and much more. The following excerpts are taken from the interview.
Hi Carlonda. Please share your background and areas of expertise.
I am a devoted wife, mother of two college athletes, and a grandmother. I would consider myself an accomplished Human Resources professional with a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management from Indiana University-Indianapolis. I have been blessed to utilize my coaching abilities and apply it to my career. I am involved in key community initiatives, including leading the rebranding of Carver Community Center.
My areas of expertise include HR management, diversity and inclusion, community outreach, banking, and leadership development. I also serve as a mentor for many young and thriving leaders across multiple industries.
What do you love the most about your current role?
It is hard to answer this question in this one setting. I love my role for many reasons! It allows me to combine my passion for people, leadership, coaching, and community impact. As Chief Administrative Officer, I have had the opportunity to shape the organization’s culture, foster diversity and inclusion, and make meaningful contributions to the banking industry. This role allows me the flexibility to learn new areas of banking including risk management. It enables me to develop outreach and, align business strategies with community outreach, and drive positive change both within the bank and the community. The ability to lead and support others, while also making a tangible difference, brings fulfillment and purpose to my work.
What role does technology play in enhancing administrative processes and improving customer experience?
Technology plays a transformative role in enhancing administrative processes and improving customer experience. Technology streamlines operational processes, increasing efficiency, and fostering better communication. It can automate routine tasks, freeing up time for strategic work and reducing the risk of human error. On the customer experience side, banking is about relationships, and it is difficult to replace technology with people from that aspect. The enhancement of technology allows teams to work effectively and efficiently so our customers have access to real-time information with the ability to significantly boost customer satisfaction and loyalty. Technology ultimately enhances both internal operations and the overall experience for customers.
What are your thoughts on diversity and inclusion in your field? How important is it to have authentic conversations with leaders, professionals, and changemakers to create more acceptance across the globe?
I firmly believe that organizations who can figure out diversity and inclusion will be successful. You remember that saying, “It takes a village to raise a child” It also takes a village of diverse thoughts, ideas, creativity, and imagination to remain successful. The best way to obtain this atmosphere is to continue to invite this type of culture into the workplace. You need to allow diverse ideas to be heard and place them in the right seat. I would call this providing psychological safety for employees. Remaining authentic around this conversation is really the missing ingredient. Often diversity and inclusion become checkmarks, much like a to do list. When you have authentic conversations with leaders, professionals, and changemakers, that is where you get organizations walking the walk. They do not have to showcase their efforts in this area, the people, the communities, and the success will speak for itself. It is during those conversations where you share stories and life experiences that gets those leaders on your side of the table to see perspective through a different lens. I read a post on social media, and I thought it described this topic perfectly. I am a shoe person, so it resonated with me well. It stated that diversity represented everyone getting a pair of shoes. Equity represented a person getting a pair of shoes that fit them. Inclusion and belonging represented a person getting to where whatever shoes they liked.
You were recently recognized as one of the Top 50 Women Leaders of Indiana for 2024. Our readers would love to know the secret mantra behind your success.
I feel extremely honored to receive that award. This may sound cliché, but authenticity is the only secret. I am very authentic when it comes to my deep commitment to both people and purpose. My approach to leadership starts with empathy, ensuring that individuals feel valued and empowered while also focusing on strategic growth and community impact. I have a keen ability to balance results-driven goals with a people-first mindset that allows me to build strong, inclusive teams and foster lasting relationships. Leaders must continue to grow personally and professionally. Continuous learning is important to me, and I have dedicated myself to learn more.
Is there a particular person you are grateful for who helped get you to where you are?
I would not be here today without the personal support of my husband, D’Andre, and I’m extremely and truly grateful for him. He has always been the rock behind my career. I believe there are people you need in life when it comes to your professional journey, a mentor is one of them. I’m grateful that my sister, Carletta, introduced me to banking and to have a mentor that has been instrumental in shaping my career. Robb Blume, the CEO of Community First Bank of Indiana, not only taught me the intricacies of banking, but he believed in my leadership capabilities. His encouragement and mentorship pushed me to keep learning, growing, and embracing new challenges. I am thankful for his unwavering support and guidance.
What is your favorite quote?
“People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care” Theodore Roosevelt.
What does the term “authentic leadership” mean to you?
Authentic leadership for me means leading in a way that is true to my values, principles, and experiences. It involves being genuine, transparent, and consistent in my actions and decisions, which helps build trust and strong relationships with those I lead. Given my role and community leadership, authenticity also involves demonstrating empathy, integrity, and deep commitment to supporting others’ growth, ensuring that my leadership style reflects who I am both personally and professionally. I enjoy leading by example, showing I care for those I work with and work for by creating an environment where people feel supported and valued, which encourages trust and collaboration.
What are some of your passions outside of work? What do you like to do in your time off?
I love sports, traveling with my entire family, and being a grandmother to my two-year-old granddaughter, Malia. My husband and I met in college and we both played basketball. Now, our oldest son, Dre Davis, plays basketball for Ole Miss and our youngest son, Tae Davis, plays basketball for Notre Dame. So, we travel to support them at their games. My parents supported me while I played so they have engrained that into our family culture. We have traveled all but a couple of states in the U.S. and we travel internationally to see different parts of the world. It was important for us to allow our kids and now granddaughter to see the world outside of our country so they can appreciate what they have. We have a large extended family; my parents usually always travel with us and my mother-in-law and siblings will join from time to time. There have been some memorable trips for sure.
What is your biggest goal? Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now?
I would say my biggest goal would be deepening my leadership impact, both within CFB and the broader community. I plan to spend a lot of my time learning more about the industry. In five years, I would like to see myself continuing to expand my influence as a strategic leader in banking, driving forward initiatives and innovation. I will aim to take on more prominent roles within the community, while continuing to mentor future leaders.
What advice do you have for professionals who are just starting out?
I would tell them to find a mentor who can guide them, share their experiences, and provide insights into navigating their career path. Learning from those who have been in your position can be invaluable. Always be open to learning, whether through formal education, professional development opportunities, or simply staying curious about their industry. Networking is key. Cultivate relationships with colleagues, industry peers, and community leaders. These connections can lead to new opportunities and provide support throughout their career. I would tell them to be authentic and stay true to their values and leadership styles. Authenticity builds trust and fosters relationships in the workplace. It is imperative to stay resilient. The journey may come with challenges and setbacks. Embrace these experiences as opportunities for growth and stay resilient in the face of adversity. The last piece of advice I would share is suggesting they get involved in their communities. Choose organizations that they can resonate with, it helps them grow personally and strengthen their professional network.