Profile Of A Successful Female Leader

Beverly Kuykendall: Courageous, Conscientiousness, and Self-Aware

In the 21st century, there is an iconic legion of female trailblazers. Beverly Kuykendall, American Medical Depot’s president of Government Business, is a quintessential leader and visionary and part of that multitude. She is poised, purposeful and does not shy away from driving results. Her resume reads like an ambitious woman’s bucket list. She rewrites the rules for leadership, changing the world and making it a better place.

Kuykendall advises that “Change defines the way we live and work… connecting to the culture and infrastructure of your business is instrumental to success.”

She knows first-hand the personal and professional wages of building and sustaining a business. Kuykendall is a published author, professional speaker, adjunct instructor and award-winning entrepreneur who has worked on behalf of many Fortune 50 companies. Now, in her third decade in business, she advises corporations on successful government contracting, from winning proposals and joint ventures to subcontracting and certifications. Shifting and pivoting to adapt, she has made many difficult decisions at critical times in her career. Most recently, after more than 20 years as an entrepreneur, she sold her firm and accepted her current role at American Medical Depot, which exemplifies her life philosophy that encourages personal growth, a “can do” attitude and fearlessness to transform into her next best self.

She is the recipient of copious awards, including the 2016 Legacy Healthcare Leadership Award, Supplier of the Year by the Southern California Minority Supplier Development Council, Small Business Champion of the Year by the Small Business Association, Entrepreneur of the Year by the Black Business Association, and Advocate of the Year by the National Association of Minority Contractors. Kuykendall was also named one of South Florida’s 25 Most Influential and Prominent Women Leaders and one of the 50 Most Powerful Minority Women in Business.

“Mentorship is a two-way street and it’s important”

Beyond awards and accolades, she is humbled by the lives she touches; young and seasoned business owners garner guidance, support and counsel from her. Kuykendall believes building a community where successful women can share their stories and advice will produce a generation of credible and confident “fem-preneurs.” With an infectious enthusiasm, she leads change with her heart and steers the course with her impeccable business savvy. Kuykendall takes passion to another level with a mission to pass it on. She sees giving back as not only the path to her legacy, but the key to opening doors and creating opportunities for others.

Her best advice to women business owners “…is to know the value you bring to the table.” She urges, “Show your value and stand out!”

Balancing the demands of a successful career, Kuykendall makes personal excellence look effortless. Her mantra is to face the world with a self-assured, authentic perseverance that she often refers to as being the “prettiest girl in the room.” She totally immerses herself in being a well-read, proactive industry influencer. Recognized by some of the most respected publications and organizations in the business world, she is a dynamic speaker and sought-after instructor on relevant, contemporary business issues. In her book, “C’est la Vie, That’s Life! 9 Laws of an Emerging Business Woman,” she humorously shares her professional journey and lessons learned.

While Kuykendall successfully negotiates billion dollar contracts, she never loses touch and gratefully celebrates her small wins along the way. Of all the attributes and capabilities that contributed to her success, she feels that the relationships she has cultivated have made her who she is today. She credits the vested interest of a myriad of trusted sister-friends to guide and motivate her to be something bigger than she thought possible.

Kuykendall stays sane and connected by starting each day with a strong workout to align her mind and body. She leads a health-conscious life and maintains a 30-year marriage to her beloved husband, Calvin. Kuykendall lives each day in the moment and is committed to the rewarding possibilities of life.

She upholds, “A lady never makes a promise she cannot keep.”