Change City

A Leadership Style with Kyla Woods

Read about a local official who wants to be intentional and relentless in her pursuit to leave a legacy and drive change.

Have you ever met someone inspires everyone around them to be “better?” Not just to only “be better” at their jobs, but one who reawakens purpose inside of others, forcing everyone to level up to their full potential. Kyla Woods is that someone and she’s shaking up the face of leadership in our region.    

Kyla currently serves a Public Information Officer for Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office during one of the most tumultuous times in the history of our nation. In this capacity Woods is not only prepared for whatever comes her way along the journey- she was born to lead in this role.

“My career journey has taken me from radio and television broadcasting, to nonprofit communications, to entrepreneurship, to now working in law enforcement” said Woods when asked about her leadership experience.  “What I have enjoyed the most is that every single opportunity I have stepped into has prepared me for the next level that I encounter. I am proud of my ability to truly embrace where I am and focus on maximizing my impact in that particular space.”

If the titles of “wife,” “mother,” “leader,” “friend,” “activist,” “mentor,” “keynote speaker” and “entrepreneur” seem to suit Mrs. Woods, “strong woman” is most certainly the headline. Kyla is intentional and relentless in her pursuit to leave a legacy of influence that can drive change. As she juggles the many daily challenges that life presents, Woods has intentionally chosen to invest in her whole-self wellness.

“I integrate wellness into my life in small, consistent ways. I go to bed early. I listen to my body when I need extra rest or when I need quiet time.” Kyla finds quiet time on her daily walks/running in the East Walnut Hills area and through reading in her home.

In order to support time with family and investing in herself, Woods has become an expert-level boundary-setter.  “I am leaning into saying ‘no’ when something doesn’t serve me or I just don’t have capacity for – and I do so without feeling guilty.” 

Leading with courage is most certainly Woods’ M.O. with a strong call to action: “lead where you are.” It takes courage to lead and Kyla chooses to lead with joy.  “I have always led with joy.  It’s the special sauce that makes me who I am, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”

Join Kyla Woods and other women who lead through wellness for “A Leadership Style” event powered by Crunchmaster Crackers on July 20that 11:30am ET.

In part 2 of Kyla’s story she will share her strengths and opportunity areas of personal wellness to inspire others to invest in themselves.

Bag spill photography & styling by Jerin McIntosh.

Content, left to right: Alpha Kappa Alpha Bag, You Are A Badassby Jen Sincere, Vaseline Lip TherapyEssence MagazineCrunchmaster Crackers, UC Gratitude Journal, Pacifica Lavender MoonGood & Gather Fruit Strip

“A Leadership Style” is a column authored by WISe Wellness Guild founder Stevi Gable Carr and powered by Crunchmaster Crackers aimed at celebrating female leaders who have advanced in their careers because they have integrated work and life through whole-self wellness. 

View the print edition online