We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kendra Landi. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kendra below.

Kendra, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea

Starting Women in Business Collective LLC was a journey that began with a shared vision during our senior year at San Diego State University. The three of us—Kayla, Talia, and I—served on the executive board of the SDSU Women in Business chapter, and during our time there, we saw the club grow from 300 to over 800 members. This growth wasn’t just in numbers but also in impact, as we connected with schools seeking advice on hosting successful events, attracting guest speakers, and building strong chapters.

The pivotal moment came when we realized something crucial: while similar organizations had national chapters, ours did not. We saw an opportunity — not just to create something unique, but to build a movement that would unify Women in Business chapters nationwide. Inspired by this gap and fueled by countless late-night discussions, we spent months envisioning what this could look like. We asked ourselves, What could this mean for the future of women in business?

One turning point was a conversation with our college professor, Steven Osinski, whose encouragement, alongside support from family and peers, gave us the confidence to move from idea to action. After graduation, our first official business meeting took place at a local coffee shop. It was there that we laid the groundwork for what would become the Women in Business Collective. Over the summer, we met with a business mentor, strategized, and worked through the steps to form our LLC by August.

For me, the quote “If not you, then who? If not now, then when?” became a guiding mantra. It reminded us that the perfect time doesn’t exist; we had to create it. Together, with Kayla and Talia’s incredible creativity and dedication, we officially launched at the end of August. Since then, we’ve been constantly improving — whether refining our website, expanding our resources, or brainstorming fresh content to empower the women we aim to serve.

What excites me most is that this is just the beginning. Starting our company has been a dynamic process of growth, learning, and adaptability. Every challenge and success reaffirms that we are in control of shaping our future. It’s a privilege to work alongside such talented co-founders as we push boundaries and elevate women in business everywhere.

Kendra, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

One of the most defining aspects of who I am professionally is my relentless drive to learn, grow, and help others do the same. Much of my passion lies in leadership—specifically, helping others build their confidence and realize their potential. So, it’s no surprise that the business I co-founded, Women in Business Collective, is rooted in transforming women’s passions into action and enabling them to grow personally and professionally.

My journey to this point has been shaped by diverse experiences. In college, I held a variety of jobs that kept me engaged and constantly learning—whether it was working in hospitality, serving coffee, selling ads for the school newspaper, or fundraising for nonprofits. These roles not only satisfied my curiosity but also laid the foundation for my career in sales. Today, I work at ServiceNow, where I’m part of a team dedicated to making the world of work, work better. Sales has given me a platform to combine my love for problem-solving with my desire to make a meaningful impact on others.

However, my entrepreneurial spirit found its ultimate outlet with Women in Business Collective, a passion project I launched with my two best friends. Together, we set out to close the gap for women in business by providing a supportive network and access to invaluable resources for college students. Through workshops, guest speakers, internships, networking events, and more, we help young women navigate their professional journeys.

What sets us apart is our dual focus on community and professionalism. We cater specifically to 18-24-year-old women interested in fields like marketing, communications, public relations, and sales. Beyond just providing resources, we foster a sense of belonging through socials and networking events that cultivate personal relationships and long-term loyalty.

At its core, Women in Business Collective is about empowering women to understand and own their futures. We’re educating members on every level of business while also giving them a platform to grow as individuals. It’s deeply fulfilling to mentor and inspire the next generation of women in business, and I’m honored to play a role in helping them thrive.

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

Our journey as business partners didn’t start with a singular moment—it evolved naturally over time. I first met Kayla and Talia during my sophomore year at San Diego State University through Women in Business. At first, our interactions were more peer-to-peer, as we were all members of the organization. But things shifted as we became more involved together once I joined the executive board.

Working closely together brought us opportunities to collaborate and connect on a deeper level. Talia and I had classes together, which gave us more time to bond, and I’d often find myself walking around campus with either her or Kayla, chatting about upcoming WIB events, life, and everything in between.

By our senior year, as members of the executive board, the three of us became best friends. It’s wild to think that we’ve only been this close for a little over a year. Now, we talk daily—not just about our business, but about life in general. Talia and I live just a few streets apart, and I’m constantly wishing we could all spend more time hanging out or doing something fun together.

What’s so special about our relationship is that it’s twofold: we’re both business partners and best friends. I genuinely couldn’t imagine going into business with anyone else. Kayla and Talia are driven, creative, and passionate—qualities that inspire me every day. Their ideas are incredible, and I’m always eager to support them.

Together, we share a vision for Women in Business Collective, but what makes it all the more meaningful is the trust and camaraderie we’ve built along the way. It’s not just about running a business; it’s about growing alongside two women I deeply admire and cherish.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

When I think about resilience, my journey to landing a role at ServiceNow is a story that stands out. I’ve been at the company for almost three months now, and I often reflect on how fortunate I am to be here. But I truly believe we create our luck, and this opportunity didn’t just fall into my lap — it was the result of persistent effort and determination.

During my senior year of college, if anyone asked me where I wanted to work after graduation, my answer was unwavering: I wanted to be in Sales at ServiceNow. The only problem? I didn’t have any direct connections at the company. So, I decided to take matters into my own hands and put my skills—especially those I’d honed as PR Director for Women in Business—to work.

I started by reaching out to every mutual contact I could find, scheduling coffee chats with employees, and sending thoughtful LinkedIn messages. I even listened to our CEO’s audiobook to understand the company’s vision and culture better. My professor introduced me to two employees who were his past students who could offer advice, and I made it a point to stay curious, ask insightful questions, and build genuine relationships.

I kept my name top of mind with the recruiter, regularly sharing updates of my resume and cover letter, and demonstrating my enthusiasm for the role throughout my senior year. Meanwhile, I dove into learning as much as I could about the company, the tech industry, and the position I was pursuing.

When it came time for my final interview—a role-play scenario where I had to deliver a sales pitch—I left no stone unturned. I practiced relentlessly, sought advice from mentors, and refined my pitch until I felt fully prepared. I walked into that interview both hungry and humble, ready to prove that I was the best candidate for the role.

In the end, my hard work paid off. Joining ServiceNow has been an incredible experience, but the journey to get here taught me so much about resilience. It’s about staying focused on your goals, putting in the effort to stand out, and pushing through challenges.

Now, as I settle into my role, I’m committed to carrying that same resilience forward—continuing to learn, adapt, and exceed expectations. I’m excited to take on new challenges, embrace change, and climb the ladder with the same determination that got me here.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://wibcollective.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wib.collective/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendralandi