Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shemar Mckoy. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Shemar, thanks for joining us today. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?

One defining moment in my professional journey happened during my second rotation in Unum’s Professional Development Program, where I was serving as a Client Success Manager. At the time, I was tasked with leading a newly formed onboarding team during a period of rapid growth and change. On paper, the role was about managing KPIs and workflow efficiency—but what it became was a crash course in leadership, empathy, and impact beyond metrics.

We were faced with complex onboarding challenges, strained internal communication, and a team learning to find its rhythm. I realized quickly that my role couldn’t just be about moving faster—it had to be about leading better. I leaned into mentorship, built trust within my team, and advocated for improvements in training and documentation. I also made it a point to listen deeply—because the root of most issues wasn’t the process, but people not feeling heard or supported.

One moment that stands out: after we rolled out several changes, one of the newer team members told me, “This is the first time I’ve felt confident and included in a role like this.” That feedback was powerful. It reminded me that impact is measured not only in operational wins, but in how people experience your leadership.

Since then, my career focus has shifted. I still care deeply about strategy, innovation, and measurable outcomes—but I’ve come to value the influence I have on others’ growth and experience just as much. That shift in mindset has guided how I’ve approached future roles, community involvement, and even my leadership within Employee Networks and external organizations like NAAIA.

It was the moment I realized I wasn’t just building a career—I was shaping a legacy based on inclusion, service, and elevating others.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Shemar McKoy — a strategist, builder, and advocate at heart. My career has taken shape at the intersection of data, innovation, and inclusion. I’m currently part of a rotational leadership development program at Unum, where I’ve had the opportunity to lead high-impact projects across product strategy, client success, and underwriting. Each experience has sharpened a core belief I hold: that good business is human-centered, and the best solutions are built when we connect insight with empathy.

I first got into this work through a deep curiosity about systems — how things work, where friction lives, and how thoughtful strategy can unlock new possibilities. From building benchmarking tools that help companies design more streamline leave policies, to leading employee network initiatives that amplify underrepresented voices, I’ve found purpose in solving problems that are both structurally complex and deeply personal.

What sets me apart is how I bridge the technical with the relational. I’m fluent in data and metrics, but I also know that the best results come from building trust, leading with integrity, and keeping people at the center of everything. I bring structure to ambiguity, clarity to complexity, and compassion to every collaboration.

Outside of my core role, I’m proud to serve as Co-Lead of an Employee Network at Unum, where I help shape strategy, grow community, and align our initiatives with enterprise-wide I&D goals. I’m also on the board of the National African American Insurance Association (NAAIA) as the Emerging Leaders Chair, helping to cultivate the next generation of diverse talent in our industry.

What I want others to know about me is that I care deeply about equity, impact, and legacy. My work isn’t just about deliverables—it’s about creating systems where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to thrive. Whether I’m building a product, leading a team, or mentoring someone early in their career, I lead with purpose and a strong belief in doing work that matters.

In short, I’m here to help organizations grow in smarter, more inclusive ways—and to do so with a spirit of curiosity, collaboration, and authenticity.

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

During a critical rotation as a Client Success Manager, I was leading a new onboarding team responsible for onboarding our customers in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. We encountered multiple setbacks—from communication breakdowns to process inefficiencies—that could have easily derailed our progress.

Instead of letting frustration take over, I focused on breaking down these challenges into manageable pieces. I prioritized listening deeply to my team’s concerns, encouraged open dialogue, and fostered a culture of continuous improvement. It wasn’t easy—there were long hours and moments of self-doubt—but staying committed to the vision and leaning on my support network helped me persevere.

This experience taught me that resilience isn’t just about pushing through adversity; it’s about adapting, learning, and finding strength in collaboration. It reshaped how I approach challenges today—reminding me that growth often comes from the hardest moments.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

I believe emotional intelligence and relationship-building are key to success in any field, especially mine. Being able to truly understand and empathize with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders creates the foundation for trust and effective collaboration.

In complex projects, data and strategy alone aren’t enough. Success depends on clear communication, active listening, and the ability to navigate different perspectives while aligning everyone toward a common goal. Cultivating these interpersonal skills helps me lead cross-functional teams, manage change, and drive impact in a meaningful way.

At the end of the day, it’s the human connections we build that enable us to overcome challenges and create lasting value.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Shem_Max_
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shemar-mckoy-usf2021?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app