Untytled: The Kady Cox Interview

The Kady Cox Interview — Volume 09.

This interview was released in April 2024.

This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.

Kady, you’re a woman of grit, innovation, luxury, and leisure. But to those reading who may not know you, please introduce yourself.

What a kind compliment, thank you! I see myself as someone who is diligently laying the groundwork to pursue my passions. While I cherish my autonomy and prioritize hard work, I refrain from strictly adhering to the “Boss Girl” persona, as I envision a future where my focus shifts towards the legacy I plan to create and serving my own family and left in hindsight will only be the impact I’ve made and the skills I’ve acquired to perform well in those roles. My background in politics and nonprofits, including my time working in the White House and founding my own nonprofit organization, are pivotal milestones in my career journey — but if I could introduce myself any better, I’d say someone who adapts to her surroundings, values time freedom, relentlessly pursues her aspirations and embraces the enriching experience of travel.

You started your non-profit RAWS (Raising Awareness With Students) in 2015 and have scaled it into an international entity to support tomorrow’s youth. Can you share testimonials from students who benefited from your servitude?

“I feel like RAWS has benefited me in social ways because I used to be shy, but after I got in the program, I started talking to people more” — Dorian Bradford, 17 years old, 11th grade

“Raising Awareness with Students equipped me with the necessary experience to understand the importance of being educated and involved. From participating in the March on Washington to visiting museums and even just talking to my peers to gain more insight, I have learned and grown. As I embark on my leadership journey as a freshman at Delaware State University, it doesn’t go unnoticed the impact Ms. Kady has had on me from my participation in this program” — Dariana Mallet, 19 years old, a freshman in college

“I think RAWS benefited me by helping me learn how to be social in a professional setting and helped me to be mature. I loved being in RAWS, I got to meet amazing people that are very smart, and I could learn from. The trips were amazing, and I was happy to meet the kids in Chicago they were very intelligent and nice. Kady does amazing working with kids and is a great mentor!” — Elijah Woods, 17 years old, 11th grade

Alongside RAWS, you published your first book, Diabetes Is Not Sweet, in 2022, which serves as a guide to those in the minority community looking to improve their overall health. How do you implement healthy habits within your life?

I’ve established a morning routine that serves as my anchor for the day ahead. Starting with the simple act of making my bed, I then dive into a mix of spiritual and self-care practices like prayer, meditation, and reading my devotional. Journaling is where I pour out my thoughts, feelings, and intentions, setting a clear path for the day or week ahead. This holistic approach not only grounds me physically but also nurtures my emotional and mental well-being. Even during meals, I’ve become more mindful, embracing portion control as a way to honor my body’s needs. It’s all about finding balance and harmony in every aspect of life.

You recently launched your consulting firm, Cox Consulting Agency, in 2023 after years of practical experience in other facets. What goals do you plan to accomplish with your new venture?

My goal is to attract larger clients while maintaining the freedom to infuse my creativity into projects without the constraints of a 9-to-5 schedule. Time flexibility is crucial to me, as it allows me to be more creative and innovative without the pressure of traditional working hours. While I’ve always had clients, launching my firm has provided the opportunity to work more formally and create greater visibility for the services my company offers. This has resulted in increased interest from companies seeking my expertise for their projects.

Explain your connection with being a Michigan (Detroit) Rotary Club member and a member of the Detroit Athletic Club.

I became a member of Rotary in 2018, having previously been part of Rotaract during my college years. Transitioning into Rotary after graduation was a natural step as I sought to maintain a sense of community while continuing to serve and network. From the moment I joined, I was captivated by the club’s ethos to the extent that I even found myself Googling famous Rotarians (and there are plenty!). As time passed, my interest in joining the Detroit Athletic Club (DAC) grew, primarily due to our weekly meetings being held there. The club’s impressive facilities, courteous staff, and esteemed membership made it a perfect fit for me.

Since becoming a member, I’ve immersed myself in various leagues and clubs within the DAC, including bowling, water basketball, business roundtables, and the executives club, among others.

Joining the Detroit Athletic Club has proven to be one of my most rewarding investments, offering me invaluable opportunities and connections.

At this point, you’ve traveled all over the world. If you could pick, which destination would you visit if all expenses were paid? Also, is there a destination you’re apprehensive about traveling to?

I’ve had the opportunity to explore eleven countries so far, and among those, Indonesia and Thailand stand out as places I would eagerly revisit. However, I hold reservations about traveling to Iraq and India due to obvious concerns. I believe many countries present themselves differently through media portrayals; for instance, while some perceive Dubai as extremely strict based on media depictions, my personal experience differs.

As for future travel plans, I’m eyeing destinations such as Antarctica, Greece, Ireland, and Iceland. After embarking on a whirlwind trip to six countries in six weeks, I’ve found it challenging to revert to visiting only one country at a time. Unless it’s an island destination, I must plan my travels accordingly to accommodate multiple destinations in one trip.