Alumna Inia Franklin Shares Her Recent Promotion and Tips for Success

Alumna Inia Franklin, who graduated from Graziadio’s Masters in Management and Leadership in 2016, shares her recent business success at Toyota. In March 2021, she was promoted to Senior Dealer Lending Underwriting Analyst, and then promoted again to Senior Dealer Lending Systems & Projects Analyst in August 2021. To add to these significant accolades, she was also selected as Toyota’s representative for United Way’s Metropolitan Dallas Tocqueville Fellowship program. She attributes her business success to a combination of the following: compounding knowledge, a supportive management and leadership team, mental resilience, focused faith/intention, and a positive/present mindset.

When asked what top business tip she learned during the pandemic, she shared, “The importance of intentionality meeting impact. A lot of times, we have good intentions, but they have little impact. If you can master consistent alignment of intention and impact, you will reach sustainable success, plus have fun while doing so.”

What industry are you in, and why did you choose that industry?

I am in the financial services/automotive industry. While attending Spelman College as an undergraduate, I realized the benefit of Economics and learning the basics of money. In addition, I have a passion for analyzing trends and finding innovative solutions/recommendations to help businesses and individuals alike reach their goals.

How do the values of being a servant leader play out in your life?

My name, Inia, means I have a purpose, and I believe a part of that purpose is to be an intercessor, giver, and servant to all. As I continue my career path, that looks like: connecting corporation resources to meet community needs, effectively leading myself so that I can efficiently lead others, and using humility, vulnerability, and intentionality in decision making. Being a servant leader is about using your knowledge and influence to build up others, not personal glorification.

Share your recent professional success and what made it successful?

Recently, I was promoted to Sr. Dealer Lending Analyst, Underwriting in March 2021 and promoted to Sr. Dealer Lending Analyst, Projects & Systems in August 2021. In addition, I was selected as Toyota’s representative for United Way’s Metropolitan Dallas Tocqueville Fellowship program. My professional success is a combination of the following: compounding knowledge, a supportive management and leadership team, mental resilience, focused faith/intention, and a positive/present mindset.

What is one thing that you learned from your experience at Graziadio that has influenced your life?

The MSML program taught me how to be a renaissance woman and that I can be a multi-facet leader, making an impact in the financial service and non-profit sector simultaneously.

What is one business tip that you could share that you’ve learned during the pandemic?

The importance of intentionality meeting impact. A lot of times, we have good intentions, but they have little impact. If you can master consistent alignment of intention and impact, you will reach sustainable success, plus have fun while doing so.

What advice do you have for those looking to build a similar career path or transition into your function or industry?

Full commitment + focused faith = success. Whatever it is you want to do, fully commit, and believe in it. From there, the world is yours, and there is no limit to the places you can go!

What advice do you have for business owners that may be struggling during this global pandemic?

How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. We live so much of our lives trying to accomplish big things in big steps. Instead, be present and become fully engaged in the process. This takes off some of the stress and allows you to see the forest from the trees.

What book would you recommend to business school students or alumni?

I am an avid reader. A couple of the books in my current rotation for this month are: Help! I work with people by Chad Veach, Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey, Atomic Habits by James Clear, The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz, and Purpose Awakening by Toure Roberts.

What is your favorite quote?

“You cannot walk with a catcher’s mitt on both fists. You must be able to throw back.” – Maya Angelou

What do you think makes someone a Best for the World Leader?

When we think the highest thought, we live in freedom. Live free, unbound, and unrestricted by fear, doubt, or any other influence. The best you IS the best leader.