Quatiba, thank you for being with us. Every leader has a journey that's brought them where they are. Can you share yours? What brought you to the point where you are in your career?

Ms. Quatiba Davis (00:23):
Yes, I can. So my journey started with my daughter. She was born with a disability, and I was eager to learn about her disability and the different therapies that were offered to her. Throughout that process, I became deeply involved in applied behavior analysis. I began working with individuals with varying abilities, and my vision expanded. I wanted to do something different in the field because I noticed gaps in practice—clinicians were not always using data-driven results or addressing client deficits. I wanted to fill those gaps to create meaningful change in the lives of those in the IDD community.

Ken Huey (01:18):
Looking back, what would be the pivotal moment in your career that kind of defined you as a leader?

Ms. Quatiba Davis (01:25):
My proudest moment was founding the assessment team at ABA Centers. Starting as the first hire, I built a team and developed a clinical prescription tool to highlight clients’ true deficits, ensuring data-driven care. We also created a clinical outcomes manager to track progress and provide measurable results. I’m proud that we added value to the services provided and set higher standards for the field.

Ken Huey (02:30):
Leadership can be isolating. How do you navigate the loneliness at the top, and what strategies do you have for staying connected and grounded?

Ms. Quatiba Davis (02:33):
Being at the top is lonely. When I started, I had little support and was the only clinical leader overseeing a large network. I spent long nights creating programs, policies, and processes to maintain quality. To stay grounded, I focus on mindfulness, mental health, and self-care—meditation, Pilates, and reflection—so I can pour into my team effectively.

Ken Huey (03:20):
If you could give one piece of advice to someone just starting their nursing career, what would it be and why does it matter so much?

Ms. Quatiba Davis (03:38):
Lead with competence and empathy. Never lose sight of your “why.” Many focus on KPIs or documentation, but the core of healthcare is people. Ask questions, remain curious, and innovate fearlessly. Lead with purpose, focus on impact, and aim to inspire change. Build a legacy and redefine excellence in your field.

Ken Huey (05:07):
Thank you.

Ms. Quatiba Davis (05:14):
Thank you so much for having me.