Her Story
About Tammy
Dr. Tammy Chaffin is the Director of Talent Development at KPMG US, where she leads leadership development strategy and enterprise talent initiatives that strengthen organizational capability and prepare leaders for the future of work. Based in Ashburn, Virginia, she brings more than two decades of experience designing people-centered learning solutions that align leadership growth with business priorities. Her work focuses on fostering environments where individuals and teams can thrive through continuous development, trust, and purposeful leadership.
Before transitioning into the corporate space, Dr. Chaffin served as a commissioned officer in the US Army for 25 years. Her military career deeply shaped her leadership philosophy, emphasizing discipline, adaptability, and a commitment to developing others. She led, trained, and mentored soldiers with a strong focus on preparing them not only for mission success but also for life beyond military service. These experiences reinforced her belief that leadership is ultimately about growth, service, and responsibility for the development of others.
Following her military retirement, Dr. Chaffin carried her leadership expertise into the corporate environment, where she gained a broader perspective on organizational culture and performance. She believes culture is driven from the top and that effective leaders must actively model the behaviors they wish to see throughout their organizations. Her work today centers on helping leaders realize their full potential so they can positively influence those they lead. She holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership and a Master’s in Public Administration from Harvard Kennedy School, and she is a certified Project Management Professional and Certified Professional in Talent Development.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Tammy
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to being a lifelong learner and maintaining a strong sense of curiosity, humility, and openness. I have never been afraid to say I don’t know when I don’t have the answer, and instead I see those moments as opportunities to learn from others. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to work with and lead incredibly talented people, and I recognize that growth and achievement are never accomplished in isolation. My success has been shaped by collaboration, shared learning, and the support and contributions of those I have had the privilege to work alongside.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is to be kind to yourself, believe in your capabilities, and never underestimate what you can achieve. Don’t sell yourself short trust that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to, even when the path feels challenging. Seek out mentors and people who inspire you, learn from their journeys, and don’t hesitate to ask questions and stay curious about how they reached their success. Remember that life and careers are not always easy, and it is important to lean on those who have walked the path before you for guidance and support. Most importantly, focus on progress rather than perfection, keep learning continuously, and remain persistent when doors close, keep moving forward toward what you are passionate about.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and how quickly it is transforming the way we work, think, and lead. For leadership and talent development professionals, the pace of change requires us to continuously learn, adapt, and stay current so we can effectively guide leaders through evolving expectations and capabilities. Not all organizations or individuals adopt these changes at the same speed, which can create gaps in understanding and application. At the same time, this also represents a significant opportunity to upskill continuously, deepen our understanding of emerging technologies, and help leaders align AI with strategy in a way that enhances performance, decision-making, and workforce development.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are integrity and authenticity. I believe in being true to who you are, and that foundation naturally encompasses honesty, accountability, and respect in all interactions. It is also important to me to stay grounded in where I come from and to remain clear about who I serve whether that is my family, including my children, or the individuals I mentor and work alongside. Ultimately, my values are reflected in how I show up for others, how I lead, and how I strive to make a positive and meaningful impact in the lives of those around me.
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