Her Story
About Yvonne
Yvonne Renée Davis is an award-winning communications strategist, international relations expert, executive coach, and entrepreneur with nearly three decades of experience working at the intersection of communications, leadership, public affairs, and global affairs. As Founder and CEO of DAVISIntelligence, she leads a full-service communications and strategic consulting firm specializing in crisis communications, crisis management, reputation management, public relations, media strategy, and leadership development. A former Presidential Appointee under President George W. Bush and a U.S. Department of State communications trainer and speaker, Yvonne has worked across 68 countries, including regions throughout the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia, the Balkans, and Eastern Europe. Her international experience has placed her in complex environments where effective communication, cultural understanding, and strategic decision-making are essential.
Yvonne also serves as Founder and CEO of Global Transformative Training Solutions (GTTS), an international leadership and workforce development firm headquartered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Through GTTS, she supports governments, corporations, NGOs, and development organizations through women's leadership acceleration, youth development, workforce readiness, vocational training, Saudization readiness, and AI-powered learning initiatives. Her career has also included work as an international relations expert and correspondent, as well as public affairs, media, training, and speaking engagements. Academically, Yvonne has pursued advanced studies in political science, leadership, change, business ethics, and strategic leadership, including executive leadership education through Cornell University and other institutions.
Beyond her professional work, Yvonne is passionate about writing, intellectual discourse, international exchange, and leadership development. She has returned to writing opinion pieces that examine history, political theory, philosophy, democracy, journalism, and contemporary global issues, and she has been selected as one of six speakers for TEDxHartford 2026. Self-motivated and grounded in values instilled by her parents, Yvonne embraces resilience, personal growth, and the importance of moving forward despite setbacks. She also prioritizes self-care through weight training and travel, having visited 68 countries and continuing to pursue opportunities for global exploration. Through her businesses, writing, speaking, and mentorship, Yvonne continues to use communication and leadership as tools for helping organizations and individuals navigate challenges, develop their potential, and create meaningful impact.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Yvonne
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to being self-motivated and grounded in the values my parents instilled in me. I also draw motivation from challenges, rejection, and criticism—not to prove anyone wrong, but to acknowledge those experiences, learn from them, and keep moving forward. I recognize that barriers can sometimes arise from gender or race, but I choose to address them with resilience and not allow them to stop me.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women is to develop a strong mental framework and believe in the woman you are becoming. Your past can teach you valuable lessons, but it should not define or limit your present or future. Learn from your experiences without allowing them to hold you back, maintain healthy boundaries, and give yourself permission to embrace and enjoy the opportunities and moments in front of you.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me are the ones my parents instilled in me while I was growing up. They continue to guide how I approach both my work and personal life.
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