Ike Umunnah One Pager

Field notes / About me:

Richmond, VA native. At 15 I figured out how to call the Governor for an internship. He wasn't amused. (I got it anyway.)
My mother taught me the worst thing anyone can ever say is "no" (Still waiting for this to be proven wrong.)

Served, built, and traveled across more than 50 countries, some with Fortune 500 companies, some on behalf of the American people, and some out of pure curiosity.
Saudi Arabia surprised me most, watching tradition and transformation collide.
(Adaptation is a currency more valuable than oil.)
Lived in 11 states and one territory: VA, GA, MO, SC, ND, MA, MN, CA, WI, DC, and PR.
Extended time in Bangalore, India (long enough to feel local).
Bonus: 42 of 50 states visited.

BIDEN ADMINISTRATION. Presidential Appointee Chief Strategy Officer, Global Markets U.S. Department of Commerce

Represented the United States across more than 20 countries, including Brazil, India, Saudi Arabia, Spain, and Azerbaijan. Shaped strategy that positioned U.S. companies for wins across sectors. Negotiated directly with Foreign Ministers, Ambassadors, and Senior Executives.
I measured silence, knowing when to speak and when to let the weight of American soft power do the work. In São Paulo, I acted. In Riyadh, I measured. Dispatched when outcomes mattered most.

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY. Faculty at Columbia. Teaching leadership to architects and engineers, disciplines that shape the physical world. In my course, they learn to shape people. Course built for impact. Recognized as a student favorite.
TARGET. Selected to lead Global Strategic Partnerships at the U.S.'s 2nd largest retailer at a time when it was leaning in globally, built early partnerships linking business and government in India while shaping enterprise strategy with the President of Target India, proved that global reach means nothing without local judgment (aligning innovation with purpose and purpose with profit.)
ROCKWELL AUTOMATION. Led global public affairs strategy for an $8 billion Fortune 500 enterprise across 80 countries with 23,000 employees. My job was to make the CEO shine. I did. Lifting investor confidence and shareholder value.
U.S. ARMY. 6 years in the Army National Guard. 2 enlisted, 4 as an officer. Started in public affairs, ended up briefing generals. The Army taught me to stay calm when the stakes are high and the facts are incomplete. That's where I learned clear decisions beat perfect ones. I still lead that way: fast, honest, accountable.
FOUNDER. Founded an auto tech startup in college focused on simplifying the car-buying process and giving people their time back. It wasn't glamorous work, but it was real.

HARVARD UNIVERSITY. Masters in Management and Policy from HGSE, cross-pollinated by HBS and HKS. Entered focused on education's power to shape people and left understanding business shapes outcomes.
PRESIDENTIAL LEADERSHIP SCHOLAR. Selected by Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton as 1 of 60 global leaders trusted to tackle real problems across business and community. Proof that leadership doesn't need a party line to get things done.
LAW DEGREE. UND Law, known for its rigor and practicality. Trained to think critically, argue precisely, and move decisions from theory to action.
MOREHOUSE COLLEGE. B.A. in International Relations. Chose it because it sounded cool. Now I'm living it. Two gigs helped pay for college: startup founder and BMW sales advisor. Learned how to read people, navigate differences, and perform under pressure.

I advise funds, families, enterprises, senior leaders, and sometimes public figures when outcomes, reputation, or capital are at stake.

I stay centered when the room tilts toward chaos.

BLUEPRINT. Reginald Lewis's story inspired me. His story taught me that persistence, preparation, and excellence open every door. My friendship with his widow, Loida Lewis, completes the circle. (She texts faster than most 20-year-olds.)
VINTAGE GERMAN CARS (80s/90s). First car: 1985 mahogany brown metallic Audi 5000S
(a relationship built on faith, oil, and invoices.)
On the lookout for an Agate Gray Porsche 911 992.1 with Bordeaux Red leather interior, heated steering wheel required. Some things you don't negotiate
MODEL TRAINS. N-scale builder. Micro-scale precision teaches macro-level execution.
PASSIONS. Economic mobility and opportunity through exposure.
DOG DAD. Doberman Pinscher. My loyalty compass and patience trainer.

I am available for strategic calls, quiet advice, and to help make the tough decisions that shape outcomes.

Sometimes I share writings or thoughts on leadership, strategy and endurance here: