Building Community, Growing Leaders: The Black Wisers Community at Wise
“I was hired for my vision, but I’m supported here as a whole person, and that kind of community is exactly what turns a job into a career."
Davon Daniels (He/Him)
Customer Support Area Lead
Tell us about your experience as a member of the Black Wisers Community at Wise?
Being a member of the Black Wisers community has been one of the main highlights of my onboarding experience here at Wise. As a new employee, you expect to spend your first few weeks navigating spreadsheets and org charts, but finding this network provided a much-needed "cultural home base" that skipped the formalities. There’s a distinct sense of psychological safety here—a place where I don’t have to code-switch or over-explain the nuance of my perspective. Being a part of a community here in Austin that meets on a consistent basis provides a rare blend of professional excellence and genuine, soul-nourishing belonging. Whether we’re discussing high-level strategy and initiatives or just sharing a laugh over shared cultural references and experiences, the inclusion is effortless. It reminded me that while I was hired for my vision and expertise, I’m supported here as a whole person, and that kind of community is exactly what turns a job into a career.
How does this year’s Black History Month theme, 'A Century of Black History Commemorations,' resonate with you?
Reflecting on the 100th anniversary of Black History Month is a profound moment for me, especially as I step into this new chapter at Wise. It’s a milestone that feels less like a look back at a textbook and more like a vibrant, living bridge between the giants who cleared the path and the future we’re currently building.
We’ve moved from fighting for a seat at the table to now, 100 years later, designing the entire room. It means seeing that legacy in action—where our joy, our brilliance, and our community aren't just allowed, we are embraced. It’s a heartfelt reminder that while we celebrate a century of formal recognition, the real magic is the safety we’ve cultivated to be our full, unapologetic selves every single day.
My ultimate goal is to ensure the next 100 years are defined by this exact kind of effortless inclusion and collective excellence. Black History is American History.
What has been your proudest moment at Wise and/or in your career journey?
I truly believe our greatest impact is measured by the doors we open and the friction we remove for those following behind us. One of my proudest moments at Wise includes intentional cultivation of frictionless partnerships. I believe that leadership isn't about clearing a path for yourself, but about smoothing the road for your entire team. By prioritizing deep, authentic relationships across the organization, I’ve been able to dismantle the silos that usually slow us down. Creating an environment where collaboration feels like a reflex rather than a chore has allowed our team to move with a level of speed and confidence that only comes when people truly trust one another.
As I look back with immense pride on my whole career journey, I also immediately think of the foundational pipelines I was able to build for the next generation. For me, it was never enough to just "reach the top"; I felt a responsibility to build a bridge back to the community. I am incredibly proud of my work:
Establishing a robust internship pipeline with several Historically Black College or Universities (HBCUs), ensuring that talent of color had a direct flight path into the industry.
Formalizing mentorship opportunities that transformed "potential" into "promotion" for dozens of students.
Serving as a visible, accessible leader for kids who look like me. I made it a point to never be too busy to take a call or answer a question, because I know how much it matters to see a reflection of your own future in the room where decisions are made.
What is one piece of advice you’d give to aspiring Black professionals who are looking to move into leadership roles within the tech industry?
"The biggest danger to any company is the phrase, 'we’ve always done it this way.'" For the aspiring Black leader, this quote is your permission slip to be a disruptor. When you look up and see that glass ceiling, don’t view it as a barrier designed to keep you out; instead, treat it as a skylight—it’s simply a clear view of the heights you are about to reach, and it’s a lot more fragile than some may want you to believe. Imposter syndrome is often just a byproduct of being the only one in the room, but remember that your seat wasn't a gift; it was earned through a level of excellence that others rarely have to maintain. Erase the self-doubt by recognizing that your unique perspective is the very antidote to stagnant thinking. Continue to challenge the norm and drive change, because the moment you stop questioning the status quo is the moment you stop leading.
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