Nwanye Barnes currently serves as the chief of staff for Dallas Mavericks CEO Cynthia Marshall. Prior to joining the NBA franchise, Barnes spent years working with Fortune 100 and 500 companies, helping to increase their revenue by conducting covert operations to identify blind spots in order to improve the customer’s experience. She has a bachelor’s degree in business management and is currently writing a book about her journey.
Barnes has been married to her husband Damon for 12 years, and they have three children — Dayah, Wan’Ye and Damon.
As a Black woman, what do you consider your superpowers to be?
Forgiveness, empathy and endurance and the ability to cultivate relationships as a super-connector.
What key skills make you unique as an African American female leader?
As a survivor of childhood abuse, I learned very early how to build rapport with people through listening intently and discerning what they are not saying. I have endured the worst circumstances and quickly learned how to advocate for others. Working in any industry you will need thick skin at times, and being able to forgive offenses quickly has helped me keep my sanity. There are a lot of women with my story. If being brave enough to tell it makes me unique, then so be it. Just let me tell it with my heels on. Click here to continue
