Ariane Kirkpatrick

CEO & President, The AKA Team

Education: Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit administration, Cleveland State University; associate degree, Cuyahoga Community College

What Success Looks Like to Me: You must be a risk taker. Back in 2011, I had the opportunity to meet President Barack Obama at a small business forum titled “Winning the Future.” I got to sit next to him, and he asked me, ‘What is your secret sauce? How do you feel about taking risks?’ And I told him I’ve been a risk taker all my life. I never feared taking that step over into entrepreneurship — not saying that every step has been successful. The important part is realizing that your failures are part of your journey to success.

My Leadership Style: My leadership style is a visionary risk-taker who breaks down barriers in male-dominated industries and actively creates pathways for others. My leadership philosophy centers on economic equity, continuous mentorship and community empowerment.

A Cleveland Spot I Recommend: Harmony HiFi in Ohio City

If I Could Star in a TV Show or Movie: Undercover Boss