"Provided me with a crucial holistic perspective, teaching me to consider the broader strategic context of my work. The program also empowered me to advocate for myself and proactively position myself for career growth...Shortly after completing the program, I was promoted. I directly attribute a substantial portion of my advancement to the valuable skills and insights I gained through [the] program."

"A truly transformative experience. I learned a great deal and made lasting connections with colleagues through this immersive and enlightening leadership program... Kenton has a gift for empowering others to introspect, explore their potential, and develop clear paths to achieving their objectives. I am grateful for the opportunity to have learned from him."

"I can confidently say that I would not be where I am today without Kenton's guidance...He has coached me through various challenges, including advocating for a promotion (which I eventually received) and dealing with toxic management... He listens empathetically, shares knowledge, and provides tangible resources. His strengths include direct communication, strategic thinking, organization, and resilience.

As a first-generation Afro-Latinx individual.. I found him to be incredibly empowering and service-oriented. He cultivated an environment where I felt comfortable sharing my true feelings and always prioritized my personal and professional development."

"I highly recommend Kenton and the... program for anyone looking to enhance their program management and development skills. This program provided me with invaluable tools and insights on team management, navigating differing opinions, effective leadership delegation, adapting to change, and networking. Kenton's expertise and guidance were instrumental in my development, and I wholeheartedly endorse this program for others seeking to elevate their leadership capabilities."

"I had the privilege of participating in [the] program, a truly transformative experience. Kenton fostered a strong sense of community, ensuring meaningful connections amongst the many participants. For me, [it] was instrumental in building my confidence and overcoming imposter syndrome.

As the youngest and only Black woman on my team, I often felt isolated and unsure of myself. Seeing other Black, Brown, Latinx, Hispanic, and Indigenous [students] thrive at various career stages was incredibly empowering. Kenton cultivated an environment where these feelings could be acknowledged and addressed, allowing me to approach my work with renewed self-assurance. His dedication to supporting [students] from diverse backgrounds and fostering their growth is truly commendable."

"I was fortunate to participate in a [leadership] program (attended by 100+ participants)... where I witnessed firsthand Kenton's impressive ability to balance strategic vision with meticulous execution. He effectively connected senior leaders with early-career employees... fostering meaningful relationships through project-based learning. The program's success was evident, and I'm proud to have been a part of it."

"I highly recommend Kenton for his leadership and coaching. I had the honor to participate as a speaker and workshop leader in one of his coaching programs. I saw first hand his ability to prepare, manage and communicate with a cohort of close to 100 leaders and leaders-in-residence. In particular, I was impressed by his ability to assemble meaningful coaching exercises, facilitate insights and coordinate with executive leaders to enact the multi-month program. Furthermore, under his guidance, the teams provided significant value to [the company] in terms of product development and entrepreneurship. I'd be honored to work with Kenton again."

"I had the privilege of joining... a development initiative designed to support the growth and career advancement of underrepresented groups, helping them transition into leadership roles. Kenton's passion, dedication, and exceptional organizational skills were truly inspiring throughout the program. As a mentor, I was able to directly support and guide junior participants, helping them build their skills, confidence, and career trajectories. The program had a profound impact on all involved, and I believe much of its success can be attributed to Kenton's visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to its goals."

"I participated in a [leadership] program... and was struck by Kenton's ability to shift between high-level strategy and communication; as well as his attention to detail and execution. He brought leaders together will early-tenure employees... to build connections in a way that was meaningful and showed results using project-based learning. I was proud to be a part of it."

“Kenton is the driving force behind one of the most impactful programs I’ve participated in during my career at Google: the gLeaders program. This invaluable initiative focuses on the development and career advancement of Black, Latinos, and Indigenous leaders, specifically targeting individual contributors.

The gLeaders program empowers participants to experiment and refine their leadership abilities while encouraging the development of innovative solutions that benefit both Google’s internal teams and its broader user base. Kenton’s dedication to nurturing talent and fostering inclusivity is truly commendable.

As a member of the gLeaders Cohort 2 in 2023, I continue to apply the insights and skills I gained to my work in Marketing, as well as with partners and customers. Kenton is one of the top mentors I’ve encountered, leading with purpose and integrity.

For anyone looking to advance their leadership journey in a meaningful and impactful way, I recommend Kenton.”

"As many people in my personal network know, I'm a big time advocate and recommender of [the] program[, which] has been instrumental in shaping how I communicate my professional journey. I'm constantly finding myself referring back to the brand statement that I created in the program. The insights I gained on personal branding have had a tangible impact on how I present my work at [my company], articulate my value proposition in applications that allowed me to get into the Techstars Founder's Catalyst program, and even how I express myself professionally overall. The program has instilled me with lifelong tools, and I highly recommend this program to anyone looking to elevate their personal brand and make a greater impact. Kenton, thank you for the time and dedication that it took to curate such a special moment in my life and the lives of many other[s]. I can't imagine the time it took to put on a program of this scale and caliber but the impact of your work is received and truly appreciated. Thank you."

"Kenton is a proactive leader who brings a clear vision and effectively motivates others to bring it to life. I had the pleasure of participating in the... program, a program Kenton brought to life based on his vision of creating effective leaders for solving the world's most ardent problems. He consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership in motivating and aligning 150+ [professionals] through the 16-week long program. Kenton possesses a unique, persistent passion, ability to inspire, and clearly understands the ins and outs of not only being, but teaching leadership - from strategic design, problem-solving, to decision-making, and much, much more."

"Huge shoutout to my amazing mentor, Kenton D. Raiford 🙌—the moment he saw my “Open to Work” post, he reached out with support, encouragement, and a plan. Thank you for your time, your coaching, and your heart. You’re not just a great mentor—you’re a great human being."