At Kellanova, we believe the journey to leadership is shaped in part by the experiences that come early—those internships, entry-level roles, and moments of discovery that lay the foundation for future success.

As the year winds down and we reflect on the journeys that brought us here, we asked four senior leaders across our North America business to share how their upbringing, education, and early career lessons continue to influence their leadership today and what advice they have for early career professionals carving out their own paths.

Their stories are a testament to the power of curiosity, resilience, and learning from every step along the way.

Nico Amaya, President

Nico’s journey began in Bogotá, Colombia, where he was raised with strong family values and a deep appreciation for hard work. “Integrity and drive were important in our household.” His career journey at the Kellogg Company (now Kellanova) took him across geographies—from marketing roles in the U.S. to leadership positions in Latin America—giving him a global perspective that continues to shape his leadership.

“My openness to travel and taking opportunities across cultures gives me a broader perspective on consumers and the market.” He believes that early career rotations are essential for building a well-rounded understanding of the business.

“Developing an understanding of the business beyond your current role—end to end—is a game changer.”

Nico also emphasizes the importance of intentional growth. “It’s about knowing what you want, preparing yourself, and building a plan to get there.” He encourages young professionals to seek out diverse teams and experiences, noting, “The more diverse the team, the better. You learn more, challenge assumptions, and build better solutions.”

He adds, “Continued learning is key—whether it’s through formal education, mentorship, or simply asking questions. The leaders who grow are the ones who never stop being students.”

K.T. McCann, Vice President of R&D and Innovation

K. T. has spent 26 plus years in R&D. She started at the Kellogg Company as a food scientist and rose through the ranks to lead innovation across multiple categories and regions. In her first role, she said it was eye-opening: “When I got to see people making cereal, crackers, cookies—my eyeballs were bulging out of my head! It was magical.” That early exposure gave her a deep appreciation for the technical expertise behind Kellanova’s products. 

She emphasizes the importance of learning the business side of R&D. “Technical problem solving is critical, but it needs to deliver a business outcome.” K. T.  encourages young professionals to ask questions, seek understanding, and embrace the unknown. “I am grateful to those who have surrounded me and given me the grace to learn, and it is my hope to enable others similarly” 

She also believes in the power of collaboration and persistence. “When I was told a product was impossible to develop, I assembled a team of technical experts. We asked hard questions, experimented, and figured it out for launch, which added incremental growth to the business.” 

Jess Waller, General Manager, Away From Home

Jess’s career began with an internship in Category Management, which she calls “a great training ground.” Immersed in data and real-time testing, she developed a curiosity that still fuels her leadership today. “You have to study the marketplace and the competition, build stories, and then roll up your sleeves and DO something about it.”

She encourages young professionals to be present in their current roles. “So many young people today are hyper-focused on the next role and the next title… they forget to soak up every learning opportunity possible.” Her advice? Slow down, learn from everyone around you, and build a strong foundation before chasing the next step.

Looking back, Jess would remind her younger self to enjoy the ride. “We often get so caught up in the to-do lists and the constant peppering of challenges that we forget we sell fun, iconic brands. Things will always be challenging, but it’s up to us to find joy in the journey.”

She also emphasizes the importance of building relationships early. “The people you meet in your first few roles often become lifelong mentors, collaborators, and friends. Don’t underestimate the power of connection—it’s just as critical as the work itself.”

Amjad Malik, Vice President of Insights Analytics & RGM

Amjad’s internship with the Market Research team sparked a passion for analytics. “I learned how to use data not just to measure, but to drive decisions.” That experience helped him realize the power of data to shape strategy and unlock new opportunities. Rather than follow a broad business path, he chose to build deep expertise in analytics—where technical skills meet real-world impact.

“My internship helped me develop two critical things: an analytical mindset and the habit of taking initiative,” Amjad shares. “Collaborating with cross-functional teams taught me how to use data and diverse perspectives to tackle real-world challenges.” He also learned the value of being proactive early on: “By raising my hand to build an internal solution for ad testing, I saw firsthand how stepping up can lead to meaningful change.”

Amjad encourages young professionals to embrace continuous learning and not shy away from complexity. “The best insights often come from digging deeper and continuing to ask questions.”

His leadership style reflects those early lessons. “I stay accessible, provide hands-on support when required, and create a space for my team to take ownership,” he explains. “A habit I hold onto is recognizing those who go above and beyond—especially when they bring fresh, better ways of doing things.”

Each of these leaders started with curiosity, a willingness to learn, and a drive to make an impact. Their stories show that early experiences—whether in an internship, a first job, or a moment of challenge—can shape not just careers, but character.

At Kellanova, we celebrate these journeys and encourage every young professional to embrace their own path with purpose and passion.