Nyla Beth Gawel: Leading with Presence and Purpose

Nyla Beth Gawel’s career bridges public service, technology, and leadership. She is highly involved in community projects as the US Country Director for Women in Tech Global, Director on the Board of the Red Cross chapter spanning the National Capital and Greater Chesapeake region, and a leader of the Children’s National Hospital Founders Auxiliary—among other philanthropic endeavors.

We first met on a panel at SXSW German Haus, and one of the questions and answers from that panel became part of the inspiration for the Investing in Kindness project. Our conversation deepened my admiration for her thoughtful approach. She defines leadership by the impact made on people and communities, leading with both data and heart.

Nyla Beth grew up in suburban Pennsylvania, shaped by a strong sense of family and an early drive to see more of the world. Her curiosity led her to Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, where she studied negotiation and diplomacy. While her original plan was to join the Foreign Service and move every two years, her path shifted toward technology. At the Department of Justice, she worked on counterterrorism research funding and later took on senior leadership roles in telecom, corporate strategy, and management consulting. Today, she leads as a founder, strategist, and community advocate.

When asked what kindness means to her, Nyla Beth began by noting what it’s not - that “Kindness is not pretending to be nice. Kindness is not being polite.” For her, kindness is giving without expectation of return, even when the other person may not ask for or deserve it. “It’s not the platitudes; it’s not the surface level. It’s actually giving of your assets—and those can be tangible or intangible.”

On investing in kindness, she explained, “The investing part of in kindness is challenging myself to have eyes wide open, even when I don’t want to. When I put that all together, investing in kindness becomes a mindset of how I am challenging myself, and then everything around me, to look for opportunities to go above and beyond, to do what is difficult, and to give of our time, talents, and resources to help, however that may be.”

She also shared how kindness shows up at work. “It seems where kindness has been the best is in those moments where the discussion goes from being about business metrics into personal development.” She recalled a manager who took time to understand her motivations. “You’re hitting it out of the park. That’s great—check, check. But what are you doing this for? Why are you working so hard? I can’t manage you unless I understand that, because I can’t find the next opportunity—and I know one day I’m going to end up working for you.” Nyla Beth reflected that this conversation went beyond performance; it showed genuine care for her aspirations, not just her results. “They didn’t have to do that. They didn’t have to care about me.”

Nyla Beth also experienced kindness in deeply personal ways. Years ago, when she faced a cancer diagnosis with a newborn at home, friends dropped everything to show up. They gave her the time and presence she needed, even while their own lives were full. That moment of support stayed with her and continues to guide how she shows up for others. To her, time remains the most meaningful gift.

“If I had to think of all the assets and things to give, it’s when people give time, because it’s the most finite resource.”

Nyla Beth Gawel is a Fortune 500 strategist, founder, and community leader who shows that kindness, when made intentional and systemic, strengthens both people and organizations. Keep an eye out for more interviews.