Denise Thomas knows the challenges of building a business first-hand. She began her professional journey as an entrepreneur in the fashion industry and navigated the ups and downs of reaching global customers. Today, she leads as CEO of World Trade Center Arkansas and is the first Black woman in the United States to hold this position. With over 25 years of experience, Denise helps Arkansas businesses grow beyond state borders and succeed internationally.
Under Denise’s leadership, World Trade Center Arkansas boosts the state’s global influence, connecting local companies to valuable opportunities abroad. Just this past June, she guided five Arkansas businesses to Ontario’s Collision Tech Conference, linking them with global innovators and investors. Denise champions ethical and sustainable business practices, focusing on Arkansas’s leading industries like aerospace and agriculture, which produce billions of dollars in exports each year.
We had the honor of chatting with Denise, and she openly shared her inspiring journey to the top, discussing the barriers she faced as a Black woman leader and how she overcame them. She also talks about the importance of mentoring young professionals, helping them build meaningful, purpose-driven careers.
Check out our interview with Denise below!
What barriers did you overcome in your career, and what advice would you give to
women facing similar challenges?
Denise Thomas: My life has been full of challenges, but the biggest one has always been myself—limiting my own beliefs about what I could achieve.
Growing up with dyslexia taught me that fear and perceived shortcomings should never define or limit you. Instead, these perceived barriers have shaped my resilience and strength.
Challenges are not something to be ashamed of; they are badges of honor and courage. Too often, young women believe success must follow a specific path, but the truth is, your way is the best way. I advise women to face challenges head-on and consistently demonstrate their value.
Women are often held to a different set of standards in business. We must be exceptional, better prepared, and possess strong business acumen. But instead of seeing this as a challenge, we can use it to our advantage—this is our power.
Let others underestimate you. When the time comes, show them who you are and what you’re made of. Define yourself; don’t let others define you. You are the narrator of your story and the architect of your success.
How did your background in fashion inform your approach to international trade and business development?
Denise Thomas: “Looking the part” is more important than people realize.
Different cultures, industries, and values all influence how we present ourselves—and, in turn, how we are perceived. I’ve learned that you won’t be treated like a professional if you don’t look or carry yourself like one.
One of my fashion instructors once said, “If you want a successful career in fashion, always look the part.” A perfect example of this is “The Devil Wears Prada”—by the end, even Andrea, who initially resisted the industry’s expectations, found her own version of this practice.
The key for me is to always present my best self while staying true to who I am. Your appearance should never define you, but it does tell a story—so ask yourself: What story do you want to tell? My fashion sense should exude confidence, self-assurance, and independence.
While a person should ultimately be judged by the content of their character, not their appearance, how you present yourself still carries weight in corporate and culturally defined situations. Though this reality can be frustrating, it also presents an opportunity to showcase your leadership.
What leadership lessons have been most transformative in your journey to CEO?
Denise Thomas: The most transformative lesson I’ve learned is the power of listening—because, honestly, it’s not in our nature or culture to truly listen. My voice is no more important than any member of the team. Leadership is about hearing diverse perspectives and being open to different solutions. I’ve found that the best ideas often come after the fifth or sixth suggestion, and reaching that point requires collaboration and input from everyone on the team.
Investing in people is key to building a strong, collaborative culture. By providing opportunities, education, and resources, you empower your team to grow, develop, and expand their capabilities, strengthening the organization, building loyalty, and enhancing client outcomes. It also allows individuals to achieve their own greatness.
True leadership is about creating an environment where everyone thrives and feels valued.
How do you help businesses navigate the complexities of international trade, especially for smaller companies with limited resources?
Denise Thomas: Metaphorically, I see my role as an air traffic controller—guiding businesses to effectively use existing resources and networks. Through my work with the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA), I connect businesses to a global network of companies that spans industries and regions, providing access to a wealth of resources. This network is invaluable in helping businesses move from Point A to Point B both strategically and efficiently.
Locally, my greatest strength is operating with limited resources. In every role I’ve held, whether facing staffing, budget, or time constraints, I’ve learned to adapt, solve problems, and achieve our goals. That, to me, is a superpower—never letting limitations get in the way of success.
The key is finding solutions that work, regardless of the circumstances, and never making excuses for things that didn’t work. Some things succeed, and some don’t, but accepting the failures and learning from them is often the most valuable lesson. Leading clients to analyze why something failed and developing new processes for future success is crucial to their growth.
What strategies do you recommend for entrepreneurs looking to expand their
businesses globally?
Denise Thomas: Any successful business expansion starts with thorough research into the target country’s regulations, licenses, and market specifics. Develop a clear feasibility plan that includes location, competition, and potential partners. Then dig deeper—understand both successes and obstacles to pressure-test your research and ensure it holds up in real-world scenarios.
In global markets, understanding cultural nuances and ensuring your product resonates locally increases your chances of long-term success. The more informed and intentional your approach, the better.
Trade shows are always a valuable tool. Established companies showcase products, while new businesses must leverage these events for growth in global and domestic markets. In your first year, walk the show, ask questions, and observe. Return the next year with specific goals, understanding that successful market entry requires time and persistence.
Ultimately, all these strategies can be amplified through involvement with international business networks like WTCA. The association connects businesses to a network of partners, resources and market insights across 100-plus countries and territories, helping entrepreneurs navigate trade complexities. They also host trade shows and events for further networking.
When expanding into a new market, WTCA and similar organizations provide access to local knowledge, cultural insights, and key industry players, enabling businesses to make informed decisions and refine their strategies.
You’re passionate about mentoring the next generation. What key skills do young professionals need to succeed in today’s global business landscape?
Denise Thomas: I truly enjoy mentoring interns and watching them grow into exceptional professionals. One of the key lessons for today’s generation is to put down the phone, take out the earbuds and truly connect. Human connection is critical to success. Opportunities come from engaging meaningfully with others, not just showing up.
Be present in the moment, engage with leadership to learn, and master your current role while taking on new challenges. By becoming a valuable resource, you’ll progress quickly in your career.
It’s often said, but it remains true: When you sincerely invest in others, they will invest in you. This creates a ripple effect, expanding outward and inevitably returning to you in ways you may not expect but will always need.
Always choose kindness, even when others do not. Practicing kindness has taken me far and has never failed me. This doesn’t mean overlooking a lack of emotional intelligence in others, but rather maintaining composure and self-awareness.
I strive to keep my emotions in check and be the adult in the room—a skill that must be learned early in life and in your career. Some days I do better than others, but that’s part of being human.
Always aim to be the most emotionally mature professional in the office. This, too, will lead you down the path of success.
How do you balance professional responsibilities with personal well-being and
growth?
Denise Thomas: I am a lifelong learner, always seeking opportunities to grow. Whether it’s a self-improvement seminar, a motivational workshop, or a class in leadership, communications, sales, trade, economic development, or emerging technologies, I am constantly expanding my knowledge.
This commitment to learning energizes me and brings me joy. Knowing that I am continuously evolving into a better version of myself—not just for my work but for my personal growth—truly makes me happy.
No one can be great at everything, but I can always strive to do better.
What daily practices or mindset shifts have been crucial to your success?
Denise Thomas: I wouldn’t have achieved any level of success without meditation. I practice twice daily—once in the morning and once in the evening—without fail. My morning session is longer, starting at 4:30 AM, which allows me to sit in silence and connect with nature, the divine, and my own breath. It’s the most sacred and cherished part of my day.
One of my not-so-secret passions is teaching meditation classes. I see this as one of my gifts to humanity. I believe we can all be happier when we learn to love ourselves, accept our flaws, and lean into our souls’ true calling.
What emerging technologies or trends do you believe will most significantly impact international business in the next decade?
Denise Thomas: Artificial Intelligence will have the most significant impact over the coming years. It is revolutionizing the way companies access information, making it easier to find exactly what they need to enter a market—whether it’s import requirements, tariffs, duties, or licensing regulations—without having to search across multiple websites and platforms. The accessibility of information through AI is unlocking new opportunities for businesses worldwide and in every aspect of our lives.
WTCA also supports its Members as these technological developments take hold. We’re a global ecosystem that uplifts both local and international businesses. Our collective mission is to connect businesses globally, thereby enhancing quality of life through bilateral trade. As an association, we focus on simplifying processes for our clients, making it easier for them to identify and seize opportunities; as part of that, we try to stay ahead of all these seismic tech shifts.
Since AI can refine and filter vast amounts of data, I believe that it will truly help businesses streamline processes (including acquiring the right information to efficiently move goods or boost transactions across borders).
If you could give your younger self one piece of advice about career and personal development, what would it be?
Denise Thomas: I wish my younger self understood that loving yourself isn’t vanity—it’s essential. True self-love, along with emotional and professional maturity, forms the foundation of success. When you ground your happiness in your own expectations, you take control of your life. Relying on others for happiness gives them your power—whether it’s a person, a company, or a situation. It’s like handing someone the keys to your soul—why would you ever do that?
Also, always do what’s right, regardless of how others react. Believe in yourself, even when no one else does. Pursue your passions. And above all, take ownership of your destiny.
Lastly, is there a specific mantra, quote, or affirmation that you hold close to your
heart?
Denise Thomas: I was trained by Stephen Covey, author of “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” in a “Train the Trainer” program in Jacksonville, Florida. As part of the training, we were asked to write our own personal mission statement. I chose two simple yet powerful words: “No drama.”
I don’t bring drama to others, and I don’t invite it into my own life. We all walk through this world with a choice—to approach life with love and humanity or to do the opposite.
I choose to walk in kindness, integrity, and purpose, knowing that the energy I bring into the world shapes the path ahead—not just for myself but for others as well.
Emily Sprinkle, also known as Emma Loggins, is a designer, marketer, blogger, and speaker. She is the Editor-In-Chief for Women's Business Daily where she pulls from her experience as the CEO and Director of Strategy for Excite Creative Studios, where she specializes in web development, UI/UX design, social media marketing, and overall strategy for her clients.
Emily has also written for CNN, Autotrader, The Guardian, and is also the Editor-In-Chief for the geek lifestyle site FanBolt.com
