Kayla Ponder, Stamford-based healthcare management and finance professional is currently seeking advanced degrees in both fields. A graduate of Albertus Magnus College, she earned a bachelor’s degree in healthcare management in 2023 and an MBA with a focus on finance in 2024. She is also pursuing a master’s degree in applied behavior analysis at Western Connecticut State University. Kayla Ponder’s career includes experience in administrative leadership at an ABA clinic and coordinating parent coaching, both positions based in Stamford.
Ms. Ponder has worked in the healthcare and behavioral analysis sectors for more than seven years, gaining experience in clinical and administrative roles. She previously served as a Scrum Master at UnitedHealth Group, where she facilitated Agile workflows and supported development teams. Currently serving as an RBT (registered behavior technician) and administrative assistant at G. Ambitions, she manages client therapy schedules, assists with billing, and helps ensure compliance with HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) standards. She also administers ABA assessments, analyzes behavioral data, and implements behavior-intervention plans.
Outside her professional life, Kayla Ponder participates in a women-in-finance social group and her local church community. She enjoys traveling, having visited places like Aruba, Jamaica, and Greece. A former small forward on her high school basketball team, she remains a Boston Celtics fan. In her free time, she enjoys hiking – Stone Mountain in North Carolina is a favorite spot – cliff jumping, binge-watching Family Guy, and reading, with The Barefoot Investor as her current pick.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
I start each day with planning and focusing on daily work tasks. Evenings are reserved for family, fostering connections while pursuing personal growth.
How do you bring ideas to life?
By collaborating with others and leveraging analytical skills.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The emergence of AI is exciting because it revolutionizes industries by enhancing efficiency.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Daily goal setting by prioritizing tasks each morning, allowing me to maintain focus.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Push through; even if you do not see the way, there is a way. Use a different route.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
The correlation between vaccinations and ASD.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Prayer and meditation.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
Sleep.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Building strong professional networks by engaging with industry peers and attending conferences. This emphasis on networking not only enhances knowledge and insights but also opens doors to partnerships and mentorships, driving both professional and personal growth.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Early in my career, a failed investment analysis taught resilience. By seeking feedback and enhancing skills, I turned this setback into a growth opportunity, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
The launch of a digital platform that connects remote workers with coworking spaces globally, allowing users to find flexible work environments while fostering networking opportunities.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Asana is a key productive tool for enabling project management and task tracking.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
My favorite book is The Alchemist because it resonates to me due to its theme of personal legend and following one’s dream. Its inspiring journey encourages self-discovery and the pursuit of one’s true passions.
Key learnings
- Embrace failures as lessons—they refine your path forward.
- Strong relationships (personal and professional) are foundational to success.
- Clear, empathetic communication prevents misunderstandings and builds trust.
- Continuous learning promotes resilience and fosters personal and professional growth.