When Kayla Arnot ’17, ’20, stepped to the front of an auditorium to welcome hundreds of new College of Business students in fall 2024, she had not given a speech since a public speaking course in college.

Before the event, College of Business Dean Tim Carroll asked Arnot if she would be comfortable receiving her award for the Distinguished Graduate of the Last Decade (GOLD) so publicly.

The largest audience Arnot had previously spoken to was probably 15 people. Arnot accepted the invitation because it fits a powerful message she shared with the students. 

To succeed, you must get comfortable with being uncomfortable.  

“I know I want to be a leader,” she told herself. “I’m going to have to give speeches to large crowds.” 

Initiative and tenacity distinguish her career in corporate finance at Nike and as a youth sports coach. Arnot is a finance manager, her fifth role with the global sports and athleticwear corporation. 

“Growing up in Beaverton with the Nike campus in my backyard, I was mesmerized. That’s where I always wanted to work,” Arnot said.  

She enjoys making connections with fellow Beavers and networking.   

“You never know when a role is going to open up and somebody in your network might think of you,” she said. 

Her decision to pursue a master’s degree early in her career has factored in her rapid advancement. The promotions she sought at Nike preferred an MBA or CPA in addition to three to five years of experience. Arnot enrolled in Oregon State’s hybrid MBA program that blends online learning with in-person meetings in Portland.   

She debated specializing in organizational leadership or supply chain management. Arnot aspires to become a chief financial officer. She let her career goals guide the decision.  

“I want to be a people leader,” she said. “Organizational leadership fit my long-term trajectory better,” she said. 

In the program, she found many things to apply immediately at work.  

“I was able to continue to grow my career at Nike,” Arnot said. “It made me a more attractive candidate for those next roles.” 

Arnot leverages opportunities to learn and grow outside her corporate job. She is a member of the College of Business Finance Advisory Council, promoting a positive image for business students, alumni and business partners throughout the state, region and nation. 

Arnot acquires leadership skills and fulfills her passion for sports by coaching three girls’ teams for Oregon Flash Basketball.  

“As much as the girls have learned from me, they’ve helped me grow as a leader and a person,” she said.  

Mentoring is another aspect of Arnot’s success. When she was in middle school, she met Casey Bunn-Wilson ’07, one of the all-time scoring leaders with Oregon State Women’s Basketball. They’ve stayed in touch.  

Bunn-Wilson is now women’s basketball coach at Linfield College, and Arnot is now a mentor to Oregon State students, including Dola Kayode-Popoola.  

After Arnot spoke in a Blueprint series personal finance class, Kayode-Popoola reached out on LinkedIn. She describes Arnot as easy to talk to, empathetic and truly invested in the success of people around her.  

“I can always reach out if I have questions or need advice,” Kayode-Popoola said. “I’ve also been able to pass along the insight she’s shared to my friends. It’s really encouraging to know that someone who’s already been through this stage of life is genuinely in my corner and always there to support me.” 

-Story by Rebecca Barrett