Kalia Watts is redefining what it means to be creative in business, challenging the notion that creativity is limited to design or art. She advocates for a broader perspective that values strategic thinking, project management, and relationship-building as creative skills.
As the Head of Client Services at Atlanta-based creative agency Six Degrees, Kalia has transformed the client-agency dynamic by embedding authentic cultural perspectives and real relationships into every partnership. Her experience as a woman in advertising fuels her commitment to fostering work environments where professionals can show up fully without code-switching or compromising their identity.
In this candid interview with Her Agenda, Kalia shares insights on work-life balance, mentorship, and what it takes to carve out your own path in the creative industries.
Her Agenda: Can you tell us about your background and how you got started in advertising?
Kalia Watts: My background is primarily within client services and advertisement agencies. My mother is Japanese and comes from a creative background – she’s a dancer and very much within the creative space. I was always more sports-driven, taking the complete opposite path from my family’s artistic pursuits.
Because I speak Japanese, I found an opportunity at an agency called Story, an outsource of Wieden. I discovered a posting for an interagency liaison position, interviewed with confidence despite having no prior experience, and was hired on the spot. That became my first introduction to the advertising world.
Her Agenda: How did you know this was the right field for you?
Kalia Watts: I discovered that creativity isn’t limited to being a designer or renderer. When I structure projects and see them through from conception to fruition, there’s an underlying intense passion. That’s essential for success in client services, where you’re constantly engaged and devoted to the work.
Her Agenda: Tell us about Six Degrees and your role there.
Kalia Watts: Six Degrees has a unique story. For our first three years, we didn’t even have to seek business – it came to us organically. The founders are my closest friends from college – we all attended the Atlanta University Center together. I went to Clark Atlanta University, while they attended Morehouse.
I joined the team by taking on small projects during my maternity leave about six years ago. The agency needed structure as they were primarily focused on experiential marketing. My background in client services helped shape our approach. We’ve grown from three people to about 50 since I started.
Her Agenda: What do you think contributed to Six Degrees being so successful from the beginning?
Kalia Watts: Our authenticity sets us apart. While everyone wants to tap into culture, we naturally embody it. Our team members are the consumers brands want to reach – we don’t have to guess what’s relevant because we live it. Our name, Six Degrees, reflects our approach to business through relationships. We leverage our network of connections to create meaningful partnerships.
Her Agenda: How do you approach work-life balance and team management?
Kalia Watts: Physical activity is crucial, especially in our remote work environment. Instead of micromanaging time, we focus on results. I encourage the team to prioritize their well-being—whether that’s working out or taking necessary breaks—while ensuring they meet their commitments and deadlines.
Her Agenda: What’s your approach to mentorship and supporting others in the industry?
Kalia Watts: Accessibility is important to me. I make it a point to respond to LinkedIn messages from young professionals interested in agency work because I remember not having that support. At Six Degrees, I’ve found an environment where I can be authentic – the same person at work, at home, and as a mother. This is particularly significant as a Black woman in the workspace, where there’s often pressure to code-switch. It’s about finding an environment that celebrates who you are.
Her Agenda: Any final advice for those trying to break into the industry?
Kalia Watts: I live by Clark Atlanta University’s motto: ‘Find a way or make one.’ Success doesn’t always mean being the loudest voice in the room. You might face rejection – multiple interviews without offers – but maintain that entrepreneurial mindset. Many focus on finding existing paths while forgetting they can create their own. When you approach challenges with the determination to forge your own way, you develop a more innovative approach to your work.
[Editor’s note: This interview has been edited for length and clarity.]
