“Award-Winning Author | Org Culture & Leadership Development Expert | Community Builder | Founder & Visionary, Beyond the Book | Entrepreneur”

Dr. Tenia L. Davis is a transformative executive leader, award-winning author, and the visionary Founder of Beyond the Book: A Literary Experience, a dynamic independent bookstore and community hub located in Homewood, Illinois. Built from her lifelong passion for literature, leadership, and community empowerment, Beyond the Book blends a curated bookstore, and podcast studio into a vibrant space where stories, creativity, and connection thrive. Before launching her entrepreneurial legacy, Tenia built an extraordinary career in Human Resources and organizational leadership. She has held senior and C-suite roles at prestigious organizations including HBR Consulting, Raise, iManage, Johnson Publishing Company, HARPO Productions, and most recently served as the Chief People Officer at NORC at the University of Chicago. Known for driving operational excellence, she has shaped high-performing cultures, led global HR teams, and designed transformative strategies in change management, talent development, compensation, and HR technology. Her leadership portfolio includes stewarding iconic media brands such as The Oprah Winfrey Show, and Dr. Oz, ensuring world-class operations that supported global visibility and long-term brand success. Tenia’s work has spanned the United States, the UK, India, London, and Belfast, leaving a lasting impact on international teams and organizations. With an MBA from Loyola University Chicago and a PhD in Values-Driven Leadership, Tenia brings a rare blend of academic rigor, business acumen, and heart-centered leadership. She is deeply committed to uplifting emerging leaders, mentoring the next generation, and building inclusive communities—efforts that have earned recognition from the United States Senate and Congress. Today, through Beyond the Book, she channels her expertise and passion into cultivating a literary sanctuary where readers, authors, entrepreneurs, and creatives find inspiration, connection, and belonging. Dr. Tenia L. Davis is not only an accomplished executive, she is a catalyst for community, a champion of storytelling, and a visionary shaping the future of literary experiences.