Student-Athlete to Netflix Strategic Leader

Ahmad Jenkins, B.S. ’11, M.E. ’13, M.B.A. ’13, built his career on solving complex problems and creating impact — a mindset shaped during his time as a student-athlete for Baylor Football.

Jenkins, head of cost strategy and enablement at Netflix, leads cost strategy, working with the chief financial officer and executive leadership to optimize spending across production, marketing, travel and entertainment and other areas of the business.

“My time with Baylor football taught me how to compete in a healthy way,” Jenkins said. “It’s okay to want to be the starter, but it’s important to elevate your teammates and focus on overall impact versus individual reward.”

For Jenkins, success is tied to how you treat people and how you support those around you.

As an undergrad, he balanced mechanical engineering with the demands of football while the program was working its way back to national relevance. The schedule was intense, with plenty of 15- to 18-hour days.

“Undergrad was a masterclass in time management,” he said. “Football was a full-time job on top of school, so transitioning to my career felt manageable. Long days at the office are not as challenging for me, especially knowing I won’t be running sprints at 6 a.m. the next day.”

Jenkins still stays involved with the University through guest lectures, panels, recruiting and serving on committees.

He also stays connected through Baylor’s alumni activities, especially on the West Coast, where he works with the development team and keeps up with what’s ahead for the University.

“The Baylor brand is strong,” he said. “I wear my green and gold proudly around Los Angeles, and people always stop me to chat. It’s always Sic ’Em for House Jenkins.”

From Baylor Football to his role at Netflix, Jenkins’ experience shows how discipline, relationships and a willingness to take on challenges can shape a career, and how those connections continue to create opportunities for others.