At Emerging Women, we passionately believe that listening to the stories of successful business leaders helps us realize our own potential and possibility as we emerge. Below is the story of how our friend, Kathy Krumpe, VP of Operations for Future State Inc., was inspired to tailor a career that allowed her to live her truth. There are so many ways to go about crafting a life of authenticity and meaning. What are the necessary components for you?
Finding A Work Culture That Is True To Me
Kathy Krumpe
As we prepare for Emerging Women Live in October, I have been reflecting about Emerging Women’s tagline, “Live the Truth of Who You Are.” How does this resonate with my personal life and support my growth into a stronger leader?
I’ve spent 12 out of my 19-year career with Future State in many roles, ranging from project management, talent development, operations, marketing and strategic leadership. I left for a bit to travel the world, try new opportunities and spend more time with my children. I came back to Future State as it’s been an amazing anchor in my life. Why? Because it offered me:
1. leaders who support me bringing my true self to the workplace;
2. a corporate culture that shares my same professional and personal values;
3. a culture that not only allows me to bring forward my various talents, but actually requires it for the business overall to thrive.
Starting out my career, I quickly was inspired by the founder of Future State (back when our name was TechProse), a remarkable woman named Meryl Natchez. Meryl is a talented writer with a passion for technology. As she witnessed Silicon Valley’s rise, she knew she had something to contribute to the companies that were shaping this new land of innovation. But she wanted to contribute in a way that brought out people’s unique offerings, values and cultures.
Combining talent and entrepreneurial spirit, Meryl quickly built a consulting firm providing writing, communications, strategic change management, and learning and development solutions with a focus on the people side of transformation. She believed in core founding principles of strong female leadership, being of service to each other and clients, passionate problem-solving, ethics, trust and relationship.
Thirty years later, the company Meryl founded thrives, thanks to her founding principles. My professional career has grown alongside Future State’s because our culture ensures that I live my truth at work. We help clients solve operational transformation challenges impacting many thousands of people worldwide. We’re helping companies as they create cancer fighting solutions; designing leadership programs that foster a new generation of emotionally intelligent, compassionate leaders worldwide; and supporting businesses in developing internet operating systems that connect the world.
To make this happen for clients, I have to bring my authentic self to the table every single day. Client success doesn’t happen if I don’t.
“I have to bring my authentic self to the table every single day. Client success doesn’t happen if I don’t.”
I’m now a member of the second generation of women leadership at Future State. My colleagues and I are excited to support and prepare new leaders through internship programs and talent strategies that give the same space, voice and value to the next generation of women leaders.
At the conference in October, I’m eager to learn from all of you about how you are walking your unique path and living the truth of who you are.
