I recently went one on one with Kimberly Patlis Walsh, President and Managing Director of Corporate Risk Solutions.
Adam: First things first, though, I am sure readers would love to learn more about you. How did you get here? What experiences, failures, setbacks or challenges have been most instrumental to your growth?
Kimberly: I grew up in Port Washington, NY, about 25 miles outside NYC on the North Shore of Long Island. Coming from a large, ‘Brady Bunch’ family, I learned at an early age the value of family, hard work, self-awareness, compassion and empathy.
While I didn’t recognize at the time some of these qualities as “leadership”, my first instinct when new kids entered my school in second grade class for the first time, having moved from a variety of foreign places (China, India, Africa), was to befriend them as I was curious and intrigued about their culture, and couldn’t imagine how brave and scared they must be to come to America and join my class, knowing no one and only knowing limited English. I somehow felt/knew if I was kind and open, it would compel others to follow to befriend and diffuse bias, racism, ostracism and would create an open and different classroom. It worked and I learned so much from those early friendships (about myself and about others). I believe I set an example for others, and we all gained more together than standing separate.
As for failures or setbacks that created motivation for growth, there are many throughout many years of working or sports or life, that has always created a sudden change of course that began terribly but ended being up the best for me to see the next opportunity. I truly believe I’ve always learned more in failure as it evidences your resiliency, your grit, ability to cope and continue forward (maybe in a new direction).
Adam: What do you believe are the defining qualities of an effective leader?
Kimberly: For me, critical listening is by far the number one quality, in addition to the need for a high level of self-introspection, self-awareness and empathy to create action-oriented strategy, motivation, development of and collaboration with others to a common goal.
Adam: How can leaders and aspiring leaders take their leadership skills to the next level? What is your best advice on building, leading and managing teams?
Kimberly: Continuing to develop key communication skills at every level and position, being curious about other people’s views to inform your own is also key and to always be learning. To consistently refine your own level of kindness, compassionate, collaboration – even when rebuffed- to drive constructive discussions to contribute to a positive culture as you take on more responsibility. In my opinion, leaders (at every level) create trust by being consistent, open and transparent. ‘Showing up’’ and ‘following through’ as a leader is really important to me, and what has allowed people to follow and trust me, which I believe is a significant piece of leadership at every level. While a manager or leader may be demanding, one can be that way without demeaning and can navigate difficult situations or discussions without blame and negativity.
Women especially need to also keep reiterating that they’ve earned a seat at the table, that they have something worthwhile to say and more often than not, they often recognize more consistently that diversity is what drives creativity and innovation.
Adam: What are your best tips on the topic of risk management?
Kimberly: Striking the balance between risk and reward is key – whether it is a question of money, resources, relationships or leadership – the more one risks or engages/ contributes with others, the bigger the yield may be in general. Given that our company, CRS, is in the business of risk management, we often discuss the 4 ways to address risk (TEAM): Transfer, Eliminate, Assume or Mitigate and having a clear, upfront critical analysis, and then engaging in the discussion of (a) what the ultimate goal is and (b) how to get there with what’s the appropriate and healthy level of risk assumption.
Adam: How can leaders make effective decisions?
Kimberly: To have your own identified angle in sight and remain open to the ideas of others and always to trust your gut instincts.
Adam: What are your three best tips applicable to entrepreneurs, executives and civic leaders?
Kimberly:
(1) Be cognizant of your audience/constituency to instill unity and vision
(2) Remain open to different ideas and different perspectives
(3) Be realistic and follow through on promises.
Adam: What is the single best piece of advice you have ever received?
Kimberly: Focus on what really matters: relationships with people, life/love, reflection, small kindnesses and not money, ambition, negativity against others especially other women – and all the success will come.
Adam: Is there anything else you would like to share?
Kimberly: In any position and in all relationships, curiosity is at the core of those that grow, learn and evolve.
