In today's episode, our host Nikki Barua ventures into the world of someone whose story reads like a masterclass in resilience, ambition, and the art of leadership.
Our remarkable guest, Kira Kimball, Chief Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Officer at Marsh McLennan Agency, who has charted a path that's both inspiring and instructive. Kira’s journey proves that achieving one’s dreams is as much about the mindset we adopt as it is about the actions we take.
Kira opens up about the essence of staying fluid in the face of life’s inevitable changes, transforming every setback into a stepping stone toward growth. As we navigate the complexities of leadership, Kira reminds us that at the heart of effective leadership is the courage to be true to oneself.
Key Takeaways
- Be open to possibilities and embrace unexpected opportunities.
- Reframe setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning.
- Identify your strengths and passions, and align them with your career.
- Practice self-care and build a supportive community.
- Advocate for yourself and build strategic relationships.
- Stay focused on the purpose and impact of DEI initiatives.
If you’re looking for the spark to ignite your own journey, or if you’re in search of wisdom that comes from real-life experiences, you won’t want to miss this episode.
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Highlights
The key moments in this episode are:
[00:00] Introduction
[00:30] Powerful Guest Quote
[01:38] Episode Summary
[02:39] Meet Kira Kimball
[03:32] Embracing Change and Identifying Strengths
[09:57] Reframing Limiting Beliefs and Embracing Possibilities
[15:44] Taking Risks and Embracing Opportunities
[21:32] Daily Habits for Professional Success
[27:56] Building Strategic Relationships
[32:21] Navigating DEI Challenges
[35:28] Inclusion and Diversity as a Source of Innovation
[36:15] Lightning Round Questions -
Lightening Round Questions
Q: What book has greatly influenced you?
A: Braving the wilderness by Brene Brown.Q: What is your favorite inspiring quote or saying?
A: Sometimes we have to be our own superhero. Sometimes I've got to put on the cape. You've got to put on the cape, and we've got to get it done.Q: What is one word or moniker you would use to describe yourself?
A: Authentic.Q: What is one change you've implemented that made your life better?
A: Gratitude. There was a time where I felt a great deal of resentment, a great deal of I have nothing left. And once I shifted my thinking to find that space of gratitude and thankfulness, it's made all the difference.Q: What power song would you want playing as you walk out onto a stage?
A: Eye on it by Toby Mack. -
Quotes
Sometimes we have to be our own superhero. Sometimes I've got to put on the cape. You've got to put on the cape, and we've got to get it done.
Kira Kimball
I'm not going to be perfect at always asking for what I need or for what I want, but I can practice that behavior.
Kira Kimball
I know that when I am my real self, I am my best self and build relationships in deeper ways. Create strategy that others can really buy into because I'm showing up as me. Isn't that the heart and soul of Dei, really creating an environment where people can show up authentically and give their best?
Kira Kimball
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About
Kira Kimball serves as the Chief Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Officer at Marsh McLennan Agency (MMA), a business of Marsh McLennan, specializing in business insurance, employee health & benefits, retirement, and private client insurance solutions.
Kira provides strategic and tactical leadership to advance efforts to attract and celebrate diverse perspectives while promoting and protecting a level playing field for all colleagues. Creating a workplace culture where everyone can be their authentic selves, an environment that fosters a strong sense of belonging, and a business strategy that harnesses the power of diversity are her energy drivers.
As a committed business leader in her community of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Kira serves on the board of directors for Southeast Technical College Foundation, Levitt at The Falls, Sioux Falls Development Foundation, 100+ Women Who Care Sioux Falls, Bridging the Gap, Sioux Empire United Way and Pathways to Inclusive & Equitable Workplaces, a nonprofit she founded. Kira serves on the South Dakota State University Ness School of Management advisory board, the national board of the Association of Professional Insurance Women, and is also a member of the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce Leadership Sioux Falls Executive Committee. Kira was recognized in Sioux Falls Woman and received an EmBe Tribute to Women Community Services Award for her abounding passion for diversity, equity & inclusion.
Prior to her 17 years in the insurance industry, Kira spent a decade in higher education teaching, advising and counseling students at Purdue University and The Ohio State University with a focus on leadership & organizational development, career exploration and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Passionately believing everyone’s self-esteem and potential are worth supporting, Kira commits to living this belief both in and outside the workplace.