Mailbox prayers turn to C-suite influence: Kate Weiland-Moores' career triumph.
Kate Weiland-Moores, Chief Operating Officer at technology services and consulting firm Concurrency, never imagined that her journey from a small shipyard town would lead her to become a respected leader in the tech industry.
Growing up in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, Kate was the first in her family to attend college.
Her story is one of perseverance, self-discovery, and the power of mentorship.
As a bright-eyed college student at UW-Milwaukee, Kate's path wasn't always clear. She changed her major six times before settling on Mass Communication and Public Relations.
Little did she know that this degree would become the perfect foundation for her future career.
Kate's first taste of professional life came through an internship at a public relations firm.
To her dismay, it was a cutthroat environment that left her in tears.
But as fate would have it, a chance encounter while cocktail waitressing at Egan's would change the course of her career.
"You should consider IT recruiting," suggested a regular customer, noticing Kate's distress about her internship.
Confused but intrigued, Kate took a leap of faith and landed her first job as an IT recruiter in the early '90s. It was the beginning of a thrilling career at the cusp of the tech boom.
Starting with a modest salary of $18,000, Kate's natural talent for connecting with people quickly shone through.
By the end of her first year, she had earned $60,000 and was jet-setting to Acapulco.
Her secret?
Authenticity and a genuine interest in understanding what matters to people.
Throughout her career, Kate faced numerous challenges, from the Y2K scare to the aftermath of 9/11.
These setbacks, however, became stepping stones.
After 9/11, she took the bold step of starting her own recruiting agency.
"I remember literally praying in front of the mailbox at the Elm Grove post office, hoping that a client sent a check," Kate recalls, highlighting the rollercoaster ride of entrepreneurship.
One of Kate's most valuable lessons came early in her career, from a catering manager who saw potential in her despite her lack of fine dining experience.
"It's not the actual skill that you have, it's your energy, and it's you creating an experience," Kate learned. This insight has guided her approach to work and mentorship ever since.
As Kate's career progressed, she realized the importance of self-confidence and speaking up.
"I wish I would have understood what imposter syndrome was way sooner," she reflects.
Her advice to younger professionals? "Use your voice and speak up. If your gut tells you something, go with it."
Today, Kate is passionate about mentoring young women in the tech industry. She doesn't wait for them to seek her out; instead, she actively offers guidance when she spots potential.
Her approach to mentorship is rooted in a desire to see others excel beyond just thriving.
At Concurrency, where Kate now leads, the focus is not just on technical skills but also on emotional intelligence and self-awareness.
"When you're in professional services, and especially in consulting, you need to have self-awareness, and you need to know how to think outside of the box," she explains.
Kate's journey from a small town girl to a respected leader in tech is a testament to the power of authenticity and continuous learning. Her story reminds us that success isn't just about individual achievements, but also about lifting others as we climb!