Kelly Christianson, Founder & Managing Director, Key Executive Solutions
In the dynamic world of business, women entrepreneurs are steadily reshaping the landscape with their innovative ideas and resilient spirits. Kelly Christianson, the inspiring Founder and Managing Director of Key Executive Solutions, epitomizes this transformative wave. Kelly’s journey from an executive in heavy industry to a successful entrepreneur and consultant highlights the power of vision, determination, and the drive to foster positive change. Her story exemplifies resilience and the pursuit of innovation. Her story is not just about achieving professional success; it’s about breaking barriers, uplifting others, and striking a harmonious balance between career and personal fulfillment. As she leads with both heart and intellect, Kelly continues to inspire and pave the way for future generations of women in business.
A Passion for Improvement: The Genesis of a Consulting Career
Kelly Christianson’s venture into management consulting was sparked by a fervent passion for continuous improvement and a desire to challenge the status quo. Her career trajectory took a pivotal turn while she was in an executive role, working closely with a management consultant. Witnessing the transformative impact a consultant could have on a business, she realized that this was her calling.
“The moment I saw the transformative impact a management consultant could have, I knew this was the field for me,” Kelly recalls.
Establishing her own consulting firm, Key Executive Solutions, was driven by a mix of professional ambition and personal goals. Kelly sought greater flexibility to achieve a better work-life balance after making numerous career sacrifices. By founding her own management consultancy, she aimed to take control of her time while still engaging in challenging and meaningful work. This balance has become a cornerstone of her professional satisfaction and personal fulfilment. “Management consulting offered the perfect blend of challenge and flexibility, allowing me to balance my professional and personal life effectively,” says Kelly.
Overcoming Early Challenges: A Trailblazer in Heavy Industry
Kelly’s early career in heavy industry presented unique challenges, particularly as she was often the only female in her peer group. However, she was fortunate to work with incredible teams that mitigated some of these difficulties. The support of trusted mentors, both male and female, played a crucial role in her development, providing guidance and helping her navigate the complexities of her career. “My mentors have been instrumental in my journey. Their guidance and support helped me overcome challenges and grow in my career,” Kelly shares.
Additionally, Kelly leveraged support groups such as Women in Mining to connect with others in the industry, sharing experiences and building a network of support. These connections proved invaluable in overcoming obstacles and advancing her career.
Unique Value Proposition: Tailored Solutions for Diverse Needs
Key Executive Solutions stands out in the management consulting field due to Kelly’s extensive experience across both SMEs and large corporate businesses. She understands the unique challenges faced by leadership teams in different settings and tailors solutions to fit various business needs and budgets. Unlike many larger consultancies, her firm offers flexible options accessible to regional businesses and SMEs, ensuring high-quality consulting services are within reach for all.
“Many consultants overlook the specific needs of SMEs. At Key Executive Solutions, we tailor our services to fit any business size and budget, providing flexible options that deliver real value,” explains Kelly.
Leadership with Integrity: Respect Before Popularity
Kelly’s leadership style is defined by the principle of respect before popularity. Her decision-making process is always guided by what is best for the team and the organization. Seeking popularity leads to poor decision-making and procrastinaion. She strives for excellence and is committed to building strong, cohesive teams that are empowered to challenge the status quo and find innovative solutions to problems. As a female leader, she makes a concerted effort to support other women, fostering a culture of mutual upliftment rather than competition. “I believe in making good decisions that benefit the team and the organization, and creating a culture of constructive and robust challenge within teams. Respect is more important than popularity if you want to build high-performing teams,” Kelly asserts.
Striking a Balance: Prioritizing What Matters
Balancing a demanding career with a personal life is a challenge Kelly has faced head-on. Running a mixed farming operation with her husband while maintaining senior leadership roles herself required her to be intentional about her time. She consciously schedules time for exercise, yoga, and quality time with her husband, avoiding time-wasters like excessive social media and television.
“Work-life balance is something I consciously strive for. Scheduling time for activities that rejuvenate me and spending quality time with my husband are non-negotiables,” Kelly states.
Future Aspirations: Building Strong Businesses and Communities
Looking ahead, Kelly is focused on expanding her client base at Key Executive Solutions, working with businesses as they grow and develop. She aims to create strong-performing businesses that contribute positively to their communities, underpinning employment and opportunity. Additionally, she is dedicating more time to mentoring, hoping to pass on the invaluable guidance she herself received to the next generation of leaders.
For young entrepreneurs, Kelly emphasizes the importance of resilience. Success is rarely a straight path and requires the fortitude to navigate its twists and turns. Building strong networks of respected individuals is crucial, as is protecting one’s reputation. She advises young leaders to recognize and adhere to their values, as a job can be replaced, but a reputation cannot.
“Resilience is key. Success isn’t a straight line, and you need the fortitude to navigate its ups and downs,” Kelly advises.