Kasey L. Cunningham

If I can choose two things, it would be the Mentors who made me, and a fearless, not afraid to fail- approach. I attribute my success to resilience, curiosity, and an unwavering belief that how you treat people determines everything that follows. Throughout my career, I’ve leaned into challenges rather than away from them—trusting that discomfort often signals growth. I’ve also had the privilege of learning from incredible teams and mentors who modeled integrity, creativity, and accountability. But above all, I credit consistency: showing up fully, doing the work when no one’s watching, and keeping grace intact even in high-pressure moments.

The best career advice I’ve ever received is to keep going, even when it feels like you’re failing. Instead of letting fear or nerves hold you back, I learned to take bold action, embrace challenges, and move forward with confidence. This mindset has allowed me to seize opportunities, overcome obstacles, and continue growing both personally and professionally, even in the face of uncertainty.

Do not be afraid of what you do not know or do not think you know. Also be fearless in learning, humble in leading, and intentional about your voice. This industry—especially HR and legal recruiting—thrives on relationships and trust, so never underestimate the power of authenticity. Don’t rush to fit into systems that weren’t built for you; instead, study them, understand them, and then thoughtfully reshape them. Advocate for yourself, ask questions others are afraid to ask, and remember that confidence isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about staying curious enough to keep learning.

The biggest challenge—and opportunity—is the implementation of AI, as well redefining what leadership and culture mean in a post-pandemic, hybrid world. Law firms and professional organizations are being called to evolve faster than ever, balancing tradition with the realities of modern work. There’s a pressing need to humanize leadership, prioritize mental health, and design systems that foster inclusion and accountability. The opportunity lies in transforming HR from a compliance function into a true strategic partner that drives both performance and belonging.

The values that guide me most, both in my work and personal life, are loyalty, accountability, integrity, and kindness. I strive to remain true to my commitments, take responsibility for my actions, act with honesty and ethical principles, and treat others with compassion and respect. These core values shape how I lead, collaborate, and build meaningful relationships in every area of my life.