Kathryn Rau

I attribute my success to my mom and the mentors throughout my life who have really helped steer me in the right direction. They gave me good advice and encouraged me to always continue my education. From my mother to the mentors who showed up at different stages of my life, each one helped guide me toward the right choices and gave me the confidence I needed. Their belief in my potential shaped the decisions I made and the opportunities I pursued. They taught me that growth doesn't stop with a diploma. Staying curious, learning continuously, and investing in my own development opened doors I never expected. Every new skill, every class, every lesson became part of the foundation that supports my success today. My success is the result of guidance, gratitude, and a lifelong commitment to learning.

The best career advice I've ever received is to keep continuing my education and always work hard for what you want. Growth doesn't stop once you reach a milestone or earn a degree. Every new skill, every class, every opportunity to learn becomes part of the foundation that supports your future success. Hard work and continuous education go hand in hand. When you stay curious and committed, you open doors that wouldn't have existed otherwise. That mindset of always improving, always striving, always investing in yourself creates momentum that carries you through challenges and toward your goals. Keep learning. Keep working. Keep moving toward the life you want.

My advice to young women entering the industry is to not be afraid to allow time for your family and put them first. I've been very fortunate to have had a great career, but I've also made personal choices about jobs not to take so I could be home with my kids. The work will always be there, but I am so glad that I made several choices that I did. Don't be so concerned about climbing that ladder quickly, because you need to be there for your kids. Being home and being there for them is more important than your career. My kids are very good kids now, they're grown, college-educated, and have great jobs, but being home and being there for them made all the difference. If you're going to choose to have a family, and I think today in this world I'm just lucky I have a really good husband that shares those responsibilities, you still need to make sure that you're there for them and work to have balance. Careers will always offer another opportunity, another promotion cycle, another project. But the moments you have with your children, especially while they're growing, are irreplaceable. Choosing to be present for them isn't a setback; it's an investment in what truly lasts. Give yourself permission to choose what matters most. Presence is a form of success, too.

I think the biggest challenges right now are global economics and just keeping up with the new systems, like AI and ChatGPT. These new technologies are very helpful for my job, but learning new things as you go through your career can be challenging, especially for older people compared to younger people. The real challenge is taking on that mindset of being willing to adjust and change as the markets change. Shifts in the global economy, evolving markets, and the rise of new systems are reshaping how people work. These changes bring opportunity, but they also create pressure. Learning new technologies while navigating an already demanding career can be difficult for people at every stage, whether they're early in their journey or decades into their profession. The challenge is not just the pace of change, it's developing the resilience and flexibility to grow with it. Staying relevant requires a willingness to adjust, learn, and evolve, and that adaptability isn't always easy, especially when change feels constant or overwhelming.

Integrity is at the center of how I live and work. If I say I'm going to do something, I follow through. Always being truthful, keeping my word, and doing the right thing, even when no one is watching, are non-negotiable standards for me. I also value work ethic. Just working hard, showing up consistently, putting in the effort, and taking pride in the quality of my work reflect who I am. Hard work isn't just about productivity; it's about character. Kindness matters just as much. Being kind and being a good person shape the environment around me. It builds trust, strengthens relationships, and creates space for people to do their best work. And finally, I value being a team player and being a good role model for others. Collaboration makes us stronger, and how I show up influences the people around me. I want my actions to set an example, one that encourages others to lead with integrity, kindness, and excellence. I've had such great mentors going through my early years, and I try to give back now, to reciprocate the good deeds that have helped me out in my career. These values guide how I work, how I lead, and the kind of impact I aim to make.