Her Story
About Kimberly
Kimberly Johnston serves as President of a nonprofit organization dedicated to the electrical industry in St. Louis, Missouri. She has held this position for nearly three years, overseeing education programs, networking events, and community service initiatives supported by a 25-member board and over 22 committees. Johnston brings more than 25 years of experience in the electrical distribution sector, having started in a temporary role at a family-owned distributorship while planning to complete college and pursue social work. During this time, she served six years in the Army National Guard and advanced through roles in accounts payable, accounts receivable, outside sales, marketing, and eventually a director position at another distributorship. She holds certificates from industry organizations and values the connections and relationships built over her career. Johnston remains committed to providing exceptional member service and creating positive impacts on others through professional development opportunities. She advises young women entering the industry to surround themselves with positive mentors, treat everyone with respect, stay curious, and continue learning.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kimberly
01What do you attribute your success to?
I remain committed to providing exceptional customer service and member service. My service and purpose is taking pride with positive impact that I have on other people. I hope that we never know what somebody might have been dealt with over the weekend or dealing with at home, and I hope when they come into a business or an education opportunity that they leave there a little bit better, that they know that they're improving their own self, better improvement and professional development.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I really think it's about intentionally surrounding yourself with positive energy and encouraging mentors and individuals who really want to contribute to see everyone be successful. It's really finding who you connect with, and who's positive for yourself, because that's where you're gonna grow. If it's not a positive experience, be willing to pivot and explore other options. Treat everybody like they're their CEO. Stay curious, continue to learn.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Challenges that we see right now is we have many in our industry are retiring. They are leaving the industry, and the knowledge that they had, it's not only the knowledge, it's the relationships that they had. Also, finding volunteers because of everyone's busy and hectic schedule is really hard. People are really valuing their family and their home life.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Really the connections with people. I really enjoy retaining the relationships that I've had over 25 years. It's the people. I love learning more about how AI is going to change some of our jobs, but it's the people behind it, so it's getting to know them, asking them about their families, what's their why.
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