Kristen Wade
Kristen (Stec) Wade is a seasoned business and people leader with a passion for talent development, client service, and organizational transformation. With a 16-year career at ADP, the global payroll and HR outsourcing company, Kristen advanced through multiple leadership roles, ultimately serving as General Manager of the West Market. In that role, she recognized the need for clear vision and alignment within her team and introduced the concept of the “North Star” to unify everyone toward a shared purpose. Her approach ensured that every team member understood their impact and contribution, fostering collaboration, engagement, and exceptional client service.
After her tenure at ADP, Kristen took time to travel the world with her family, translating her extensive leadership experience into consulting work. Today, as Co-Founder and COO of E3Performance and Founder/CEO of NorthStar-Aligned Consulting, she helps organizations build strong operational foundations, align their teams, and achieve measurable results. Kristen draws upon her expertise in leadership development, strategic planning, workflow optimization, and people management to guide businesses toward sustainable growth and operational excellence.
Currently, Kristen splits her time between Mexico and Colorado, where she combines professional commitments with family life. Her global perspective enriches her consulting approach, allowing her to bring innovative solutions and cultural awareness to the organizations she supports. A graduate of UC San Diego with a Bachelor’s in Human Development and certified in Fundamentals of Payroll (FPC) through the American Payroll Association, Kristen continues to mentor emerging leaders, champion organizational alignment, and create environments where people and business can thrive.
• Fundamentals of Payroll Certification (FPC)
• UC San Diego - B.A. in Human Development
What do you attribute your success to?
I hate to say it, but I think I've always intrinsically had a drive, ever since I was young. My mom would tell you, my first dance recital at 3, I just got up there and did what I had to do - I knew my stuff, I was just in the zone and focused. I think that really carried into my schooling. I took my education really seriously. I cared so much. I had a lot of pride. Same thing with my high school band - anything I do, I really want to give it my all and my best. But I also feel very grateful that I had a lot of support at home. My mom especially, both my parents, but my mom especially, was like, anything that you want to try to do, go out there and do it, and you have our full support. If it's not something for you, at least you gave it a shot, and you tried, and you can try something else, but there's just so much experience to be gained by putting yourself out there. I think they really instilled that in me, and I try to do that for my daughter as well.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I think, stay curious, feed curious, ask questions. People can be really hesitant or shy, or feel like that reveals lack of confidence or a lack of skill, but if you're not staying curious and asking questions, how can you stay growing and learning and being the best that you possibly can be? I think that also comes into play when you're interacting with others, so not assuming you know what the person on the other side of the table, what their intent is. So, really, truly listening and asking questions, and again, just staying curious. I think also surrounding yourself with mentors, those who have walked before you, those who will say the best things about you in a room full of people when you're not in that room. Just really having people that will have your best interests at heart and give you the most sound advice, and again, who are at least a couple steps forward ahead of you, that can really help keep shaping the path that you have. So, I think it's really having that trusted advisory group that's surrounding you and rooting you on.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I think curiosity is very prevalent in my life. What could we learn from other cultures about the way we treat each other, the way we live life, where our values are placed? I'm endlessly fascinated by this massively big, beautiful universe, and I really try to carry genuine curiosity into much of what I do in life. When you ask someone a question, really being thoughtful and listening to what they have to say, and processing and taking that in, and in certain ways, incorporating that as well. With other cultures, what are they doing, and where are they placing importance that could be valuable in my life, and maybe something that I can shift in the way I navigate this one precious life that we have. I also believe in surrounding yourself with people who will look out for your best interests. There's room for all of us, and how do we become our own best advocates, and especially as women that are fighting for a seat at the table, we're so much stronger together than adversarial.