Kristin Haueisen

My career path hasn't followed a perfect road map and I credit my success to that flexibility. Making the shift from the medical side of the profession to the industry side was intimidating, but I’ve learned that growth often lives on the other side of fear. I am also deeply grateful for my support system. My husband has been my biggest cheerleader, reminding me that while my success is earned through my own hard work, having a community behind you makes the journey possible.

The veterinary industry is much smaller than it appears; it’s a tight-knit community where your reputation precedes you. My best advice is to remain open to the 'pivot.' I began my journey focused on vet school but realized my true passion lay in the hands-on work of a technician, and later, in industry leadership. Don't be afraid to jump into roles you didn’t expect or to volunteer with new groups—growth often hides in the places you’re most fearful to explore. Finding your 'perfect fit' requires the courage to leave your comfort zone, but I promise you won’t look back once you find the area that truly speaks to your passion.

In my work and personal life, the most important value is sustainable boundaries. There is an immense pressure on women to remain 'ultra-available,' often driven by a subconscious need to over-perform to counter stereotypes about working mothers. We feel the need to out-hustle the room to prove our motherhood isn't a 'distraction.' I insist on a culture where performance is measured by impact, not by how much of ourselves we sacrifice, ensuring that our professional success never comes at the cost of our well-being at home.