Kilstrom is passionate about serving customers—6 million in her region—and lifting the more than 6,000 care employees who report to her to achieve their maximum potential. She’s a past president of the WICT’s Rocky Mountain Chapter and a steadfast champion of diversity. “I think everyone agrees that gender discrimination, and discrimination of any kind, brings great harm to our companies,” Kilstrom says. Among women she’d like to dine with are Madeleine Albright and Oprah Winfrey.
What industry topic do you think will dominate industry headlines in 2018 and why?
While many things may come in and out of headlines next year, the most important thing the industry can look to as it redefines its future is creating a great customer experience.
What is one way the industry can continue to evolve in ridding itself of gender discrimination?
I believe that diversity of all kinds makes better, stronger companies, that brings value to decision-making and the bottom line. I think everyone agrees that gender discrimination, and discrimination of any kind, brings great harm to our companies. I work on that personally by recruiting to reflect diversity on every slate and continuing to make sure that diverse candidates find a true home in my and other organizations in my company. Sometimes that means we expand beyond the bounds of work. In the end, though, it’s going to take a personal commitment and dedication from industry leaders to eradicate discrimination.
What famous woman, living or deceased, would you like to have dinner with?
I have a long list of amazing women I’d love to have dinner with:
- Madeleine Albright: Smart, funny and interesting – I think we all know that she has some great stories to add to the dinner party, and
- Oprah Winfrey, she came from such humble beginning and uses her fame for the development of others.
I could go on with women like Brene Brown, but to be honest, I love having dinner with just about any group of smart, funny, honest and hardworking women—It never disappoints.
Best advice for relieving stress?
Mindfulness: Pause, breathe, create a space for myself where I can understand what’s causing stress for myself and my team.
