Another ceiling has been shattered with Kemp becoming the first woman president of the Mid-America Cable Telecommunications Association. She is passionate about empowering women and has been actively involved in mentoring. With a personal motto of “Bring More,” Kemp shares her experiences through platforms such as keynoting the Level Up Conference for women.
“Company benefits should be focused on recruiting and retaining top talent regardless of sex. Companies should, however, work to close the pay gap. Women still earn around 84 cents for every dollar a man earns for the same job on average in the U.S.”
Who is a female athlete you admire and why? I think my admiration goes to the everyday women in my life who are out there finding a place for movement in their lives.
What podcast do you recommend for current and/or aspiring leaders? I’m a big Brene Brown fan. She has two podcasts – Dare to Lead and Unlocking Us. Lots of good interviews in the archives.
How has work changed for women in corporate America over the last 10 years? I think there is greater representation in leadership roles. This representation matters for our companies and is impactful for women now entering the workforce. Seeing someone who looks like you in a leadership role can be a powerful experience.
What’s the toughest part about being a leader in the industry? Balancing what needs to happen today with making sure that we are planning for the future.
Is there a moment you’ll never forget because someone wrote you off because of your gender? I joined our local Kiwanis Club in 1994. Myself and another woman were the first female members. Several long-time members of the club quit, making it very well known that they believed women did not belong. I went on to be named Kiwanian of the Year in 1999 and served as club president in 2000. The club asked me to speak this year at their 100th anniversary celebration.
2025 would be Jane Austen’s 250th birthday. How do you think she’d react to Bridgerton? I don’t know, but I’d definitely tune in for a good podcast discussion on this topic!
How has embracing your authentic self shaped your leadership style? Knowing and living out my values allows me to lead from a place of passion and vulnerability. On my desk, I have a board where I have pinned Conway Corp’s mission and core values. It also contains my personal mission along with reminders to ask myself — Who did I invest in today? Who did I influence today? Who did I impact today? That is the passion. The vulnerability of knowing there will be days when I get it wrong, when I fall short of my own expectations, or when I miss opportunities to invest in others. But embracing that vulnerability allows me to stay open, to keep learning, and to connect more deeply with my team. By acknowledging my imperfections, I create a space where others feel safe to take risks, learn from failures, and grow alongside me.