Kristin Johnson Karp

When Karp launched Hotwire Communications in 2000, she made a commitment from the get-go to use fiber with its lightning fast speed. It’s paid off, with PC Mag naming it the Best ISP for Gaming in January. In September 2018, Netflix’s speed rankings found Hotwire was the fastest ISP in the US—and world. It’s held on to the spot ever since. Karp’s not just looking for bragging rights though. Under her leadership, Hotwire is helping prepare local communities for smart city technology integration. Within Hotwire’s walls, she’s worked to create a healthy work culture that includes quiet spaces that can be used for meditation and an on-site artisan marketplace with healthy food offerings. “If I could go back and give my 13-year-old self one piece of advice, it would have been to learn to meditate. It’s the one daily practice that has significantly changed the quality of my life for the better,” she says.

What advice would you give your 13-year-old self?
 If I could go back and give my 13-year-old self one piece of advice, it would have been to learn to meditate. It’s the one daily practice that has significantly changed the quality of my life for the better. And also to put down the books and join a sports team. My 50-year-old metabolism would have benefited from more activity in my teenage years.

What changes, if any, has your company enacted since the dawning of the #MeToo movement, and what results have ensued?
We have always had a very diverse management team at Hotwire and I believe that the inclusion of women and minorities in our company’s leadership from our early days has helped prevent the systemic abuse that much of the #metoo movement unfortunately uncovered.

Which current shows best reflect the kind of women’s roles you like to see and why?
I really think that current programming has a lot of strong female protagonists – with complex and nuanced stories. Some of my favorite female leads have complicated personalities like in Homeland, Marcela, and The Bridge. I also have enjoyed Insecure which has given me a lot of insight into women of color’s unique issues. It is amazing that a feminist dystopian novel – Handsmaid’s Tail has received such critical acclaim and success. And I also have really enjoyed Big Little Lies with an amazing group of women as the main characters.

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