Meet Kate Huiskens

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kate Huiskens. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kate , thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

Being the only one in the room you need to first not compare yourself to anyone. Use your unique experiences and insights to contribute meaningfully to discussions. Don’t be afraid to offer solutions and ideas that others might not have considered. Listen actively to others, and show that you value their inputs as well. I am personally not the loudest in the room by any means, and I am also not someone that stands out nor try’s to. Yet I still find myself being able to deliver my thoughts and build relationships without feeling like no one can hear me. I can’t stress it enough to invest in your personal and professional development. Attend workshops, conferences and training programs. Take notes and stay informed about your field and any emerging trends or technologies. Truly at the end of the day, you are not the only one in the room. Put the “me” and “I” to the side and start saying “we”. Focus on “them” and not so much on “you”. Recognize when you need to take a break or step back though to recharge.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I work at my county’s economic development office along side the Executive Director. I wear many hats with my role as It’s just myself and the executive director in office. Because of this I honestly pay no means to what my title is. I roll up my sleeves and I help get the work done rather its doing administrative work or doing operational/ strategic initiatives on a project. My contributions and character is what I really care and focus on. I love being able to be part of a work place that is dedicated to committing to & fostering economic growth and empowering businesses and entrepreneurs to reach their full potential. Outside of my day job My husband and I have our own little investment portfolio. I own a small business called Naturly Pets where I focus on providing my customers access to quality natural treats and supplements for their pets. Naturly Pets was created through my love and passion for animals and understanding the importance of feeding natural to our pets. As a self-care hobby I go to dog shows with my Basenji’s, rather it’s watching them run across a field at a show or prancing around a ring, seeing my dogs enjoy themselves and enjoy what they do is my get away from everything. I can’t stress enough the importance of having a hobby to help create that work/life balance.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, Three qualities that I felt were the most impactful for me was resilience, communication, and continuous learning & adaptability. Having resilience helped me to navigate challenges, setback and failures without losing motivation. I’ve been able to maintain a positive attitude the best that I can personally in not only stressful work situations but also personal life. I strongly advise the readers of this article to build resilience in themselves by embracing challenges as learning opportunities. Practice self-care quietly. when I say quietly I mean do self-care without making a big deal about it. Keep it off social media. Focus on you during that time and only you. The world does not need to see it or know about it. Remember, It’s called self-care, not social-care.

Having clear and effective communication is crucial for building relationship, conveying ideas clearly, and collaborating effectively with others. They enable you to advocate for yourself and your ideas. Be an active listeners, seek feedback and be open to constructive criticism. Practice empathy and learn to tailor your message to different audiences.

Last but not least, never stop learning! The ability to continuously learn and adapt ensures you stay relevant in a rapidly changing world. It allows you to acquire new skills, embrace innovation, and remain competitive. Cultivate a habit of lifelong learning. Stay curious and open-minded, seek out new experiences, and invest in professional development opportunities. Stay informed about industry trends and be willing to step outside your comfort zone.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Yes! Partnerships and collaborations are always welcomed, as they can bring new perspectives, resources, and opportunities for mutual growth. Here’s a bit about the sorts of folks I’m looking to collaborate with and how they can connect:

– Individuals with expertise in economic development, community engagement, business growth, and innovation.
– Professionals who can provide insights, share best practices, and offer mentorship.
– Individuals and startups working on innovative solutions in technology, particularly those that can drive economic and community development.
– Individuals passionate about making a positive impact and driving change at the grassroots level.
– Tech professionals interested in collaborating on projects that leverage technology for social good.
– Organizations that share a commitment to inclusivity, sustainability, and community impact.

You can connect with me via email at katehuiskens@gmail.com or send a request to me via LinkedIn.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.naturlypets.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katelynhuiskens/

Image Credits

image credits belong to me