National Businesswomen’s Day | 2022
What were your career aspirations when you were growing up?
K: When I was younger, I thought I would go into law. My Dad used to say it was because I would argue with confidence. Sales and marketing were more of an interest as I became older and I was fortunate to work for some larger companies.
What kind of other jobs/positions did you hold before starting at Viking?
K: I worked in the sales department for a family owned mid-sized business. I worked in the institutional sales division and then the international sales division before entering middle management at a large manufacturing company. After my son was born, I stayed home and started merchandising part time, eventually becoming a Regional Manager for a large media company. I was very fortunate as I had a lot of flexibility in my position that allowed me to raise my children and be successful running my territory. When the company eliminated the division I was part of and it was sold to another company, the transition was not great. I left the field and became a paraprofessional. I have worked for both the Archdiocese and CPS.
Did you face any challenges along the way?
K: Within each area that I worked, there were different challenges but nothing that was out of the ordinary until the company that I worked for was sold and the transition did not go smoothly. I helped transition my territory but then decided that it was not a place that I wanted to be a part of based on how employees were treated and left after 7 months.
At Viking you have a variety of roles that you take on, which do you enjoy most?
K: Whatever involves helping others to be successful at what they are trying to accomplish.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
K: That is a hard question! I think that the most rewarding part is when I see one of the kids and they are excited to tell me about an accomplishment that they have achieved. Sometimes it is a skill that they may have successfully attained in either their gymnastics or dance class and other times it is something that they accomplished outside of Viking.
What has been your favorite experience since starting at Viking?
K: I don’t know that I have a single favorite anymore! At one time it was watching my daughter successfully execute her first cartwheel on a high beam. There have been so many moments since then and many that have carried outside of the walls of Viking due to relationships that started because of being a part of Viking.
Do you have any advice for girls looking to pursue leadership roles or careers in general?
K: Believe in yourself and what you are doing! Both of my children were raised to believe that they are capable of achieving anything that they set their minds to doing.
Thank you Karyn for being such a valuable part of our business and a wonderful role model for our students!
