Communication is Key: An Interview with Kathleen Crean
Meet kathleen crean
From Feeding America to the S&P 500
With over 13 years as a communications professional, Kathleen’s experience shows that a strong and skilled communications team is worth its weight in gold. Starting her career with Feeding America, Kathleen has developed complex brand and communications strategies for Pentair and Columbia St. Marys, and acted as Senior Public Relations Specialist for Ascension Wisconsin during a global pandemic. Now Senior Communications Manager, Global External Affairs for GE HealthCare, Kathleen recently supported media relations for GE’s historic trading debut on the NASDAQ S&P 500. In this interview, Kathleen discusses her best tips for young professionals.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Assume positive intention.
This came from a culture development workshop at one of my former employers. It has followed me throughout my career because it reminds me that no matter the ask, or the delivery, my colleague’s intentions were likely good. It makes you more patient and empathetic.
What is the best advice for your younger self upon first entering the workplace?
Invest in yourself. Put money in your 401K, at a minimum . . . max out your employer match.
Take that risk. Even if it’s scares you, do it. Every experience will teach you something. I left a job and mentor I adored at 25 because I had reached the ceiling (at that time) at that organization, to dive into a new industry and corporation. I knew almost from day one that this new company wouldn’t be my “forever” but it’s what I needed to do to grow professionally.
How can young professionals stand out in the workplace?
Listen to understand and propose solutions to problems rather than simply stating a problem.
Even if you’re not sure if the solution is “perfect” or the right fit, your willingness to solve a problem rather than simply share a problem will make a difference. It doesn’t have to be a big problem either – it could be a new way of approaching a standard process or eliminating redundancies. Remember, they hired you because they believed in your capabilities and potential. Show ‘em what you can do!
What do you wish the generations ahead of you, and behind you, knew?
Ahead of me: The way we’ve always done it doesn’t mean that it’s right or the way we need to keep doing it. Top-down decisions, much like trickle-down economics, don’t work.
Listen to your frontline employees. The pandemic has shown us there is no longer a one-size fits all approach to work.
Behind me: Words matter. Please use spell check and double and triple check people’s names in emails or on phone calls before diving in. As an elder millennial, I can attest to the desire to shorten words and abbreviate everything, but in a professional setting, don’t. You’ll sound less intelligent than you are.
Why is mentorship important?
Oh gosh, where do I begin? Mentors guide you, they help you become the best version of you by fostering your talents and challenging you to think / act differently. They help you navigate challenging situations; they are your best cheerleader and they help unlock your potential.
I’ve been fortunate to have managers that became mentors, and eventually friends. I’ve had more formal mentorship programs where my mentor and I worked together on a specific goal for a former employer. I’ve sought mentorship from people with different backgrounds and in different professions. I’ve cherished every one of them for the unique perspectives they shared at different times in my career.
If you are a first generation professional, what does being a first generation professional mean to you?
I was the first person in my immediate family to graduate college. I am immensely proud of that accomplishment, as are my parents. I find a lot of joy and purpose in my career.
and finally, What do you love about Milwaukee?
The small-waukee feel.
I’ve loved watching our city flourish. When I moved here in 2007 for Marquette, I thought “there’s now way I’m staying here after graduation” … I even contemplated transferring to DePaul at one point my freshmen year to be closer to family in Chicago. I am so grateful I didn’t because I adore Milwaukee. Our proximity to the lake, minimal traffic, our Milwaukee County Parks system, our award-winning restaurants, Walkers Point and the Fifth Ward… what’s not to love about Milwaukee?
Find Kathleen on LinkedIn.
More Posts You May Like
