Local Profile’s 23rd annual Women in Business Summit, presented by Baylor Scott & White Health, is set for Sept. 13, 2024, at Renaissance Dallas at Plano Legacy West Hotel.
This year, over 600 powerhouse women from various sectors including global enterprise, non-profit, small business and government will gather to celebrate, unite and empower each other to turn big ideas into reality.
Tickets are selling out quickly! Buy your ticket here.
One of Local Profile's esteemed speakers, Ginny Kissling, is the global president and chief operating officer at Ryan. Kissling is a nationally recognized, award-winning leader in tax advisory, frequently celebrated as a role model for female leadership. Kissling began her career at Ryan in 1992 as the firm’s first college intern and seventh employee. In 2002, she became Ryan’s first female principal. She is also the first woman to hold her current position of global president and COO, as well as her previous role as president of U.S. operations. Additionally, she was the first woman appointed to Ryan’s Board of Managers in 2012.
Kissling is dedicated to community service, volunteering with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, National Charity League, North Texas Food Bank and Ronald McDonald House.
What idea has impacted you the most in your field?
The message that ‘you don’t get what you don’t ask for’ not only reminds me to advocate for myself and for my own development but, also shapes how I support my clients. My clients know I’m not afraid to ask questions, even the tough ones, and go the extra mile to make sure they’re winning. This mindset has allowed me to create meaningful long-term relationships built on trust and respect.
How do you deal with setbacks?
I make it a point to get input from others, both positive and constructive, to better understand what went wrong and how to improve. I think it’s important to note that I always make sure that the feedback list includes someone who may not be my biggest fan. Not all feedback is delivered in the nicest package, but if there’s a truth in there that can help me grow, I want to hear it and use it to be better.
What do you do when an idea strikes?
I utilize the tried-and-true sticky note — I have to get it down quickly before I forget. Even if an idea doesn’t seem huge at the moment, I still try to jot it down because it could impact something I’m already working on or even spark something new down the road.
How do you respond when feeling held back?
When I hit a roadblock or am unsure about the next steps to progress, I actively seek insights to see the bigger picture. I know that sometimes I may not be understanding something the way someone else is or I’m caught up in the details, so stepping back and seeking advice is a valuable part of my process. I’ve even partnered with an executive coach to help me better organize and make sense of the feedback. This not only helps me move forward personally but also enables me to contribute more effectively to my team.
What is one idea that motivates you?
We’ve embraced StrengthsFinder as a resourceful tool at Ryan, and it may not come as a surprise to some that one of my top strengths is competition. I enjoy a challenge and striving to win, whether it’s winning for my clients or winning on the pickleball court. Being naturally competitive, I love pushing myself and those around me to reach greater heights.
What was the most difficult decision you’ve made in your career so far?
Prior to my role as COO, I was a technical partner working closely with clients on projects. Deciding to shift my focus to the responsibilities of a chief operating officer meant reevaluating my career in a way I hadn’t considered before. I knew I wanted to be in tax since high school, so thinking about a different path, even in the same industry, was difficult because I had been on one track for so long. I’m happy with my choice and it shows how giving yourself the space to change course can lead to something better than you expected.
What challenges do you face as a woman in your industry?
Tax is a heavily male-dominated industry. While more and more women are entering the field, there’s still a noticeable gap, especially when it comes to leadership positions.
Who is the first person you come to with an idea?
My husband, Jeff. He’s great at helping me refine my thoughts or gently steering me in a new direction if needed. I know I can talk to him about even my craziest ideas, and he’ll be there to support me with an open mind.
What is the biggest mistake you see women making when advancing their careers?
The biggest mistake I see when it comes to advancing in your career, and this isn’t just limited to women, is being intentional about receiving feedback and keeping an open mind. You shouldn’t be waiting for your midyear, or yearly performance review. It’s important to ask for feedback regularly and be ready to hear both positive comments and areas for improvement, even if they’re tough to hear.
How do you define success?
Success for me today means feeling great physically and mentally, enjoying quality time with my family, and continuously evolving in my career. What that actually looks like on a day-to-day basis is going to be different, but I prioritize these three aspects.
What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
If you’re waiting on an invitation to start or lead or even be part of a team, you might be waiting a long time. Sometimes you’ve got to put yourself out there and make things happen.
What projects are you currently working on?
At Ryan, we’ve been seeing some exciting growth! My focus at the moment is on setting up the tools, resources and processes we need to keep this momentum going strong. We have ambitious goals, which keeps my calendar filled, but I am excited about the great things in our future.
What is the best book you read this year?
It's not a book, but the best content I have been enjoying this year is ‘The Daily’ podcast by the New York Times. It’s the perfect length for my commute and provides a deep dive into relevant topics. I’ve found it to be a fantastic way to stay updated on the go.
This isn't just an event — it's a movement! Join over 600 powerhouse women from various sectors including global enterprise, non-profit, small business and government as we celebrate, unite and empower each other to turn BIG IDEAS into reality.
Seize this opportunity to invest in yourself and your future. You deserve to be among the North Texas community's leading ladies, shaping BIG IDEAS and making an impact that reverberates far beyond the summit.
Speakers & Panelists
- Marianne Radley, CMO, Smoothie King
- Melody Lennox, People Operations Executive
- Ginny Kissling, Global President & COO, Ryan
- Nora Gomez, CMO, Nebraska Furniture Mart
- Hedy Popson, President & CEO, Productions Plus
- Beth Garvey, President, CEO & Chair, BGSF
- Angela Hutson, SVP, Chief Accounting Officer, BSWHealth
- Sharon Ramage, Founder, The Ramage Law Group
- Lisa Clawson, SVP, Market Manager Private Wealth, Bank of Texas
- Tatsumi Paredes, Senior Manager, Diversity & Inclusion, TOYOTA
Expect:
- Networking: Sip mimosas while forging invaluable connections during our morning networking session. Don't forget to strike a pose at our photobooth and capture the moment with watercolor portraits, painted live!
- Speaker Sessions: Hear from influential speakers and engage in thought-provoking panel discussions centered around BIG IDEAS.
- Post-Event Celebration: Wrap up the day on a high note at our post-event happy hour hosted at the trendy Bulla Gastrobar.
Schedule
10 - 11:30 a.m. Mimosas & Networking with live water color portrait artist, Kiss-N-Teller, photobooth and more!
11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
- Seated Lunch
- Keynote Addresses with Marianne Radley, CMO at Smoothie King and Melody Lennox, People Operations Executive
- Two Powerhouse Panels featuring esteemed local female leaders
- Coffee Break & Networking
3 p.m. Happy Hour at Bulla Gastrobar