Whereoware is proud to have a majority woman workforce, particularly in the male-dominated tech industry. We’re recognizing our WOW women and their achievements in both tech and leadership and sharing their thoughtful insight for the next generation of women in the workplace.

In this edition of WOW Women in Technology, we’re chatting with Kelly King, Whereoware’s Senior Director of Ongoing Services.

How has your background prepared you for success in your industry?

8 years ago, I was hired to “be a bridge between our developers and clients” to translate needs and expectations and ensure more seamless communication. Since then, I’ve held various roles focused on nurturing this client and technical resource relationship, and as Senior Director, setting the Delivery and Ongoing Support teams up for success.

I have a business degree and was in corporate event planning in my previous career, with no technical background.  However, the fast-paced, constant problem-solving required in event planning prepared me for my roles at Whereoware in the tech world. 

Regardless of the best laid plans, development requires a ton of flexibility and responsiveness. Ongoing support is solving problems and answering questions rapid fire, my background prepared me to think on my feet, make important decisions for the future, and always put the customers’ objectives first.

Tell us about your leadership style and philosophy.

I truly believe in leading by example.  

I’m in the trenches with my team, so I can guide them, especially since I manage people whose jobs I cannot do – such as develop code.  

I have to bring in the right resources for proper mentorship in each person’s area of expertise, as well as offer a different perspective when helpful, to their day-to-day.  Building trust and camaraderie, while keeping projects moving along helps foster growth and allows my team to problem-solve and learn, so they can own their mistakes and successes.

Where do you find inspiration as a leader?

I love learning from other people’s experiences and hearing their lessons learned.  I love taking people’s little tidbits of advice, internalizing the feedback, and applying meaningful suggestions to my day to day.  Some tips will stick, some will be forgotten in a few minutes, and some will trigger a small change that overtime changes everything.   

Ultimately, I try to see everything as an opportunity for growth, rather than a black and white hardship/success.  

What are your favorite mottos?  

I have a few mottos that I live by…

• YOU are in control of your destiny - no one else.   
• Fake it ‘till you make it!

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