The Spring Series is my ode to the WSJ Magazine interview with their cover story. The potent questions illuminate what’s important for the celebrity du jour. For me, interviewing those who inspire me.
Kim Albano has worn many hats in our relationship thus far- friend, colleague, boss, peer, mom friend, work wife, Travel partner, stage mom, wife, daughter, west coast connector, referral friend. The list goes on and on.
As a motivated woman with grit, she loves to move on a dime when necessary and slow down to coach, lead or mentor when needed. Her intuition and ability to read a room is unmatched.
I’ve known you when we worked together in New Jersey, NYC offices and of course, as road warriors. You and I lived about an hour from each other when I lived in Manhattan and now in Pennsylvania. Tell us about where you are now and what you do for work and fun.
Kim: Living in Northern Cali. Currently I am a Director of Learning & Performance. In addition, I love to share my passion for fashion, food and home decor on instagram. I also love to use it as a space to offer personal experiences and share insights for those who find themselves in the corporate world – wondering if it’s for them, if they’re alone in their experiences or just looking for encouragement on how to reach their goals.
When Spring comes and there is a touch of change in the air, the grass, the temperatures, I sense it in my bones. Spring Equinox helps lengthen the light of evenings, giving me new hope that a Growth phase is coming our way. When I developed The 24 Oracle Deck, I had a Spirit Daughter quote inscribed in each box, “like the moon, let each phase teach you the beauty of change”.
We met when we were in different life and career phases. Initially we were having kids, growing our teams, moving or expanding our houses. Now you are on the West Coast, the kids have gotten older, we’ve had multiple roles and jobs and grown in what you know you love and want to do. What does Mid-life mean for you when you wear so many hats in life?
Kim: I absolutely LOVE this question. For me mid-life has been all about leaning into whatever brings me joy, while leaning out of anything that brings me negativity. There is so much release that comes from not caring what others think or say about you. One of the first lessons I ever taught my daughters was “other people’s opinions of you are none of your business”. These are words I live by each day.
It reminds me of Sheryl Sandberg’’s lean in with the additive lean out. Both are important when done intentionally.
What are your favorite ways to enjoy spring in NorCal? How does it impact your leadership style at work AND at home? (yes, moms are leaders!)
Kim: I’m a HUGE gardener. So in January I spend the time planting all new seeds that start to grow come spring. I compare it to goal setting at the beginning of the year: I declare what I want, and as time goes on I sit back to see what grows based on the time and love I provide.
As a leader at work and at home, I see spring as a great opportunity to enjoy the newness of the season – helping my team and kids identify new goals, new direction and encouraging excitement around our decisions and how we will see them come to fruition for the remainder of the year. I’m also a big proponent of unplugging early, getting outside, going to see your kids play sports, and enjoying the hours left in the day.
Permission to get outside and enjoy the day feels like a must have in 2025. Spring is so lovely to enjoy longer daytime. The work will be there but the kids will grow up and out of the house.
Since I began mentoring and now Coaching, I realize how many women use the word stuck to define the time between their next milestone or role. Sometimes a major life change will have them questioning what their purpose is in life or the phase of their life.
In what way have you gone within or gotten quiet to know what new season you are going into that could apply to anyone feeling stuck as mother nature is sprouting her garden?
Kim: Your gut will never fail you. Even when you’re afraid to admit it – your gut is always going to be right. This past year, after being in an extremely toxic and abusive work environment, my gut told me it was time to put myself out there for something I was more deserving of.
My gut also told me that the best opportunity would come on its own time. This meant spending time in a mentally draining role, while patiently waiting for something I was much more deserving of. Instead of focusing on the negative while in my waiting season, I spent time declaring things to the universe that my gut told me to be true – such as “this is the last time I will ever travel for this job” – to which it was, in fact, the last time I traveled for that job.
While I couldn’t completely control what was happening, I was in control of what I wanted to happen in the future.
As I ask everyone (selfishly) what’s the number one low cost wellness practice you’d recommend right now?
Kim: My number one wellness practice is walking. There is nothing like a good walk to keep you healthy and sane all at once. A few months ago I added a $20 weighted vest to my walking regime which adds a little challenge while not hurting my body. My other favorite (and my Instagram community knows this!) are the overnight collagen masks. You can buy a 4 pack for $20 – and use them once per week. That’s only $20 for a month of amazing self care!
My last question- also for my own notes – what’s one west coast-trendy must have that is worth the hype?
I love Dime beauty skincare products. I have The Works System and it’s amazing. The cost really isn’t that bad…and I always say – it is your face so why not make the investment? The other product that makes a big difference are the red light Therapy masks which is an upfront investment for long term benefits!
Find Kim here:
Instagram: @kimmerann_
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