2013 Honoree

Kristen McLaughlin

Marketing Director, Silhouette Brand

“Power is learning through education and experience. It’s about having a light plan with an open mind, being not too rigid where you can’t veer off into something that interests you. Power is confidence to stand apart from others when it doesn’t suit you, and for me this comes with age and feeling comfortable in my own skin. It’s about knowing my talents and finding ways to engage further.”

What city best describes your personality?

I love Fort Lauderdale. It’s a balance of the calming beach and ocean air and has a cosmopolitan flair for nighttime. I have that day/night personality. Very down to earth and easy going by day, but love to turn it up, dress up and go out at night. Fort Lauderdale is close to my heart as I have always visited family there each year since I was 8 years old. I feel very at home in Fort Lauderdale.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever ignored, and the worst advice you’ve ever taken?

Pamper and spend on yourself before you get married and have children because when there’s more responsibility, there’s less funds and time. Never really took that too far.

What is your best read? What book would you want to be a character in?

Wow…if I had time to read books for myself. Really, I read mostly with my children each night. My escape is flipping through the pages of style magazines to be inspired by new ways to mix and match my wardrobe or decorate my home. I love ideas on how to spruce up a room. It’s an energy booster.

How do you define power? Do you enjoy it? How do you live with your success?

Power is learning through education and experience. It’s about having a light plan with an open mind, being not too rigid where you can’t veer off into something that interests you. Power is confidence to stand apart from others when it doesn’t suit you, and for me this comes with age and feeling comfortable in my own skin. It’s about knowing my talents and finding ways to engage further. It’s not something I really think about, but I’m proud of my accomplishments in education and career, and the balance I have with my family. Success is subjective. I make a plan, create a path, and think beyond the scope of the project to achieve a positive result. Then review and repeat with humility. I work hard and continue to push myself. Success could be as simple as a new idea for a campaign at work, or making someone feel confident about how they look with a makeover. It can be the feeling that I am a good juggler of work and family.

When do we stop asking questions about gender equality? When will it be Power People instead of Power Women? Is gender more important than politics?

I think we have to accept that men and women are not just physically different, our brains are developed to think and act differently as well as our needs, desires, and behaviors. While it is comical to experience the difference in communication styles, gender stereotypes need to stop. Access to education and the need for women to support the family along with husband has fueled women growing in top positions. May the best man or woman win. Times are changing, and therefore, adding to a more balanced society.

What do you think of social media?

In many ways, social media is a great way to bring people, experiences, and ideas together. It’s nice to learn from others and have some frame of reference to compare with, as well as a go-to networking tool.

What’s one place you’ve always wanted to visit on your travels?

I’d love to visit the natural parks of the U.S., like Yosemite and Grand Canyon. I would take a deep breath and slow down to take it all in. How fun it would be to take a road trip across the country and experience and appreciate our own country and all its differences.

When sending a child out to see the world for the first time, where would you send them?

I recently spent a vacation with my kids in Colonial Williamsburg. The reenactments of early history helped to build a platform in appreciating our country and the people that fought for freedom and rights. It’s a nice message of selflessness for a better world. They were a bit alarmed with the realness of the soldiers and inviting them to join the forces and sleep in the barracks and eat in rations. Nothing good comes without a price. Serve and you shall be served.

What advice would you give to a young woman starting out?

For a young lady in her teens, get a job. This helps build independence and confidence, which is the foundation of power and autonomy. This will assist in face-to-face socializing, which seems to be decreasing in the social media world. Don’t be afraid to pick up a phone vs. emailing or texting. For a young woman looking ahead to her future, don’t get stuck in following traditions. Take time to learn who you are as a person and your likes and dislikes. Find a job to build financial independence (save money), and be sure to broaden skills to prepare yourself for the changing society.


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