Women’s History Month | Kristen Miller

What has been the most important lesson of your career?
The most important lesson of my career has been to be open and receptive to facts, opinions and situations that challenge my own perspective. I have learned that growth and comfort do not coexist and that the only way to build a career is to focus on growth. So, I actively seek discomfort. I prompt others to challenge my assumptions and provide context that I would not otherwise possess. I intentionally put myself in positions that make me feel out of my depth.  Like in many other professions, it is hard for lawyers to invite the notion that they do not know everything. I have found, though, that when I embrace that notion I learn more than I ever imagined.  It makes me a stronger lawyer, leader and teammate.

Was there a mentor who provided great insight in your early career?
Throughout my career a great deal of people have provided me with important insight. Early in my career, though, the most important people in my life were a group of friends from law school.   These women were (still are) fiercely loyal and protective and always had more confidence in me than I had in myself. If I started to flail, they were there to prop me up.  If I did something stupid, they were there to call on my mistakes. They were brutally honest and also relentlessly kind.   Individual mentors are great but having that group was invaluable.

What do you wish the you of today could have told the younger you about building a career?
Your success is driven by the people with whom you choose to surround yourself. Whether it is your leaders, your peers or your own team, surround yourself with people who are better than you. Whether better means smarter, more compassionate, more strategic, more hard working – find something in each person around you that is better than you. Then strive to meet them there.  If you can do that you will never stop growing.