Future Leader Award
Kristin Winford
Chief Operating Officer
Mesirow Financial Consulting
As is so often the case with consulting, the profession was not always in the works for Kristin Winford. Her first job out of college was meant to be a two-year respite before returning to school for doctoral studies. While Winford did return to school, it was 15 years later. "I have spent my entire career in this field," Winford says. "I don't think I could have architected the path my career has taken."
That path has progressed all the way to a C-level corner office with Mesirow Financial Consulting where, as Chief Operating Officer, she leads all aspects of the firm's business unit operations. She focuses specifically on the people management and operating strategy of the firm, including strategic planning and budgeting, finance and accounting, risk management and governance, marketing and communications, compensation strategy, human capital acquisition and development, organizational design and effectiveness, information technology and administrative operations.
Winford has extensive experience providing strategic operations and performance improvement services to internal and external clients. "I work with ridiculously smart people to solve dynamic, complex and challenging problems," she says. "While women in leadership positions are not a rarity in the consulting world, there are still situations where I am the only woman in the room. As such, it is imperative that I add value and perspective in all my interactions."
Winford says she is humbled by the confidence and trust placed in her by her colleagues when she was appointed COO of Mesirow. Winford says she grew up in the generation where women tried to "have it all" and she's come to realize that is "an antiquated and burdensome concept that no one should attempt to pursue," she says.
"I work at having a fulfilling, challenging career, and a family that makes it all worth it."
Winford has a husband and two small boys. "But I also struggle with at least one of these things every day. The trick is to allow yourself the room to know when you have done your best."
When it comes to offering up her own advice, Winford says: "In life, live by the Golden Rule," she says. "Professionally, find a sponsor."
A sponsor, she says, is different than a mentor and will act as an advocate. A mentor will talk to you, but a sponsor talks about you, Winford says. "That difference is important; at some point in our careers, we have all needed someone to champion our cause or provide us with new opportunities," she says. "I have had several amazing sponsors throughout my career that saw potential in me and invested in my development. It's an invaluable gift."
Winford also led the development and launch of Mesirow's international joint venture, BTG Mesirow Financial Consulting where she plays an integral role in setting the strategic initiatives of the global entity as well as the operational aspects of the business.
As far as what the award means to Winford, she says that receiving it is very humbling "both in the stellar company I'm keeping with the other recipients of this award as well as the fact that someone I respect immensely took the time to fill out a nomination form."
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