Since founding executive search firm kpCompanies in 2001, Miquel McMoore is particularly proud of the talent that her company has provided to clients for more than 18 years. She credits the company’s success to the fact that diversity is included in almost all candidate submissions.
“We’ve learned that finding the right diverse talent takes time, intentionality and expertise,” says Miquel McMoore, Managing Director of kpCompanies. “We have all three!”
Miquel started her business in a tiny one-bedroom apartment. Today, it has grown to three offices and a talented team serving non-profit and for-profit organizations of all sizes.
“We have worked hard to develop a culture of continuous improvement, which helps us more effectively serve the mission driven organizations that have become the life blood of our company,” says Miquel. “Our efforts seem to be paying off and for that, I am proud.”
Miquel describes herself as the daughter of two prominent educators, the sister of two brilliant siblings, aunt to two quick-witted and talented nephews, friend to phenomenal people around the world, managing partner of kpCompanies, and mother to two VIPs.
“I work to make the world a better place, seriously, I do,” says Miquel. “My gig is perfect, it makes me feel good almost every day when I introduce the perfect person to the perfect opportunity with the perfect company—it’s got me excited as I type!”
kpCompanies connects mission driven organizations with skilled leaders who drive missions forward. Additionally, the company places the executive administrative support professionals that support their network of leaders.
Following is a Question and Answer segment we held with Miquel.
Q: How does your work support social equity, diversity and inclusion? What strategies have you used to incorporate these values within your professional and volunteer work?
A: I have built a professional practice around ensuring that we develop and maintain deep relationships with people from all walks of life. It is part of our mission to deliver diversity to our clients and an inclusive environment for our candidates, understanding that diversity takes on different forms for different people and organizations. We help our clients determine opportunities to diversify their organization, then we identify, screen, qualify and deliver the right talent. Our network works. One of the ways we achieve success is by aligning with multiple organizations and people who understand the value of social equity, diversity and building inclusive communities specifically around the workforce.
Q: What is your vision for your future and that of your organization?
A:Personally, I see myself forging deeper partnerships with mission driven organizations who are moving the needle as it relates to diversity, inclusion and positive impact on our world. I see firsthand how diversity benefits organizations. I’m aligning with organizations and individuals to work toward solving the problem of workplace inequity and employment disparity, especially in leadership roles of underrepresented communities.
As for kpCompanies, I am ever more committed to living out our vision every day which is: We provide best in class employment solutions—consistently earning the total satisfaction of our customers. We are committed to continuous improvement and providing a high quality of life for our employees while achieving superior financial results. We are a socially and environmentally responsible team of hard workers who leverage all available resources in order to ensure that everyone associated with your company reaps the benefits of our stellar performance.
Q:What advice do you have for other leaders looking to balance their lives, maintain motivation, and manage the stress that comes along with leadership?
A:I focus my time and energy based on my values and on what I believe needs the most attention. The three most important aspects of my life include practicing my faith in God; practicing my love for my myself, family and friends; and practicing the discipline needed to serve the clients who count on my business to help them grow.
Because I find great joy in most aspects of my life, stress usually occurs when there is a breakdown in one or all areas, or when I am trying to, as my son would say, ‘do too much’. I have a trusted personal board of advisors that make themselves available to me, and me to them, when I need help seeing a situation for how it is versus how I may see it.
Balance looks different at different stages of life. Identify what you value most, determine if it is good for you, and devote appropriate time to it. Find trusted advisors who will give you honest, unselfish and well-thought-out perspectives. Finally, learn to say ‘no’ and when to say ‘yes’.
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