Interview: Stacy Kimball, Woman of Many Talents
By Stacy Kimball
Born in South Korea, Stacy Kimball was fortunate to be adopted at 7 months old by a loving and progressive American family and was raised in idyllic Vermont. At the age of 17, she uprooted to Miami, where she knew no one, and obtained her BFA in 3 non-stop years (no summer breaks) from Ai Miami International University of Art & Design. She accomplished this while interning in advertising and working a full-time job as a graphic designer in the Marketing department of a national retail chain.
Post graduation, Stacy launched her marketing career with her first job at Y&R Miami, serving LATAM, where she interned in college. Compounding on her knowledge and skills as a project manager, print producer and mechanical artist, she landed a job at Crispin Porter Bogusky, where she worked until she was offered the opportunity to compete in season 14 of the American reality television series, Survivor: Fiji. Stacy persevered 13 rounds, and still holds the record for the most challenges won by any female on the show before she was finally voted out.
Stacy currently holds a Senior Program Manager position at IBM with the Brand Strategy and Experience Design team, where she was promoted twice in 3 years. Prior to IBM, she worked with reputable companies such as Vice, West Elm, Grey and BBH.
In her spare time, she enjoys knitting, making elaborate costumes for her babies (fur and human), collaborating with friends on projects spanning jewelry design, nail art, interior design and photography. To say that Stacy is a woman of many talents is an understatement. She once made Star Wars-themed outfits for a surprise party for her husband’s 30th birthday bash.
Stacy currently lives in Austin, her newly adopted home, with her husband, 8-month old son and mini Aussie.
How do you make time for everything, especially as a new parent?
I have come to accept my new reality of simply not getting to everything on my list! There are so many new variables and unknowns that pop-up throughout the day so I’ve learned to be far less rigid. After taking care of the basics, I use little pockets of time in the morning or evening to invest in personal projects. I’m a creative creature in my spare time, so I’m always looking for ways to incorporate things I love to do (cook, bake, craft, etc) into baby friendly projects. This allows me a creative outlet and fosters quality time, which is so precious! My husband and I also prioritized getting a standing babysitter to ensure a weekly date night. This time keeps us connected which is so important with so much change!
What was the most challenging aspect of becoming pregnant while establishing yourself at work?
Before my husband and I chose to start a family, we assessed my current job situation and decided it was not the best environment. I searched for a new job that met my requirements: good work/life balance, solid benefits and supportive working mom environment. I established myself within the company in the 3 years leading up to the birth of my son. The toughest part was making such a selfless adult decision for a future phase of my life. This proved to be the best decision I’ve made in my career to date.
What surprised you the most about becoming a mom and returning to work?
I dreaded going back to work. I love being a mom and struggled to imagine a better caretaker than myself during the most important developmental years of my son’s life. The day I dropped him off at daycare, I actually felt a sense of relief! I love him to pieces, but that separation to be myself again - a professional and an individual was actually very good for me, personally. I also know that I can’t be his single source of everything. He needs to experience parallel play, trust and love other caregivers and be able to say bye and know securely that I’ll always come back. I suppose he also needs to get infested with germs to build immunity (this part is no joke). This was also surprising to me - the expanded role of the ‘working mom’ when things aren’t going well with the baby at home. The daycare pick-up when the baby is sick, the doctor appointments, medicine and pain management, fussiness, etc… usually handled by us moms, who are also carefully juggling a full workload, managing perceptions at work and putting dinner on… you snap into a rhythm but you also feel a bit like a Cirque du Soleil contortionist.
If you could give any advice to the younger version of yourself, what would it be?
Those days that you’re awarded off (vacation) TAKE THEM ALL. Go explore and see the world. You become more aware and inspired by the world, yourself and you contribute more to your work. I got the travel bug much later in my career and wish that I’d taken the time to explore much earlier. Local or regional destinations that are inexpensive are just as life enriching. I’ve never regretted taking time to travel!
If you could change one thing about your career path, what would you do?
My strategy was to gain well-rounded experience. My career began as a graphic designer, then I followed a PM/Producer path into advertising, retail (ecomm), media and now on the product side. If I’d stuck to one industry or one discipline, I’m sure I’d be at a much higher rank right now. Sometimes I wonder if I chose right, but I do know that my varied experience and exposure has allowed my CV to stand out.
What are you most proud of in your career?
I walked into the hot shop Crispin Porter & Bogusky (Miami) hoping to land a job. I showed up for my interviews in a neatly pressed suit. Upon arrival, I saw no one wearing anything close to a suit and most people were wearing flip-flops. Complete culture clash, not to mention I was not qualified enough for the role. I left that day with no job offer but rather than focusing on what I could have done differently, I stared at the elevator button thinking “I will be back and I will get a job here”. After picking up 2.5 years of experience at Y&R (Miami), I applied again and two departments wanted me. Needless to say, I landed a job at Crispin Porter & Bogusky and it was the most amazing career highlight and experience ever. Period.
What advice would you give to someone who’s considering leaving the workforce to be a full-time parent (understand it’s a very personal decision)?
It’s so commendable to take time off to raise children. My advice would be to stay in touch with your network and read up on the industry. Life and situations change, so it’s always good to be prepared to hit the onramp if needed.
Being a mom is a full-time job with many hats. You’re a nurse, caregiver, chauffeur, chef, maid, home manager and so much more. There is no job that is more important! Some people miss seeing the value in being a SAHM, but for all the roles filled, it would easily equate to a well-paying career salary, so don’t let anyone devalue your household contribution!