Voices of Influence: Kristi W. Richard

What’s the most important leadership lesson you’ve learned in your career—and how did you learn it?  

When it’s go time, there is no hierarchy in leadership.  If a leader is not willing to do what she is asking someone else to do in that moment, there is no respect and even though the immediate project might get done, you will have lost your team.  My mentor taught me that from the very beginning and it is one thing I’ve always tried to practice.

What’s one risk you took that changed your trajectory, either professionally or personally? 

Deciding to take a teaching position in LSU’s E.J. Ourso College of Business to teach law classes to undergrads only 3 years out of law school. Not only did I find a passion for teaching and turn it into my second full time career, it threw me to the wolves so to speak. I was the one in charge of the lessons and the classroom. I didn’t have a partner overseeing me or revising before it was sent out to the “client.” It was me and my students – which has now grown to over 500 a semester. It was on me to sink or swim. Once I realized I could do that, it changed how I approached work at the firm, relationships with clients and my colleagues, and my confidence that my could lead successfully.

How do you stay focused and motivated when things get difficult?  

Never underestimate a change of scenery!

What’s your personal definition of success—and has it changed over time?  

Having the flexibility to do what I want to do on my own terms…at least most of the time…and making an impact while doing it.  Sometimes that means I want to lead the closing a big deal or speak as a recognized expert at a national conference.  Other times it means I want to take my kids to experience Europe for the summer while I work remotely.  It definitely changed once I had kids.  When I was younger, my definition of success was tied more to visibility, titles and, somewhat, money, as is a lot of people’s when they are young. Now it’s more defined by the positive impact I can make on others – whether that be in business, in the community or with my family.

What’s a piece of advice you once received that you always come back to? 

It’s not a mistake if it can be fixed. As a young associate attorney thinking I was about to lose my job, having senior partners unequivocally tell me that, help me fix it and then not mention it again in a negative way helped me grow tremendously. Recently, one of these same partners came into my office on a project I was running and said he thought he made a mistake. I smiled and said “someone wise once told me it isn’t a mistake if it can be fixed!” and quickly got to work on figuring it out.

What’s your go-to way to recharge after a long week?

Sleeping in late on the weekends, thanks in large part to my husband.

If you could have dinner with any woman living or from history, who would it be and what would you ask her?

Ruth Bader Ginsberg. Based on her quote “so often in life, things that you regard as an impediment turn out to be great, good fortune,” I’d ask what was the greatest thing of hers that came out of what she first perceived as an impediment and at what point did she recognize it as such.

What’s one item on your desk (or in your bag) that you can’t live without—and why? 

I wish I had a less dull answer, but my iPhone. It contains my work, family, personal and teaching calendars which I would be lost without.

What song instantly puts you in a good mood or makes you feel powerful? 

“Girl on Fire,” by Alicia Keys, sung at the top of our lungs in the car with my kids.

What advice would you give your 25-year-old self—if she’d actually listen? 

Don’t let perfection stand in the way of good. Good isn’t failure. There are a lot of experiences that you’ll miss out on if you don’t do it because you don’t think you can do it perfectly.