Welcome to a series introducing the women who were nominated by professionals and will be honored at "The Rad Women Celebration: Being Rad for Social Change." The event is hosted by the Women's Fund of Greater Milwaukee and will take place on Thursday, Oct. 20 at the Italian Conference Center. The idea was inspired by the bestselling book "Rad American Women A to Z," by Kate Schatz, who is the keynote speaker at the event. More information at womensfundmke.org.
Whether she's at work or at home, Kara Kaiser generates rad-ness. She is the managing director for BMO Private Bank and also very committed to her family.
"At the end of the day, I have to be able to look at myself in the mirror and feel that I am being true to all the areas that are important to me," she says.
Kaiser was honored with Milwaukee Business Journal’s 40 under 40 award in 2012. She serves as a member of the Executive Board of Directors of Junior Achievement of Wisconsin, the Board of Directors of Make A Wish of Wisconsin and the Waukesha County Community Foundation Advisory Council.
Read more about why Kaiser is receiving a Rad Woman award in October!
OnMilwaukee: What is your "mission" with the work that you do?
Kara Kaiser: I have the privilege of working with a great team of professionals who work hard to make money simple for our clients. We believe our clients deserve a wealth management plan that is tailored to their unique family. We guide our clients with authenticity and expert advice to create the distinct approach needed to manage their wealth. The families we work with have confidence and clarity that they are getting the most from their wealth and are on track to achieve their financial goals.
What does success mean to you?
I define my success based on a holistic picture of all aspects of my life, both personal and professional. I set goals for myself within my professional life, and I have defined the balance that is important for me to achieve with my family. At the end of the day, I have to be able to look at myself in the mirror and feel that I am being true to all the areas that are important to me.
Who or what have you learned from the most?
There have been many people and many situations throughout my career that have been incredible learning moments for me, and every challenge I have encountered has provided me with a better perspective moving forward. I work hard to surround myself and stay in contact with people that are mentors and sponsors of me. I think it's important to have a variety of trusted individuals that I can call upon for advice and guidance or just to talk through a situation. I would also say that as much as I benefit from calling upon mentors, I take away just as much, if not more, from mentoring others.
What would you like to see change for women in the workforce?
It's no secret that the number of women in both leadership roles and on corporate boards pales in comparison to our male counterparts. There are many different organizations that are dedicated to changing this, and it's important that men, women and businesses support these efforts. I would like to see more women helping women within the workplace. The more women we have supporting each other, the better to empower others to make a significant change in those numbers. TEMPO has been a terrific organization for me, as it's a supportive environment for women to both network and to learn from each other. Accordingly, TEMPO Emerging Women Leaders was recently created to identify the next level of women that are rising through their organizations with great potential. The more activity we have, both individually and within organizations like Tempo, the better to support women leadership in the workplace.
What does a "perfect" day off from work include for you?
Our life during the summer months revolves around competitive inland lakes sailing for everyone in our family, in addition to all things on or around water. My "perfect" day off would be spent on the water with family and friends.
Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.
Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.
