Turning constraint into power with Kris Wilson

Learn from Kris Wilson, land use and real estate lawyer and Office Managing Partner of Perkins Coie’s Bellevue, WA, office. Join Seasons Leadership Co-Founders Susan Ireland and Debbie Collard as they interview Kris about setting boundaries, turning constraints into power, leading with values and the importance of helping people solve problems.

Show Notes:
Susan is excited to introduce her sister-in-law Kris Wilson to WIL podcast listeners as someone she has always admired for her success and ability to set boundaries. Kris tells how she came to be in her current role (2:50) and the important leadership challenges she has faced recently as office manager. The women discuss boundary setting (4:36) and start to get at the success Kris has making everything in her life work. Kris describes how to reframe boundary setting as a power (5:53). The women talk about the importance of leaders setting an example (8:05) so that others can be empowered to set their own boundaries.

The middle of the episode tackles Kris’ “why” (9:55) and how to lead with values (10:56). Kris describes why inclusiveness in leadership is the most important value (11:57) as well as being vulnerable in the face of uncertainty (12:32). The conversation again comes back to choosing your power and setting strong boundaries to succeed (14:30) and the courage it takes to accomplish that. Debbie is inspired by Kris’ ability to list off all her personal values (14:56). Kris shares that reading great works and inspirational quotes help inspire her (15:05) and how watching others succeed gives her satisfaction (16:51).

Kris describes how to celebrate with those at the office (17:29) through shoutouts and at recognition events and how to celebrate at home (19:10) with dance parties! She spends some time talking about having a growth mindset (20:10) and looking for diverse perspectives (21:00). Debbie likens this to Kris "filling up her leadership toolbox” (22:00). Kris emphasizes the need to be open to “unlearning” as part of development (23:08) and being comfortable being uncomfortable. She decries the common trend to label people “flip floppers” (24:35).

The conversation concludes with Kris sharing the two books (27:02) she continues to use in her life: Steven Coveys’ “7 Habits of Highly Successful People” and “Just Enough: Tools for Creating Success in Your Work and Life,” by Laura Nash and Howard Stevenson. She talks about building a kaleidoscope pattern in your life (30:08) and the support she needs to succeed (30:48).

Kris notes that the opinions she expressed within this WIL episode are solely her own and do not reflect the opinions and beliefs of her firm or its clients.

Additional Links:
All episodes of the Women in Leadership podcast are available at the WIL Show Page