Kalei Gaines, a Business Strategist with Target, was honored as a 32 Under 32 recipient in 2015. Gaines began her career at Campbell Mithun after completing her undergraduate degree at UT-Austin. She continues to inspire the next generation of professionals to challenge the status quo, know their worth, and feel confident in the decisions they are making. I’m lucky enough to call her my mentor and friend, and can’t wait to continue learning from her as we both progress in our careers.
What’s the most career defining thing that’s happened to you since you won?
Building a business case to grow and scale a new business capability, that drives innovation and new guest experiences for Target. I successfully navigated leadership to gain approval and investment, which also allowed me to develop international partnerships, so that I could travel and work with our India teams.
What advice do you have for the upcoming class?
Be curious – ask questions, constantly seek to learn and grow. Be proactive and be accountable, that will help you stand out. And be a good LISTENER too – as much as you can offer, you still have a lot to learn too, so listen well and use what you hear/learn to better inform your perspective.
What’s your go-to move at networking events?
Don’t be afraid to walk up and introduce yourself to someone. Lead with a casual style and be a “real” person – don’t be too formal and list off your resume when you introduce yourself. We are all people first, not robots :).
What’s a habit that you picked up that helped your career?
Being comfortable speaking up in a room, offering my point of view and not being intimidated or timid in expressing my thoughts. That helped me get comfortable early on and helped me build up confidence, so that it comes more naturally to speak up and I don’t overthink or hesitate.
What’s the best conversation you’ve had at a networking event?
Ones where I find a commonality that is based on more than “we work at the same place” or “I know that person too.” I enjoy conversations that are more about learning and getting perspective from other strong women who are vulnerable in opening up about their experiences, are open with sharing their struggles and challenges that lots of people can relate too and sharing how they’ve managed through those struggles and challenges. Those are the conversations and stories that people need to hear – not the surface, level predictable stuff.
What do you think made you stand out as a 32 under 32 candidate that led to you being chosen?
I’ve been at a lot of great companies and have a diverse wealth of experience, but I also have clear and tangible accomplishments of things that I have led at those companies. I don’t blend in with the crowd and I push myself to keep raising the bar and make sure that I deliver significant value to the place that I work – but also work that helps me grow both personally and professionally.
What did winning this award mean to you?
Definitely felt rewarding to be recognized my peers and leaders and it gave me validation that I’m making a lasting imprint.
Nominations for the 2018 32 Under 32 awards are open until tomorrow! Do you know someone under the age of 32, whose work in advertising, PR, marketing, or creative deserves to be recognized? We all do! Nominate your peers, mentors, mentees, or friends who are not only breaking the mold, but defying it.
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