Women in Focus – Katie Kiss

Experiences shape us into stronger individuals

Katie Kiss
Chief Transformation Officer & Chief Client Officer

Career advice

We often look back on our careers as a book with many chapters—each one marking a time horizon, a goal, an aspiration, or a milestone. These chapters reflect our evolution, the transitions into new roles, and the responsibilities we take on. And if we are fortunate enough to grow in these roles, we have a responsibility to be role models and embrace the journey.

My path at Confluence has been shaped by stepping into areas I never initially envisioned for myself. Often, progress comes from simply saying yes—from taking on opportunities that stretch us beyond our comfort zones. Growth and comfort don’t coexist, and the moments that push us the most are often the ones that define who we become.

A career is never a perfectly smooth journey. Along the way, there will be both critics and supporters, but these experiences shape us into stronger individuals.

Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with many talented people, and in doing so, I’ve realized that we become a mosaic of those who have influenced us the most. Sponsorship—the support of those who actively advocate for your advancement—is a game-changer.

As we progress toward leadership, the journey shifts. It moves beyond execution; strategy becomes essential. Leadership is no longer just about personal success,  it’s about driving meaningful change and making an impact at scale.

Above all, be authentic to yourself and be of service to others. When you say yes to new opportunities, you’re not just advancing your career, you’re fulfilling both your potential and your purpose. Focus on what you can control, take ownership of your growth, and move forward with confidence. The chapters of your career will continue to unfold, shaped by the choices you make and the impact you leave behind.

Source of inspiration

The people. Seeing teams work in lockstep—turning a vision into reality—is incredibly inspiring. Those moments when everyone is aligned, delivering with purpose, and making a real impact reinforce why I love what I do.

Beyond the work itself, it’s the energy and engagement in everyday interactions that truly stand out. Whether it’s town halls, breakfast meetings, team discussions, onsite collaborations, or brown bag sessions, connecting with diverse teams brings fresh perspectives and a shared sense of purpose.

One of the most recent inspiring moments for me last year was the successful execution of multiple client onboardings tied to a defined regulatory deadline for Tailored Shareholder Reporting, a new challenge for both our clients and us. The team embraced a problem-solving mindset, guided by the famous quote from the movie The Martian , “You just begin. You do the math. You solve one problem, then the next, and then the next. And if you solve enough problems, you get to come home.”

What stood out was commitment, adaptability, and collaboration across teams. Watching everyone rise to the occasion, navigating complexities, supporting one another, and delivering with precision, was a powerful reminder of what makes Confluence such a rewarding place to grow and lead.

Proud moment

The power of we — it’s never just one individual. I’m especially proud of the meaningful and transformative changes we’ve driven as a company, from global expansion to impactful acquisitions (Statpro, Investment Metrics, CSS). Being a key player and change agent in that journey has been an incredible experience, but what stands out most is the collective effort behind these milestones.

Seeing teams come together—navigating complexity, embracing change, and executing with precision—has been deeply rewarding and reinforces why I’m so passionate about what we do at Confluence.