Women in Focus – Kirsten Garrett

Success isn’t a straight line—and that’s okay

Kirsten Garrett
Chief Human Resources Officer

Finding success in your career isn’t just about climbing a ladder—it’s about moving with purpose, sometimes sideways, sometimes diagonally, to build the right skills and experiences. Passion plays a key role. If you don’t enjoy what you do, the inevitable challenges of work will feel like burdens instead of stepping stones.

For professionals navigating their careers, it’s crucial to embrace flexibility. The traditional mindset of linear progression—one promotion after another—often limits real growth. Instead, those who move across functions or take unexpected opportunities build a more well-rounded skill set, ultimately making them stronger leaders.

One of the most rewarding aspects of leadership is setting ambitious goals and tracking them every month—not just as an annual checklist but as an ongoing process of improvement. It’s easy to get caught up in daily responsibilities, but taking the time to measure progress—both individually and as a team—brings a sense of fulfillment that’s hard to match. A career isn’t just about being busy; it’s about moving forward with purpose. Looking back on the past two years at Confluence and seeing how much has been built, refined, and improved is an incredibly proud moment.

At Confluence, I am inspired by the tenured roundtables that Todd Moyer, our President & COO, and I host. We started these sessions a year and a half ago, inviting employees from across the company who have at least seven years of tenure. Every time, I am amazed by the stories of people who have grown with the company, many for over 20 years.

What stands out most in these conversations is not just longevity but the depth of experience and adaptability that these employees have cultivated over time. Many of these tenured employees have grown into leadership roles, not necessarily by following a traditional trajectory but by embracing challenges, shifting laterally, and seizing opportunities when they arose.

Seeing how much has evolved and strengthened at Confluence over the years is a testament to the power of intentional growth at an individual and organizational level. When you step back and see how far you’ve come, it’s incredibly fulfilling—and it’s what keeps us motivated to continue pushing forward.