We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kathryn Ikle a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Kathryn thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

My parents instilled in me the importance of critical thinking from a young age. They taught me to question everything, never accept things at face value, and always look for creative solutions when faced with obstacles. When a door seemed to close, they encouraged me to think outside the box—finding a window to climb through instead. This mindset has profoundly shaped my life, influencing not only how I navigate my professional career, but also how I approach personal growth and seize opportunities where they might not seem to exist. These lessons have been the foundation of my journey, guiding me through challenges and helping me create paths where none were visible.

Kathryn, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Absolutely. My name is Kathryn Iklé (pronounced E-clay) and I am a UX leader, consultant, speaker, creative, and versatile artist based in Dallas, TX. With over 20 years of experience in UX, art, design, research, digital marketing, agile methodologies, product innovation, and technology, I’ve established a strong reputation as a leader in the UX, technology, and creative industries. Currently, I serve as the Vice President of Strategy & Design for Citigroup Bank and the Head of UX & Marketing at Third Entity, an organization dedicated to leadership development, coaching, and marketing.

I hold a degree in Marketing & Art from the University of Memphis and a certification in Museum Studies from Harvard University. As an advocate for the arts, I’m always looking for opportunities to collaborate and support fellow artists. I’m deeply involved in the Dallas Ft Worth arts community, where I find immense joy in contributing to the artistic tapestry of my community and beyond. I serve as the President of the Art Club of McKinney, TX, and I’m an active member of AIGA, the Visual Arts Guild of Frisco, the Arts Centre of Plano, the Denton Greater Arts Council, and the Dallas Museum of Art League.

As an artist, I enjoy acrylic painting, charcoal, and printmaking, but I’m not defined by any single medium. I’m passionate about all forms of art, and my artistic journey is deeply intertwined with my family’s rich legacy of lace textiles dating back to 1838. The Iklé family has produced over 1,450 exquisite lace textiles throughout Europe for generations, with select pieces sold at Christie’s in London. Our collections can be found in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the International Folk Art Museum, the Cooper Hewitt-Smithsonian Design Museum, the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Textilmuseum St. Gallen in Switzerland, and the Museum für Völkerkunde in Basel. This heritage has profoundly influenced my work, and I integrate the essence of my family’s tradition into my contemporary art.

In addition to my work as an artist, I co-host art retreats with owner Kimberly Berriochoa at Falcon’s Nest Vacation and Venue in the Texas Hill Country, just 30 minutes from Austin, where we foster creativity and community among fellow artists.

Beyond my professional and artistic endeavors, I’m a passionate advocate for individuals who are blind or have low vision. My commitment to making a positive impact is evident through my support for nonprofit organizations dedicated to providing funding and resources to those in need within the visually impaired community.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Building a strong reputation in a professional and personal capacity has been deeply influenced by my commitment to hard work, effective execution, attention to detail, openness to new ideas, and maintaining a positive attitude.

Hard Work: I consistently put in the effort and go the extra mile, which demonstrates my dedication and reliability. Clients are drawn to me because they see my commitment and perseverance, building their trust and confidence in my services.

Execution: I focus on delivering on my promises and meeting or exceeding expectations. Effective execution ensures that my clients receive the value they were promised, leading to their satisfaction and repeat business.

Attention to Detail: I pay close attention to the finer points of my work, which helps avoid mistakes and guarantees high-quality outcomes. Clients appreciate my meticulous approach, as it reflects my commitment to excellence and professionalism.

Openness to New Ideas: I embrace innovation and adapt to new trends or methods. This flexibility attracts clients who are looking for fresh, modern solutions and positions me as a leader in my field.

Positive Attitude: I maintain a cheerful and enthusiastic demeanor, which creates a pleasant experience for my clients. My positivity fosters strong relationships and encourages word-of-mouth referrals, as people enjoy working with someone who brings positive energy to the table.

Together, these qualities have helped and continue to help me build a solid reputation. My clients value my dependability, innovation, and the enjoyable experience I provide.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Life is anything but a straight path! Embracing the art of pivoting when faced with the unexpected is crucial. The faster you adapt, the quicker you’ll discover opportunities you might not have initially considered. During the 2008-2009 recession, after losing my corporate job, I decided to start a yard raking business while searching for new employment.

Where did this idea come from, you ask? My entrepreneurial spirit was evident from a young age! At around 12, I told my dad I wanted to start a leaf raking business in the neighborhood. I designed flyers, distributed them, and charged just $50 to rake both front and back yards—an unbeatable deal that quickly attracted clients. My dad even helped me buy the necessary supplies and pitched in with some of the work.

This early venture was a valuable learning experience, and it inspired me to replicate it during my job search. I targeted a neighborhood with lots of leaves, created another flyer with a compelling offer, and soon had a steady stream of clients. By consistently showing up on time, building strong relationships, delivering excellent work, and communicating effectively, I earned repeat business and word-of-mouth referrals.

Though I initially viewed this as a temporary solution, it opened doors I hadn’t anticipated. Not only did I eventually find a new job, but I also launched a successful home remodeling and landscaping side business. What started as a simple flyer offering yard work for $50 grew into a thriving enterprise that lasted for several years until I was ready for my next adventure!

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.kathrynikle.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iklecreativedesigns/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kathrynrebeccaikle/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathrynrebeccaikle/
• Twitter: https://x.com/kathrynikle
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA_aKiIES-PYarcRGsPjfgQ