We recently connected with Keri Ann Kimball and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Keri Ann thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. The more we talk about good leadership the more we think good leadership practices will spread and so we’d love for you to tell us a story about the best boss you’ve had and what they were like or what they did that was so great?

Steve Madden, “the shoe guy” was my first and best boss ever. He taught me how to run a business and how to have fun doing it. I helped him open his first store in New York City on Broadway downtown. He hired fun hardworking people to sell his shoes on the floor and while we blasted pop music throughout the store and building. I worked with young hip well dressed energetic people all in their 20’s. He showed me when you are passionate about what your are doing success comes naturally. He was passionate about shoes and we would drive around New York City checking out women and men’s shoes for inspiration for his new lines he was working on. He was always focused on the next line and what sales were made in the store. He would reward whoever was able to make the most shoe sales that day or week with a financial bonus or new pair of shoes. He was a kind funny passionate smart boss that I learned a lot from. I am grateful that Steve Madden was my first and really only boss in work life.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I started in the Entertainment Industry by attending A.C.T. (American Conservatory Theater) in San Francisco when I was in college and I fell in love with story telling and writing and then I fell in love with acting and everything to do with theater, I had finally found my passion besides music. I then applied to NYU and studied at Circle in the Square and took Film class at Tisch School of the Arts. We learned script development, lighting for film and how to portray the words on the page to tell the story with our bodies and emotions. I then came out to Los Angeles and was lucky enough to be cast on a show called “Search and Rescue” but I soon realized my passion was in the words and production not the acting. Ever since then I have been a dedicated lover of the entertainment world. I enjoy creating and developing artists and projects. I have helped actors, models, writers, directors, and musicians break into the industry and become successful. I currently work with writers and directors developing their projects by raising funding and/or attaching talent to their projects. I also work closely with music artists in developing their PR strategy and managing their career. I love my work, I enjoy working with artist and being free to think outside the box and be creative.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Kimball Entertainment is a resilient business, by it’s own nature the entertainment industry is very up and down. I have learned to ride the wave and not take anything personal. When my business is up it is fun and very busy when things slow down because of a strike or any other outside circumstances I have learned it is a gift of time for me to reflect on myself and my business and take a break. In the quiet times I can find new inspirations.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I think my positive attitude and love for life help build a good reputation for me and my business. I try to always do my best and be fair in business. I want my clients to enjoy their experience with me and my company. I am here to be of service to them and hopefully make them and their business better. The entertainment business has many challenges that are unforeseen, which I think it makes it more important to have a great experience on the journey to success.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.KimballEntertianment.com
• Instagram: @KimballEntertainment
• Facebook: Keri Ann Kimball
• Linkedin: Keri Ann Kimball