Kim Kirkconnell joined Kimberly-Clark in 1990 as a System Analyst. 

Her leadership journey began as an ITS Team Leader for Manufacturing, which led to her taking on the positions of Organization Effectiveness Project Manager, IT Director of Kimberly-Clark Global Professional Division, IT Strategic Planning Director, and Senior Director of ITS KCP Business Partner KCP.

Kim is currently the Vice President and Head of Global Digital Supply Chain and Finance. In this role, she is driving technology enablement for the Kimberly-Clark Global Supply Chain, the Finance organization, and Digital Operations across the globe. Her current focus is ensuring the successful delivery of the Aurora Transformation Program. 

This technology transformation program includes moving to a global SAP S4, a global rollout of Coupa for procurement, and Kinaxis for planning and delivery of foundational finance. Kim also successfully drives the implementation of MES and Quality systems for Manufacturing globally, all as part of strategic global transformation efforts. 

Kim is also a mother of four and holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Sciences from the University of South Alabama and a Master of Science in Computer Science from the University of South Alabama.

Key themes emerging out of our conversation:

• Building trust, delivering on commitments. 
• Taking a chance on yourself, not being afraid.
• Women bring ideas that men don't think about.
• Everyone has biases, often even the minute they meet you.
• Being realistic and authentic, having those tough conversations.
• Speak up and share your opinion; it's about how to share it in the right way.
• Being vulnerable lets people know if you're not in the right frame of mind.
• Take care of yourself for the sake of your organization and for your own sake.
• Understanding diversity and recognizing the different needs to get the right outcome.
• Being prepared for a meeting, take the time to reflect on topics that may come up. 
• Significance of sports, learning to compete, experiencing wins and losses, strategizing. 
• Leadership is not only about solving problems; it's about listening, encouraging, and knowing when to back off.
• Leadership is not unattainable. It's about making the right choices, taking the right steps and leveraging the right opportunities.










Connect with Enma Popli on Linkedin: 

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>> http://www.enmapopli.com/

Dr Monalisa Sur is a  Professor in the department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine and an associate member of Department of Oncology, Juravinski Cancer Centre and Hospital in Ontario, Canada.

 She is a Practising Diagnostic Anatomical Pathologist with expertise in Gynaecological Oncologic Pathology and Malignant Hematopathology and is the Chair of the Mentorship Committee in McMaster University and the Anatomical Pathology Specialty Chair and Exam Board Member at Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. 

 In her role as Country Advisor and Co-Chair of Policy, Advocacy and Communications for the International Committee of the Royal College of Pathologists of U.K (R.C. Path), Monalisa collaborated with leaders in informatics to bring Pathology within the reach of many training programs in third world countries. She has over 120 publications in National and International medical journals.

 Among many laurels, Monalisa has been honoured with the leadership in Education Award from the Canadian Association of Pathologists in 2016, the Clinical Teaching Award nominated by the resident trainees in the Anatomical Pathology Program from the Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University and the Distinguished Service Award in Pathology for her contributions to the field of Diagnostic Pathology in 2022.

Key themes emerging out of our conversation:

• Loving what you do.
• Having your own identity .
• Not losing the big picture while parenting .
• Adapting to your surroundings and welcoming change.
• Realizing your strengths and weaknesses and capitalizing on them.
• Can't do everything to perfection, learning from your imperfections .
• The importance of an equal partnership.

Connect with Enma Popli on Linkedin: 

>> https://www.linkedin.com/in/enmapopli/

Visit Enma Popli’s website

>> http://www.enmapopli.com/

Instead of slowing down at 60, Dona Kay Rule charged ahead into professional rodeo, proving that audacity and a growth mindset are key ingredients for achieving greatness at any age. 

Dona Kay Rule is a cowgirl, wife, mother and grandmother and now she is among the top barrel racers in the world and has qualified for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) four times. 

Dona Kay travels with her horse Valor and Rosie. It’s hard to say who is more famous, Valor, Dona Kay, or Rodeo Rosie, a miniature Australian Shepherd.

The year gone by has been Dona’s best rodeo season so far, even though it hasn’t been the easiest. At the 2021 NFR she was struggling with hip pain and soon after setting a new arena record at 13.96 seconds she made the decision to have surgery. Within 7 weeks of a total hip replacement, Dona loaded up her great horse, High Valor, and headed to Canada, won the 2nd at the Calgary stampede and proceeded to lock in the No. 2 position in the WPRA World Standings. 

This trio has put smiles on the faces of rodeo fans across North America since she qualified for her first Wrangler NFR in 2019.

Key themes emerging out of our conversation:

• Leadership lessons from horsemanship
• Building trust and team loyalty 
• Vulnerability and understanding what’s important
• Being deliberate and visualizing
• Recognize your calling
• Success doesn't necessarily have to do with you.
• Doing it right when nobody's looking

Connect with Enma Popli on Linkedin: 

>> https://www.linkedin.com/in/enmapopli/

Visit Enma Popli's website

>> http://www.enmapopli.com/

Archana Chandra is Board Member & CEO of Jai Vakeel Foundation & Research Centre, one of the oldest & largest NGOs serving those impacted by intellectual disabilities. She is a Trustee of SRCC, which operates the largest super speciality paediatric hospital in the country in partnership with Narayana Hrudayalaya. 

She is also a member of the Advisory Board of Annamrita, one of the largest NGOs in the country serving mid-day meals, and of Antarang Foundation, which provides skilling and employment opportunities to less privileged youth. 

Archana serves on the Board of A.T.E.Chandra Foundation, which focuses on Rural Development and Capacity Building of the Social Sector.  She & her husband Amit were named by Forbes on “Asia’s Heroes of Philanthropy” List in 2016.  She was also awarded the Corporate Citizens of the Year Award by All India Management Association with him in 2017. 

Prior to moving full time to the social sector, Archana worked in the corporate sector for Informix (a division of IBM) and Bennett & Coleman.

Key themes emerging out of our conversation:

• Understanding the why.
• Finding happiness within yourself.
• Defining excellence, what will you do and what you will not do .
• Seeing the lightness in situations.
• One person is not moving any needle alone.
• Allowing yourself to fail, asking for help.
• Empathy, seeing different perspectives and disagreeing  respectfully.
• Importance of coaches and mentors.

Connect with Enma Popli on Linkedin: 

Visit Enma Popli’s website

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Lisa Robinson’s journey has been anything but conventional. She started as a musician, deeply inspired by the art of conducting and legends like Leonard Bernstein. While her path eventually led her away from music, the skills she honed—bringing people together, setting the pace, and orchestrating success—became the foundation of her leadership approach.

Today, as CEO of OnBoard, Lisa has expanded the organization’s influence, shaping boardrooms and strengthening leadership pipelines. With experience across startups, nonprofits, and Fortune 100 companies, she has an exceptional ability to build high-performing teams and forge game-changing partnerships with industry giants like Delta and Coca-Cola.

Beyond OnBoard, Lisa is a Partner at Bell Oaks Executive Search, advising on C-suite hiring and compensation, and a Board Advisor to Cadence Bank. Her lifelong passion for community-building and philanthropy has positioned her on numerous nonprofit boards as well as a national government board. She also served a seven-year tenure at St. Vincent de Paul Georgia, including a term as Governance Chair.

An avid golfer and water enthusiast, Lisa values the connections and conversations that extend beyond the boardroom—just as she champions more women stepping into them.

Key themes emerging out of our conversation:

• Recognizing when a path isn’t the right fit is as important as finding the right one.
• Music demands long hours of solitary practice, making it well-suited for introverts.
• We need men in our corner—we are not going to do it on our own.
• Thinking creatively can turn limitations into new opportunities.
• Unkind criticism is remembered long after the words are spoken.
• The unpredictability of startups teaches resilience and agility.
• Seeking consent before offering feedback helps build trust and mutual respect.
• Growth comes from embracing both the lessons and the opportunities that follow.
• Career planning is not always intentional, but having a clear vision can make a difference.
• Humility and adaptability are powerful leadership traits shaped by experiences in creative fields.
• Letting go of perfectionism allows for progress, especially when self-doubt holds us back.
• Early leadership roles come with missteps, but growth comes from learning along the way.
• Evolution as a leader comes from being transparent and continuously recognizing and refining communication habits.
• Letting go of ego in leadership, recognizing that information is a tool for collective success.
• Not making everything about yourself, accepting that mistakes happen to everyone.
• Nonprofit leaders navigate multiple decision-makers, making leadership more complex.
• Balancing mission-driven passion with business acumen leads to more effective nonprofit leadership.
• Golf creates a setting where friendships, business, and professional networks naturally grow.
• Golf isn’t just about the game—it showcases a person’s character, honesty, and approach to challenges.
• Networking is about building meaningful relationships that continue to create opportunities over time.
• Diverse experiences open doors, but building credibility through commitment is just as crucial.
• The real measure of success is knowing you did good work, not waiting for others to confirm it.
• Constant comparison can be damaging, especially when it’s self-imposed.
• Representation matters, but collective voices create real impact in boardrooms—the power of three.

Connect with Enma Popli on Linkedin: 

>> https://www.linkedin.com/in/enmapopli/

Visit Enma Popli's website

>> http://www.enmapopli.com/

Hasleen Kaur is an actor, former Miss India 2011, and a successful entrepreneur with a career spanning fashion, film, and advertising. She has been featured on major platforms like Netflix and Sony, walked for India’s top designers, and appeared on the covers of Femina, GQ, and Harper’s Bazaar Bride. As a model, she has represented global brands such as L’Oréal, Perfectil, and Vaseline.

Beyond the spotlight, Hasleen is deeply committed to social impact, working with NGOs to support women’s empowerment, vocational training, and environmental sustainability. She actively participated in a plantation drive with the Indian Army and worked with Navjyoti India Foundation, founded by Dr. Kiran Bedi, to uplift underprivileged communities.

As an entrepreneur and creative director in advertising, Hasleen has helped build campaigns for brands like Mercedes-Benz and Keventers, crafting narratives that blend creativity with purpose.

Key themes emerging out of our conversation:

Connect with Enma Popli on Linkedin: 

>> https://www.linkedin.com/in/enmapopli/

Visit Enma Popli's website

>> http://www.enmapopli.com/

In this episode of Atalanta Diaries, Enma explores three interrelated themes—Taking Chances, Challenging the Status Quo, and Pushing Comfort Zones—each contributing to a larger success factor that has helped her Atalantas succeed. Through the stories of five remarkable Atalantas, she uncovers the courage it took for them to step into the unknown, embrace uncertainty, and forge new paths.

These trailblazers have demonstrated that growth begins where comfort ends. If you've ever hesitated to take a risk, challenge norms, or embrace change, this episode might provide the inspiration you need.

• Swati Shetty (Episode 5) – Producer, Founder & Director of Samosa StoriesLeft behind a successful career in India to take a leap of faith in Hollywood and build a new path.
• Baljeet Kaur (Episode 58) – Mountaineer, First Indian Woman to Summit Seven Peaks Above 8,000mShattered barriers by climbing some of the world’s toughest peaks, redefining resilience and bold decision-making.
• Priyanka Rana (Episode 60) – Sculptor & Former Corporate ProfessionalDiscovered her true calling in sculpture after transitioning from corporate and event management roles.
• Claudia Adler (Episode 71) – Lecturer, Deputy Programme Lead at the University of York & Humanitarian Affairs ExpertA refugee from Colombia, Claudia defied the odds to pursue an academic career, eventually shaping global conversations on humanitarian affairs.
• Marija Zivanovic-Smith (Episode 94) – Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at IEX Group.An immigrant from Serbia, Marija built her career from the ground up, navigating cultural shifts and language barriers. Her willingness to take on challenges others avoided shaped her remarkable ascent in corporate America.

If you know someone who might benefit from this episode, please share it with them. Stay tuned for the next musing, where Enma will explore Finding Purpose and Passion—another critical success factor—and uncover how it shapes personal and professional fulfillment.

Connect with Enma Popli on Linkedin: 

>> https://www.linkedin.com/in/enmapopli/

Visit Enma Popli's website

>> http://www.enmapopli.com/

Manisha Girotra is Chief Executive Officer of Moelis & Company in India. She was previously Chairperson and Country Head for UBS in India, with a career spanning 30 years with UBS in Hong Kong, Mumbai, Delhi and London and with Moelis in India. She was the youngest CEO of a global investment bank in India at the age of 32. 

Manisha has advised over US$ 500 Bn of mergers and acquisitions and equity and debt fundraisings through her career. Some of the landmark transactions include Vodafone US$ 12 Bn acquisition of Hutch’s telecom business, and US$ 65 Bn merger of HDFC-HDFC Bank. 

Manisha is on the Global Board of Naspers and Prosus, a US$ 200 Bn market cap technology investor. She is also on the Boards of Ashok Leyland and Mindspace Business Parks REIT. 

Manisha graduated in Economics from St Stephen's College, Delhi and was awarded the Dr. Manmohan Singh Gold Medal for academic excellence for her Masters Degree from the Delhi School of Economics. 

Manisha is passionate about encouraging the younger generation of women to move forward in the corporate world and is a strong proponent of female education and mental wellness. She supports education of the girl child through Not for profit,  ‘Nanhi Kali’ and two Balwadis (small primary schools) in Uttar Pradesh. 

Among many laurels, Manisha was honored as a Young Global Leader in 2010 by the World Economic Forum. She has been named one of the 25 Most Powerful Women in Business in India by Business Today for the past six years. 

Key themes emerging out of our conversation:

• Bringing your authentic self to work 
• Falling in love with work
• Inclusive leadership 
• Boys club vs sisterhood
• Approach to failure and setbacks 
• Growth mindset 

Connect with Enma Popli on Linkedin: 

>> https://www.linkedin.com/in/enmapopli/

Visit Enma Popli's website

>> http://www.enmapopli.com/

Amrita Bahl is the Chief Education Officer at the GD Goenka Group, where she leads innovation in pedagogy, curriculum development, and academic strategy. An alumna of Columbia University and a certified Climate Reality Leader trained by Vice President Al Gore, Amrita has spent over two decades driving transformative education and social reform.

In 2020, she joined the Education Research Center at the Druk Gyalpo’s Institute in Paro, Bhutan, where she contributed to developing the Bhutan Baccalaureate—a visionary education system inspired by His Majesty the King of Bhutan’s vision for a just and harmonious society. 

During her doctoral studies, Amrita played a pivotal role in conceptualizing and developing the Global Health Education Leadership Program (GlobalHELP), fostering participatory health promotion and disease prevention initiatives in regions including the Caribbean, Ghana, Togo, USA, and India. As the first Virginia Palmer Fellow, she established a prospective evaluation process for VGIF, enabling impactful social impact tracking.

Amrita’s career is further marked by her work as a certified Regional Master Trainer for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, focusing on the prevention of HIV among incarcerated substance users. She has collaborated with Kiran Bedi to pioneer peer-led health education programs in Tihar and Amritsar prisons and has also developed and edited impactful documentary films such as It’s Always Possible and Wings of Freedom: The SEHAT Story on prison reforms and Manthan: The Journey on HIV/AIDS peer health education in India.

Her collaborations with organizations like the United Nations and the World Health Organization highlight her unwavering commitment to fostering equity and driving meaningful change through education and grassroots engagement.

Key themes emerging out of our conversation:

Connect with Enma Popli on Linkedin: 

>> https://www.linkedin.com/in/enmapopli/

Visit Enma Popli's website

>> http://www.enmapopli.com/

Denise Mannix is a pioneering leader in DEI, renowned for her expertise in leadership, talent, and transformation, with a deep commitment to advancing gender equity and inclusion.

Her passionate interest in difference and gender equity has seen her find Equity in Leadership purposed to achieve executive and board equity for women and to be President of Lean In Network Energy a global, nonprofit dedicated to challenging, changing, and collaborating elevating women and advancing gender equity in the energy sector and beyond.

Underpinning the knowledge and research she brings to her agency, advocacy, and influence is her soon-to-be-completed PhD by Research focusing on gender equity in executive leadership.  

Denise is a speaker, conference chair, and moderator at global conferences and most recently led the Lean In Network Energy team in their segment on Bloomberg TV’s Advancements with Ted Danson. 

Denise is an original and inspired thinker, defined by her tireless energy and commitment to making real change by creating a legacy of advancing gender equity. She is frequently described as a ‘straight-talker’ and ‘inspirational’.

Key themes emerging out of our conversation:

Connect with Enma Popli on Linkedin: 

>> https://www.linkedin.com/in/enmapopli/

Visit Enma Popli's website

>> http://www.enmapopli.com/