Kathryn J. Coleman2015 Rising Alumni
Kathryn J. Coleman is 3M’s Global Leader for Talent Acquisition and Onboarding. In this role, she leads global strategy for talent acquisition across over 70 countries. She has over 18 years of experience in talent acquisition, diversity, strategy, policy, and project management in both the business and higher education sectors. Kathryn also shares her time and expertise with numerous local and national community organizations including the Consortium for Graduate Study in Management and the National Black MBA Association.
Employer
Global Leader,
3M Company
CEHD Degree
M.A., Educational Psychology;
Ph, D., Educational Policy and Administration
What professor(s) or course(s) were most influential during your time in the College of Education & Human Development (CEHD)?
Dr. Melissa Anderson – Melissa was my advisor through my doctoral program. She was challenging yet fair, and I continue to reflect and apply the lessons I learned from her in my work today (e.g., the ability to think critically and how to isolate the solution against core issues). It has been several years since competing my degree, and I still share ‘Melissa lessons’ when working with my team.
Dr. Charles Muscoplat – Dr. Muscoplat was a mentor when I was at the U. He taught me about business, navigating complex organizations and maintaining integrity in challenging times.
What gets you excited about work?
I am excited to work with colleagues from around the world on technology solutions that make lives better. It is extremely meaningful to see how 3M contributes to everyday life through products, technology solutions, or philanthropic efforts.
What skills are important to succeed as an emerging professional today?
Flexibility, global perspective, critical thinking.
What's a good book you'd recommend to others?
Mistakes I Made at Work: 25 Influential Women Reflect on What They Got Out of Getting It Wrong by Jessica Bacal.
Who has inspired you the most during your career?
My mother inspired me the most during my academic and professional career. She encouraged not only the attainment of higher education, but the application and utilization of the degree. She taught me to remain open to new ideas and to not limit myself.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a professional musician. I play the French horn.