Woman of the Week ~ Denise Kestner

Here at Executive Elements, we like to feature fantastic women we think you should know. Some of these women are clients, some are friends, some are women we’ve only just met. But they all have this in common: they are dynamic, interesting women who have agreed to share with us their insights and secrets to success.

My Name: Denise Kestner

My Current Job/Company: President, ClearPath HR and Professor at The Ohio State University, Ohio Dominican University and Franklin University

My Work: At ClearPath HR, I help small to mid size businesses manage their human capital, assisting those businesses who many not have a need for HR on a full-time basis with the employees who are so precious to their company. At the university level, I hope I’m helping to build the next generation of leaders and HR professionals.

My Passion: Finding opportunities to be creative and to serve: family, church, and community.

My Family: Martin (husband), daughter – Megan (almost 16 and so ready to have her license), and son – Jack (13)

My Hero or Heroes: My parents… my mom is always looking to find someone to help and my dad instilled a strong work ethic, both sacrificed so much to provide my two brothers and I with an amazing childhood. My husband, too. He’s a police officer and his bravery and service is so impressive.

My Escape: An annual trip with my close girlfriends from high school. Every year, we explore a new part of the country or world together.

Pet Peeve: People who do not return the grocery carts to the proper place.

My Indulgence: Licorice.

My Roots: A father who taught me that hard work is a good thing.

My Future: Filled with possibility and only God knows where I’m headed… I just try to follow His lead. 🙂

My Favorite Quote: “If you could choose to be anything in this world, be kind.”

My Accessory: Diamond earrings that my husband gave me for our 20th wedding anniversary several years ago 🙂

My Advice to Young Women: Learn how to leverage yourself. Lean in, push back and stand up.

How I Balance it All: I don’t! I think I am a master juggler but balance… I’ve yet to figure that one out. Good thing women are great multi-taskers though.