2024 Voices of Leadership Explored the Magnitude of Choice

Mount Mary's Voices of Leadership event on November 14 featured keynote speaker Kat Esser, principal for Amazon Web Services Global Social Responsibility + Impact. Esser spoke about the power of our choices to spark momentum, and how even seemingly inconsequential decisions converge in unexpected and impactful ways.

In her address, Esser stated that while we cannot control circumstances or outcomes, taking ownership of our decisions increases a sense of empowerment.

"Choice allows us to be the author of our own stories," she said.

Esser shared examples of the unique events which she believes have ultimately led to realizing her purpose. As a promising young gymnast, she was confronted with the tough choice whether to remain on that trajectory, which would separate her from friends and family, or to remain in familiar surroundings. Esser chose to step away from her Olympic aspirations and went on to study engineering before pivoting to design. A professional opportunity in this field would eventually lead her to the Olympics-but as a designer of venues in which the games took place rather than as a competing athlete.

Another pivotal point came when Esser realized that her life balance was disproportionately tilted toward her career rather than her family. Just as she made the decision to step into full time motherhood, a new opportunity arose—leading a team for Amazon Web Services' Global Social Responsibility + Impact division. Esser, whose early life has been impacted by the illness and death of her father, was already a passionate advocate for creating a more accessible healthcare delivery system. In this position she would have the opportunity to do just that. The role proved too promising to turn down, and with some negotiation, she was able to strike a balance that would allow time for both her career and family. It was a decision that she would not regret.

"My team is the most purpose-driven and humbling group of people I've ever worked with," she said.

The journey to close the gap in healthcare delivery has taken Esser across the globe, simultaneously challenging and strengthening her as a leader. She shared her observation that that growth is only made possible by embracing the discomfort of taking risks and stepping away from the status quo.

Esser learned valuable lessons from both successes and setbacks. Comparing her time as an aspiring gymnast to her professional trajectory, she told the audience that she views flexibility and resilience as key to her success. And through her non-linear journey she has learned to trust her instincts and decisions.

"Choice is not final, and failure is not fatal," she said. "The moment you realize that you have choice is the moment you take your power back."

View a short story by TMJ4 about 2024 Voices of Leadership student projects. 

View photos from the event.