Kika Barr - Deputy Chief Executive Officer, WiscNet
Can you share a story about how you first realized you were an “innovator” in your field?
When we first put together a technical support team. We wanted to build a tech support team that stood out and was not like any other tech support team. Another example was the member fulfillment team, which was introduced as another layer to the tech support team tosupport our members and add value and education. On a personal level, I was leaving my country and adopting a new culture and a new language of my own.
What experiences or influences shaped your innovative mindset?
My peers from the UW Madison - DoIT at the time, my boss Dave Lois and Shaun Abshere, and my peers at WiscNet - Brian Remer and John Pederson.
Can you describe your creative process from ideation to execution?
First, I leverage a quote I heard from a famous hair colorist from my hairdressing days. Roy said: treat each of your clients as if they were the only client you have. Wait a minute. We have almost 500 members. How are you going to do that, Kika? Each interaction was an opportunity to make that member feel like I was all in to help them. Once I started listening to our members, I shaped my decisions based on what benefited them most. But it was not always easy. The customer is not always right, as they say. So, education was the key. We decided to take the approach where we will always teach and learn something from our members. Let's be partners in solving this problem. This benefited the members and the staff too.
How do you stay inspired and maintain a flow of new ideas?
I read, and I also try to be curious. Mostly I am looking at what is next and excited about taking WiscNet towards the Secure Platform.
What has been the biggest obstacle you’ve faced in your journey, and how did you overcome it?
Being a woman, not highly technical and not a native speaker was challenging. Perseverance, faith in myself, and the desire to do something that matters helped a lot, but the support of some key people in my career was critical.
What emerging trends excite you the most?
Quantum technologies. I am all over that!
What daily habits or routines help you stay productive and creative?
Meditation, physical exercise, and reading books.
What has been your most rewarding innovation, and why?
Going back to school to get my bachelor's degree opened up my intellect and my view of the world in ways I never thought it would. Once I graduated, I was truly another person!
