Want a rush? Be part of a tight-knit team that collaborates to overcome challenges and win big. Examples: The North Dakota State University Bison Football team. Or Kimberly* Wold Janke’s teams.
The two are a lot alike. Really.
The NDSU Bison football team now has two, count ‘em, two consecutive FCS National championships. Kimberly’s teams help clients win big, week after week.
“I admire the Bison’s team spirit and winning ways,” Kimberly explains. “Not only winning in the sense of games, but seeing them ‘win in life.’ To learn tough life lessons and stay a class act. To see the passion and energy flow from the head coach, to the assistant coaches, to the players and to the fans and supporters is inspiring.”
Our Coach K, Kimberly, with her own biggest fan, husband Tom.
Studying human nature
As Vice President of Account Planning and Brand Strategy, based in our Fargo office, Kimberly leads teams to serve several clients. I appreciate how she explains her responsibilities: “Study human nature and behavior and apply it to teams, clients and consumers.”
If you’re lucky enough to make her squad as a Flint Group team member, you see how she inspires, challenges and drives each individual to perform at a high level—the ultimate goal is helping clients reach their championship dreams. And her leadership drives results for clients, thanks to how she can harness the power of human behavior.
The art of negotiating
Speaking of studying human nature, Kimberly and her husband spend time away from their careers with their two young girls. “We negotiate playtime and eating sweets with them,” Kimberly says. “They are very good negotiators!”
Road trips and home field fandome
And of course, Kimberly and her family spend time cheering on the Bison football team, attending every home game and at least one away game. This season, they plan to road trip to the season opener vs. Kansas State in Manhattan, Kansas.
“I’ve been a Bison fan since I was a little kid, and their coaches and players have inspired me ever since,” Kimberly says.
As she explains, “The best part of Bison football season is tailgating, meeting new people, tailgating, cheering for the #1 team in the nation, meeting proud alumni, tailgating…” Ah, we get the picture, Coach K.
Connect with Kimberly on Twitter, LinkedIn and especially during the football season, on ESPN’s College Football Forum, where her handle is “Bison gal”.
Get to know a Bison fanatic (and Flintster)!
Q + A with Kimberly
What’s your dream job? I have it
Which job would you not want to have? Anything that requires coding
What was your first job? Babysitter and waitress
What did it teach you? There are a lot of personality types in the world
What is one thing you’d be willing to practice for an hour a day? The piano
What’s the best advice you ever got? Treat others as you would like someone to treat your parents.
What sound do you love? My kids’ laughter
What scent do you love? The smell of freshly baked homemade bread