Name: Kate Paine

Where were you born and raised?
Stowe, Vermont

What’s a short story around the biggest transition you’ve faced in life?
Not only did I choose to become a solo entrepreneur once but I did so three times. Each iteration of my entrepreneurial endeavor was always around my communications expertise but I went back and forth between working for a company, small business or a non-profit, and then back to working for myself. The self-employment choice was either because I had young kids and wanted that flexibility or I thought I had the secret sauce at that time. But then the recession hit and I had no choice but to go back to a secure job and keep my radar up for a potential self-employment opportunity at another time. Each of those transitions tested my mettle over and over, and each time I learned another lesson, and took a little more risk. But the risk I took was backed by more experience and I knew how to move forward in a much stronger position. I’ve found that risk typically pays off.

What’s the one piece of advice you’d give a younger you?
Absorb all you can from those you respect and admire. You may ‘hear’ them when you’re younger but be sure to really listen. Had I listened and absorbed more, I may have learned some lessons sooner – based on their experiences – and saved myself a few extra twists and turns along the way.

Your Personal Why?
Listen to others’ stories, be truly interested in them, ask questions and dig deeper. Our personal stories are so important. We can better understand others and ourselves if we understand our stories. Try to remember it’s not all about you.

How does your Why drive you to be a part of the THF Ecosystem?
My expertise is to help individuals tell their story, which builds and establishes their personal brand so they have a solid foundation from which to promote themselves and their expertise. It’s important to understand that an aspect of one’s story will help provide a foundation for what you want to do in your career. People want to do business with people they know, like and trust. I want to help transitioning veterans define their personal brand and leverage it on LinkedIn to stand out from others so they find their success in their personal and professional lives.

Military Connection or Why do you respect Special Operators?
A close friend is a retired Navy SEAL Master Chief and served as a SEAL for 21 years. He also worked as a mentor in the U.S. Navy’s Warrior Challenge Program for Navy Recruiting District New England for 10 years training future special operators. I’ve seen his commitment and service to his country and to the hundreds of young men and women looking to be future special operators and the drive they have to push themselves and serve their country. Plus, my father served as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, and my uncle served during WWII and was a POW during the Battle of the Bulge. After being MIA to his family for over six months, he was one of the fortunate soldiers to return home.

Favorite THF Value, and why?
Plan for Achievement – If you’re not always looking to where you want to end up, then you’ll have a tough time getting there. Always looking just in front of you is necessary but stay focused on where you’re headed, too. You need to keep the Big Picture in my mind.

Area/Industry of expertise:
Faculty – Using LinkedIn to identify your personal story, define your personal brand, and position you so you get noticed by hiring managers, recruiters, industry peers, and develop yourself as an influencer in your field of expertise.