Kimberly Walker | Purple Teammate

Throughout the month of November, we are shining a unique spotlight on the heroes within our team who have bravely served or are currently serving in the military.

Our first spotlight is on Kimberly Walker, HealthEquity implementation manager, who has consistently demonstrated her commitment to delivering exceptional service. Let's get to know more about Kimberly and how her experience in the Army National Guard has positively impacted her role at HealthEquity.

What branch of the military do you serve in?

I am currently an active member of the Army National Guard and have proudly served for 15 years. I first joined the Guard in 2008. 

What motivated you to join the military?

The event that ultimately inspired me to join the military occurred in the early stages of my adolescence, when the tragic events of 9/11 unfolded before my very eyes. As I watched the news in shock and sorrow, I was unable to fully comprehend the magnitude of the devastation and loss. However, even at such a young age, I was keenly aware of the immense sacrifice and unwavering commitment of those who faithfully served our country.

From that moment on, I felt a deep sense of duty and responsibility to my nation, even though I was not yet of age to actively enlist. As I grew older, this desire to serve only grew stronger, and when I finally reached the appropriate age, I knew without a doubt that it was my duty to answer the call and proudly serve my country.

What has been the most memorable experience from your time in the military so far? 

My most cherished military experience was traveling to Morocco and collaborating with our allied forces in Tan Tan. The Moroccan people were incredibly warm and gracious, exhibiting genuine kindness towards myself and my fellow service members. During my trip, I had the amazing opportunity to go jet skiing in Agadir with some amazing local friends I met on the beach. This unforgettable experience will forever hold a special place in my heart.

How has your military experience shaped your values and work ethic? 

My military experience has equipped me with valuable resilience skills that I could not have gained elsewhere. These skills have greatly benefited me in my civilian life, allowing me to bounce back from challenges, extract valuable lessons, and move forward with determination. In addition, my time in the military has taught me the importance of being a servant leader, a philosophy that I have successfully applied to my leadership role at HealthEquity. I am always willing to assist and support others, even if it falls outside of my designated responsibilities.

What skills have you acquired from your military service that you use in your current job?

Some skills that I acquired during my time in the military have greatly benefited me in my current role. One particularly valuable skill that I learned was how to effectively present and deliver briefings. In my Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) schools, I was trained to create concise and informative briefings, and this has been incredibly useful in my professional life. Prior to joining the military, I had a significant fear of public speaking. However, being constantly thrown into high-pressure situations helped me to overcome this fear and become a confident and effective speaker.

This has been especially helpful during my time at HealthEquity, where I have had many opportunities to present to colleagues and clients. For example, I recently gave a presentation at a Food for Thought event on the topic of "working smarter, not harder" in my role. I have also participated in a veteran panel aimed at supporting and connecting with remote employees during the pandemic.

What is a lesson from your military experience that has helped you professionally? 

Former Navy SEAL, Jocko Willink, penned a powerful book called Extreme Ownership that deeply resonated with me. Last year while on a drill in Idaho, my classmates and I formed a book club and read this book together. Its main lesson is taking full responsibility for your actions and not shifting blame onto others. This lesson truly hit home for me during my time overseeing a team in Member Services. Our team was struggling with a contribution campaign and at the same time, I was reading Extreme Ownership. I made the conscious decision to be transparent and honest with my team. During a team meeting, I took ownership of my mistake and apologized for not properly emphasizing the importance of the campaign. I acknowledged that I was at fault and proposed a plan to incentivize team members to contribute more to their accounts.

The result was incredible. Our once low-performing team became one of the top teams in the contribution campaign and I was even recognized by HealthEquity for my efforts. It would have been easy to shift the blame onto others and point fingers saying, "This didn't go well because of A, B, or C." However, I learned from Extreme Ownership that as a leader, it is essential to take ownership of your mistakes and actively work towards finding solutions.

How have mentors helped you during your military service? 

My mentor, SFC Devine, served as a true steward of the profession during my time in an Aviation unit in West Jordan, Utah. As a cook in the National Guard, I understand that our role can often be overlooked. However, SFC Devine demonstrated the importance of taking pride in our work and effectively motivated the troops under his leadership. He truly exemplified the qualities of a strong mentor.

How have your teammates reacted when they learned about your military background?

Everyone at HealthEquity is so supportive of my military service. I thank my leaders for allowing me to step away and take care of my military duties without worrying about my career in the background. The culture at HealthEquity truly values and respects the sacrifices made by members of the military, and I am grateful to be a part of such an understanding and grateful organization.

How does your military experience help you overcome challenges in the workplace? 

When faced with changes, you have a choice: let it ruin your day or adapt and move forward. Dwelling on the negative does not benefit anyone. Instead, staying resilient allows you to make the best of every situation by embracing change and finding ways to adapt.

Thank you, Kimberly, for sharing your story with us.