Leading Modern Employee Communications Experiences | Digital Transformation and Channel Strategy
It happened — in March. "Karissa, we no longer need your position; thanks for everything you've done for us." I knew this was coming. I was recruited to Ansys to introduce the discipline of Employee Communications for the first time in its impressive 50-year history. To be FIRST. I was eager, ready, honored. This was February 2020: The same week I found out I was pregnant with our second child, and two whole weeks before Covid-19 upended Ansys’ in-office, global, ALL OVER the world culture — a culture I was learning. Queue a fast-track to build everything: Relationships, channels, processes, voice, style, connection. Earn trust, prove myself, learn what makes this place tick. Find IT partners who aren’t used to supporting comms and knowledge platforms. Show how I can help. Get support for and onboard four new team members; design the best way to apply their talents. Add our second and third babies to our family. It was an amazingly fulfilling four years for me, and the simulation industry leaves you with ⭐⭐ in your eyes every. single. day. To be first: Incredibly rewarding. NOT easy. Ultimately, Ansys was not the place for me. I built an extraordinary, creative team of comms experts and was their buffer through a rocky year of leadership changes. In the midst of being acquired, Ansys didn't need a progressing-the-strategy vision. They needed what my team and I implemented to work — a framework to keep the Ansys team informed and engaged as they navigate an exciting time. But damn, it was still shocking. It rocked me more than expected. It took some introspection to remember that I'm a smart, capable expert who has a ton of value to add. My husband was in awe of, but not surprised by, the support I got from so. many. people: "Look how much confidence people have in you. It’s really telling in a time like this." On my Peloton run the next day, my favorite instructor said, "Failure is fake. It's redirection." This redirection has been the best thing that's happened to me in 2024. It’s given me the rare pause to muse on an extremely rewarding and passion-filled 15 years immersed in the employee comms and digital workplace world. I can’t wait to see what’s next because I love what I do and have much more to give. Purpose, passion, and impact fill my cup. For now, we’re slooowwinng it down over here. Which my husband will think is hilarious since I’m “the busiest unemployed person he’s ever met.” I’ve been crossing off our summer bucket list before we send our oldest off to Kindergarten. Embracing agenda-less days with a 1 and 3 year old at the helm 🙃 Wandering, traveling, organizing, experimenting with new whole foods, writing, reading more finally (yay!), "putzing" around with my plants, and running and running and running. What’s next may not look like what was, and I’m taking my time to explore what that may be. THAT SAID, if you see an opportunity you know I’d be perfect in or want to catch up, please reach out :)
Katelyn Mayak
2mo
I’ve always admired your transparency as a leader. It’s so refreshing — and this post is a perfect example of that. You’re smart and kind — and you lead with passion. I can’t wait to see what’s next for you! I’m rooting for you, and any employer would be lucky to have you. In the meantime, I love that you’re soaking up your littles. We’re disposable at work, but NEVER at home. I hope this time reminds you of all your superpowers, but most importantly, that no job is ever more important than raising them🩷
Lindsey Manton
2mo
About a year ago, I faced a similar situation. Instead of rushing to find another job to replace my income, I chose to invest my time in self-discovery. I practiced meditation and connected with my higher consciousness, which helped me grow spiritually. For me, growing spiritually means finding inner peace, understanding my true self, and connecting with a sense of purpose beyond everyday life. It has been a transformative experience that has positively impacted every aspect of my life. Best of luck to you on your journey.
Kayla Reed
2mo
Great post, Karissa Quinlan! Thanks for bringing me along for the ride. It was such a pleasure working alongside you, watching you build our function from literally the ground up. But just like everything in life, it wasn’t meant to be the end for you - it’s just the beginning! I’m so proud of you and look up to you for inspiration everyday. You’re a great employee, mama, wife, and friend, and I’m so glad we got to work together! Onward, queen! You’ve got this! 💪🏼 💜
Lisa Ploeg
2mo
Karissa, you bring so much passion to everything you do- I can just imagine you on your Pelaton, planning your next book or article while supervising your gorgeous kids. Your skills are fantastica and better yet, you are gritty and like a challenge more than many people I know. Keep us all posted and know that there is a big group behind you cheering you on. I have had 4 careers and each one led to something even better. It just takes vision and imagination, which you have in vast quantities.
Karissa I was thinking of you the other day when I saw an Intranet/Digital internal comms channel role posted for FINRA. If this is a role you’re interested in, I’d love to connect you with a recruiter I’ve talked to there. It’s an amazing team of extremely talented and lovely people. https://finra.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/FINRA/job/Washington-DC-Job-Posting/Intranet-and-Internal-Digital-Channel-Manager_R-008060?q=Communication
You are amazing - being able to take this “redirection” and slow down (especially for you) to enjoy this time with your kids is so valuable and time you’ll never get back with them. So excited to see what’s next for you- any company will be lucky to have you as part of their team!
Wonderful post. I’ve been there and it sounds like you’re doing it right (not that there’s a wrong way really). With VC funding crunch I left a high paying job with basically a lack of clarity around what was next but it’s been great and rarely do good things come from comfortable circumstances. Excited about where you go next.
Having gone through a very similar experience, I appreciate honesty. It's so good to take some time to reset but I am sorry you went through this. It can really mess with your head and no one deserves that.
Luz Betancourt
2mo
I so enjoy this update. Why? Because in typical Karissa fashion, you embrace challenges with an open mind and can do attitude no matter if it’s personal or at work. I’ve always admired you, and continue to! Leverage me in your quest however you’d like!
Leading Modern Employee Communications Experiences | Digital Transformation and Channel Strategy
2moEnjoy our window art :) Tape is an infinite source of inspiration in our house.