Kristen is celebrating three years with The Ensemble Practice, and in true Ensemble fashion, she wears many hats.

As Director of G2 Experience, she keeps the G2 Leadership Institute running smoothly, from program coordination to cultivating a vibrant Alumni Network. She also leads marketing efforts for Ensemble, working to inform, engage, and grow the broader community. On top of that, Kristen plays a key role in project managing Ensemble’s research initiatives.

Before joining Ensemble, Kristen honed her storytelling and strategic communication skills at Edelman, where she worked with powerhouse brands like Samsung and Microsoft to bring product launches and thought leadership campaigns to life.

Originally from Connecticut, Kristen now calls Seattle home. Whether she’s supporting the growth of future firm leaders or shaping the firm’s voice in the industry, she’s all about building meaningful connections, on stage, behind the scenes, and everywhere in between.

Get to know Kristen more in her own words below.

What inspired you to join The Ensemble Practice, and what excites you most about your role?
Joining Ensemble was a bit of a leap of faith for me (and probably for them, too!). I didn’t know much about the advisory space, and I still laugh a little each time I say “EBITDA”. But I was at a point in my career where I felt like I was plateauing. I didn’t want to climb the corporate ladder just for the next title. I wanted to do meaningful work that aligned with my strengths in communications and project/client management.

When I started with Ensemble, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. But from the very first in-person G2 meeting, I knew I had landed in the right place. Each G2 brings so much passion, not just for their professional growth, but for helping their clients. I’ll admit, I hadn’t thought much about how deeply financial advisors care about their clients… but they do. A LOT. And being part of a company and a program that supports and empowers them is incredibly rewarding.

What excites me most about my role is getting to build those meaningful connections, both with G2 participants and between them. Helping leaders grow, learn from each other, and feel seen in the process…that’s the part that fills my cup. It might sound a little cliché, but the relationships really are the best part.

What’s your secret weapon for staying focused or getting things done, especially on your busiest days?
I’m definitely a bit Type A: I love a good list (always on paper so I can physically check things off), and I live by a color-coded Outlook calendar. That structure helps keep me grounded, especially when things get busy.

That said, from my PR agency days to my work at Ensemble, I’ve learned that flexibility is just as important as organization, sometimes even more so. No matter how well I plan, priorities can shift in an instant. The real superpower is being able to pivot quickly without losing momentum.

If you could have lunch with any historical or famous figure (dead or alive), who would it be and why?
What can I say? I want my MTV. I’m talking old-school MTV, back when music videos ruled the screen (think “Video Killed the Radio Star”). So, my pick would be Kurt Loder. I grew up watching him on MTV News, and his interviews with some of the most legendary musicians of the time were iconic. As a lifelong music lover, I’d jump at the chance to hear his behind-the-scenes stories and what it was like to be front and center as pop culture history unfolded.

It was really hard not to pick Tom Petty, but I am sure that Kurt and I would have some great conversations about him!

What are five things that make you happy?
It’s tough to narrow it down to just five, but here are a few things that never fail to bring me joy:

1. Quality time with family and friends. Bonus points if it includes #2, #3, and #5. Let’s be honest: It always includes #2!
2. A great meal that lingers. The kind where the conversation flows and every bite is better than the last. I love trying new places but also can’t resist a tried-and-true favorite.
3. Dogs! Truly, is there anything better? We don’t deserve them, but I’m so glad we get to share this earth with them.
4. A great book. I will continue to date myself here. Just like taking notes on paper and loving original MTV, I am all about physical books. I love getting pulled into a story that transports you, whether it’s a mystery, a rom-com, or a fabulous memoir.
5. More dogs. (Kidding…kind of.) Travel. I love discovering new places, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a far-flung adventure. And yes, I am the type of person who always tries to make the best of work travel by adding on a day in a new city or trying to get to the restaurant with a Top Chef connection (still excited about the meal and seeing Chef Dan Jacobs at DanDan in Milwaukee!).

I guess it’s fitting that experience is in my title, because for me, it’s all about the connections and relationships that come from shared moments. I want to live them fully and if I can help create a meaningful experience for someone else, then that’s a win!