Meet Kathy Kay, executive vice president and Chief Information Officer
One day when I was in high school, a letter arrived at my Detroit home, inviting me to a retreat sponsored by Focus: HOPE. The organization’s goal was to help students who were motivated, yet less privileged, learn more about post-high school opportunities.
For a teen whose hardworking parents didn’t have college degrees, that gathering marked a turning point in my life. The retreat empowered us to realize we could do something more.
I still haven’t forgotten the message: Your potential is only as good as your access to the tools to make things happen. In my case, that unexpected, long-ago letter turned into a robust career, a role as executive vice president and chief information officer at Principal®, and a commitment to leveraging education and technology to help more people realize their own turning points.
“This was the company for me.”
After the high school retreat, I worked hard in school and won a full-ride scholarship to Wayne State University. Initially, I pursued a pre-med track, but quickly concluded biology wasn’t for me. Computer science beckoned; mindful of my family’s hardworking history, I knew those jobs paid well. I loved those classes. Machines do exactly what you tell them to do and have the potential to make a positive impact.
I was the first in my family to graduate from college. I began my career at an automotive company, earned a master’s degree while working, and held positions at multiple other companies. In 2020, an offer from Principal brought me back to the Midwest from San Francisco.
The job supplied fresh challenges, but the culture of Principal was just as enticing. I did some homework and realized how many amazing things Principal does. Working for a company that aligns with my beliefs, with a leadership team that’s straightforward and genuine, is critical. By the time I got through the first set of interviews, I knew this was the company for me.
Less friction, better results
My role at Principal charges me with overseeing global technology, digital strategies and operations, and future innovation. My team and I analyze what tech today’s consumers need, and how tomorrow’s tech will change their experiences.
The real focus of both challenges? Being customer-centric. I can’t tell you exactly what technology will look like in five or 10 years, but I do know we’re always focused on how we can understand and help solve problems for customers.
I know tech can reduce friction for both small businesses and individuals, so they can get what they need when they need it. A lot of people are unsure about finances and they’re afraid to ask, but we can use information and data to provide an experience that helps.
Another challenge for tech: a super-competitive hiring landscape. Tech professionals have been in demand my whole career, so you offer opportunities to learn and improve skills as well as mentorship. Principal has listened and been thoughtful with its employees.
Advocating, sharing, and learning
As children of the Depression, my parents were very clear with our family: Live within your means and save. I didn’t realize that it’s not always taught in school, and many may not have access to resources they need.
I want to change that. For example, some people who apply for homes through the Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity are turned down. Through my seat on the organization’s board, I’m proud to see how the Habitat team created a new service to help potential applicants get the resources they need before they even apply.
I want to continue to change the make-up of tech, both for students and professionals. Organizations such as Pi515, which my team and I have been involved with, help by teaching coding to underserved young people. At Principal, the Pi515 Technology Mentorship Program meets twice a week, giving those who enroll real-world access to mentorship.
A network is important. You need people who will advocate for you, who share and learn with each other. I’ve found that at Principal.
Many companies say they believe in inclusion, but we really live it at Principal. We all must be personally accountable and ask if we’re doing everything we can to turn the tides.
Decades ago, I was given a challenge and a chance. I’ve never forgotten that. It was a diverse group of high school kids who had hard discussions about how we could be leaders and respect one another. I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for them. There isn’t anything I’m afraid to tackle.
