Kim McKay
Owner/President - The Network Corporate Search Personnel Inc.
TO ASK KIM A QUESTION, EMAIL d@blus.com
LONGCHAMP Heritage handbag with cross body strap in white cowhide leather material and pale gold finishes, $1280
TED BAKER Vaniah dropped hem pleated top with cap sleeves and button fastening at the back in ecru, $195
TED BAKER Zizij tailored blazer in navy with ottoman detailing and single button gold fastening, $435
TED BAKER Zizit skinny pants in navy with ottoman detail, single button fastening in gold and two front pockets, $229
HUGO BOSS Cavyla single breasted clean line coat with sharp shoulders, notch lapel and three-button fastening in red virgin wool blend, $895
REBEKAH PRICE Golden Shadow Rivoli crystal necklace plated in 14K rose gold with toggle closure, $265
REBEKAH PROCE Rivoli Silk stud earring, metal plated in rose gold, $85
RON WHITE Gia ankle bootie in sand antiqued waterproof suede with bow detail and inside zipper, $595
PARKER Joy blouse with gold-tone metal beads, neck tie and split neckline in ivory, $378
SMYTHE Hunting tailored blazer in striped tweed with leather elbow patches, flap pockets, pleated back panel and buttoned cuffs, $695
VINCE stitched front seam pants in grey, straight leg silhouette with high waist and hidden side zip, $460
AGL Eyelash ankle boot in black laser cut leather with covered block heel, $525
KARYN CHOPIK rectangular Swarowski crystal brass earrings, $125
TED BAKER Mhia fitted waist, flared skirt dress with high neckline and cap sleeves in black with burgundy floral print, $435
HILLBERG AND BERK sparkle ball stud earrings in jade, $80
RON WHITE RAPISARDI Vara ankle boot in two tone black and burgundy eco-suede, $345
We meet exceptional women every day.
Girl Bosses is our chance to share a few of their stories, their memories, their advice and their humour. Please enjoy.
THE INTERVIEW
What is the best advice ever given to you?
My grandfather told me "Never forget where you came from. It will carry you through life".
Another piece of great advice given to me was by my grandmother. She would often say “Always be at the front of the bus”, which meant never sit in the back and watch things pass you by. You should embrace life head on, and see the wonders and potential all around you.
Looking back, what is the best advice you would give to yourself at age 25?
Having goals and knowing what you want in your life is a good starting point. But the advice I would give my 25 year old self would be: The decisions you make, good and bad, will get you to where you are going, but it is a process. Be patient, do not worry so much about what other people think, and have fun along the way!
Who have been the influential people in your life?
The influential people in my life would be my parents and siblings! We are a very close family.
I am the youngest of 4 and have always enjoyed the benefits that it brings. Our parents taught us to work hard, treat people well, and that integrity is very important. Being from a small town, we also believe that your handshake is your word and that is something we all live by.
We have all owned our own business over the years. My siblings and I have an entrepreneurial competitive nature, my brother and I being the most competitive! I have been able to learn from my siblings by observing their successes, and using that towards my own business. I would not be where I am today without my family.
What are your favourite qualities in another person?
My favorite qualities would have to be kindness, generosity, sincerity, and a gentle manner. All of these qualities describe my husband of 25 years!
What is your idea of happiness?
Having loving and secure relationships. Also watching my daughter dance and follow her dreams has made me extremely happy and proud!
What is your idea of misery?
Seeing someone suffer.
What was your most regrettable fashion purchase?
A casual beige & red jacket and pants, it looked like a baseball uniform! It was awful. The worst part about it was I bought it in Paris!
What talent would you like to be gifted with?
I enjoy cooking. I would like to have more refined culinary skills.
If you could be any historical figure, who would you be?
Princess Diana.
Make three predictions about the future.
I am approaching my 55th birthday and I have always lived for the moment. Life is more exciting that way. Who knows what the future will bring.
What is the dress code for success?
"Dress for success" is something I believe in. How you dress really conveys how you feel about yourself. A great garment can change how you walk into a room. !
Short Bio:
I grew up in Dryden, a small town in Northwestern Ontario. We had lots of family close by, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Our home was the centre of our lives and for many of our friends as well. If we weren’t at school or at our part time jobs, we were enjoying the outdoors.
My passion was sewing. I would spend hours hanging out at the fabric store! My love for fabrics and fashion took me to Toronto where I attended college for fashion and design merchandising. I quickly found out that I was better at “selling” clothes than designing them. I followed my siblings to Calgary and embarked on a career in sales. I was fortunate to have great mentors along the way as I was shaping my future. In 1990 I started my own recruitment agency, The Network Corporate Search Personnel, with my business partner. Together we have enjoyed success in the Calgary Business Community. I have specialised in the recruitment and placement of Insurance Professionals in Western Canada for over 25 years. I have built solid, long term business relationships that I value very much. I believe my personal approach and commitment to being an advocate in the Insurance Industry has been the key to my success.
