Let's Talk Team Building: CEO of YMCA Metro North Kathleen Walsh Shares Her Leadership Journey
“I am in a forward-facing service job with a twist of fun! We listen to what our community needs and then have a chance to build a program to support them.” Meet today’s woman dreamer, Kathleen Walsh, President and CEO of the YMCA Metro North, an organization serving over 60000 people annually. She shares how she has led the organization, particularly through the pandemic. She writes, “A pandemic proved again that people and communities are not treated equally. I want our Y to continue to level the playing field for everyone.” She is also avid marathon runner (60 marathons!) and a mom of three. With over 700 members on the team, Kathleen shares her top three tips to team-building for women leaders!
1.You are the President and CEO of the YMCA of Metro North Tell us your background and how your career led you to work with the YMCA?
At a young age, my mother mentioned to me that I might not want to consider a traditional desk job (that was her way of telling me that I could not sit still). She encouraged me to look at roles that allow for creativity, flexibility, impact, and fun. As luck would have it, a job opened up at a local YMCA. Then, I started to see that as a young manager, I could make decisions that literally changed people’s lives for the better. Whether giving someone a job, a program scholarship, or even an opportunity to get fit with a membership, the feeling of being at the Y and doing something for the greater good is so rewarding.
2. You also have expertise in team building. What do you think are some of the bigger challenges you think women leaders face in building teams?
Despite the forward progress in gender equity, women are still forced to “prove” themselves. One of the biggest challenges that I think all leaders have when building a team is being consistent in expectations. Whatever the team member brings to the table with regard to their skillsets and talents, expectations should be high and managed accordingly. That is not saying everyone’s success is measured at the same ability. It is saying success is being measured equally by potential. Consistency is critical. Once you deviate from that, you become ineffective. (In my opinion)
3. What are your top three tips to building an effective team, perhaps for female leaders in particular?
Team building is more of an art than a science. I believe in organic team building by getting your hands dirty, being accessible, and establishing a relationship that weaves in both personal and professional goals.
Let me give you an example. At the Y, we have a 5k road race series. As an incentive to have staff participate, any employee who runs and beats me gets two hours of MY vacation time. It is a great way to get to know staff, encourage them to be healthy, and show them that you support their race series. And, well, a lot of them earn my vacation time! Ask your team members questions – not just about work, but about their children, their vacation plans, or even their new car. Get to know them; it will help you be a better leader.
4. What is the most rewarding part of your work with the YMCA? What were some programs you got to be a part of or helped initiate?
I am in a forward-facing service job with a twist of fun! We listen to what our community needs and then have a chance to build a program to support them. For example, our Y has successfully launched the Partnership Program, designed for folks with balance or spinal cord injuries. Our Y Academy focuses on early learning and better educational outcome for children. We designed the classrooms and curriculum to let their imaginations merge with academic learning. Most recently, we launched a food program including a refrigerated van for neighborhood deliveries. If there is a need, we are the solution!
5. What is your long term dream under your leadership for the Boston Metronorth region?
Health and wellness equity and accessibility is a long team and short-term dream. We just opened up a $31m facility in Lynn, MA, and we now serve four times the amount of people expanding our impact in the city and region. We found partners that believed the city needed a new Y and were dedicated to helping me raise the money to build it.
A pandemic proved again that people and communities are not treated equally. I want our Y to continue to level the playing field for everyone through a thoughtful menu of affordable access to fully funded services. Bottom line…..we need to be the health equity solution in all of the cities and towns we serve.
Thank you Kathleen for sharing your wonderful story with us! We are excited to have you in our global women’s network!
BIO: Kathleen Walsh is President and CEO of the YMCA of Metro North, a nonprofit organization with health, wellness, and educational programs that serve more than 60,000 people annually, employs a 700 member team, and balances a $25m budget. Through Walsh’s leadership, the YMCA of Metro North advances its charitable mission by expanding access to its healthy living and youth-serving programs by providing more than $1m in financial assistance to its community members each year. Graduate of Bishop Fenwick High School. Received a BA from Providence College and earned a Master’s of Science from Northeastern University. Avid runner having completed 60 marathons. Board and community volunteer. Mom of three young adults –Johanna, UNE Class of 2020, Cynthia, BSU Class of 2021 and Francis, UConn Class of 2023.
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