50 Leading Women: Ginny B. Kissling

In honor and celebration of our Women’s Division‘s 50th Anniversary, we will be spotlighting 50 Leading Women making an impact, raising their voice, and leading the next generation of women in the workforce and Plano community.

Introducing, Ginny B. Kissling, Global President and Chief Operating Officer, Ryan. Ginny is a nationally recognized award-winning leader on tax advisory and has been frequently recognized as a role model for female leadership. She is a sought-after speaker and industry thought leader and has authored several published articles. Ginny joined Ryan in 1992 as the Firm’s first college intern and seventh employee. In 2002, she was promoted as Ryan’s first female Principal. She is the first woman to hold her current position of Global President and COO, along with her previous position of President of U.S. Operations. She was also the first woman to be appointed to Ryan’s Board of Managers in 2012. Her exemplary career has led to recognition at both local and international levels. The Dallas Business Journal recognized Ginny in 2010 with their 40 Under Forty Award and again in 2014 as a Women in Business Honoree. Most recently, she was named to D CEO’s 2022 Dallas 500 list. Ginny finds time to give back to her community by volunteering for organization’s such as, Habitat for Humanity, National Charity League, North Texas Food Bank, and Ronald McDonald House. She current serves on the Board of Directors for the North Texas Food Bank and is the Chair of their Finance & Executive Committee. Her accolades, awards, and acclaims are well deserved and end less. We are thrilled to have her blazing trails for the next generation!

1. Describe your leadership style and how you lead others.

I try to motivate and inspire those around me while also being direct and candid with my team members. It is important to support, empower, and guide rather than dictate how work should be accomplished. I trust my team’s experience and talent and lead in a way that amplifies them and the results they deliver while ensuring the best interests of our firm are kept at the forefront.

2. How can women develop their leadership skills in the workforce?

Women should use their voices and unique perspectives to share ideas, seek insights, and collaborate with those around them. Speak up. Get involved. I believe you develop and grow as a leader by seeking out challenges that push you and being willing to step out of your comfort zone.

3. What are the most important decisions you make as a leader?

Obviously, leaders make important decisions each day, but the most important for me are centered around how we are impacting our team members and clients. The experience we create for our team members is integral to the client service we deliver, so the most important decisions I make, as a leader, are rooted in which choice is best for my team members.

4. What has been one of your biggest joys as a leader?

My biggest joy as a leader is seeing someone excel and finding passion in their career. I’m a firm believer in encouraging my team members to find what they are passionate about. . .and do that. Team members thrive when they are working on initiatives that excite them. I want that for everyone on my team, and I thrive with the chance to nurture those opportunities. It’s fulfilling to see those around me shine.

5. What strategies could be used to promote inclusion in the workplace?

I believe that listening to others helps promote inclusion. Rather than being the one to always offer up ideas, take time to listen to different perspectives, and keep an open mind. We broaden our minds and drive better results when we choose to welcome others in and truly listen and act upon their ideas and experiences.

6. What advice would you give your 25-year-old self?

Believe in yourself, never stop seeking new challenges, and don’t be afraid to seek feedback from others. Have confidence in yourself and the value you provide. No one is an expert in everything so be willing to learn new things and gain new passions. Listen. Ask questions, request feedback from those around, and listen to the insights they provide. Take risks. I was told early in my career that I needed to work at one of the Big Four firms in order to be successful. I knew this is what I was told I had to do, but I took a “risk” and accepted a role at Ryan. Look how that turned out! All the years later, I’ve gone from being the first intern to Global President and Chief Operating Officer. Risks can pay off.

7. What advice can you give to the next generation of female leaders?

This advice would be the same advice I’d give to my 25-year-old self. Believe in yourself. Never stop seeking new challenges and don’t be afraid to seek feedback from others. Have confidence in yourself. Ask questions and listen. Take risks.

8. Who inspired you and why?

I have a few answers for this, but I think I’d say my mentor and CEO, Brint Ryan. He never steers me wrong, and he is always honest with me. He gives blunt, hard-hitting advice and guidance while also offering grace. He allows me to be the leader I choose to be and make the decisions I see fit while providing advice when needed. He has allowed me to flourish in my career, and I seek to do the same for others.

9. What do you want to be remembered for?

There are many answers to this question. One that is close to my heart is being remembered for what I give back to my community and those around me. I have been very fortunate in my life and want to give that back to others. I participate on boards like the North Texas Food Bank where I am able to use my professional experience to chair their Finance Committee, and when I’m not in the board room, I like to roll my sleeves up and volunteer my time. It’s important to me that I give back to causes that are near and dear to me, and that I am remembered for pouring back into my community.