Gold Member

Kristen McAlister

Co-Owner/President, Cerius Executives

• Author • Speaker • Thought Leader - Interim Management • Building Leadership Teams • Value Creation & Company Growth

Brief Description

Kristen McAlister has spent most of her career helping companies create value and grow. She has spent the past 15 years teaching companies how to leverage leadership and build teams to support growth. She is a speaker and multi-book author on topics including leadership teams, talent management, contingent workforce, and independent executive careers. Kristen is a mother, Ironman, and retired Marine wife.

Professional Experience

Co-Owner/President, Cerius Executives
— Oct 2024 to Present
Principal, KD Consulting
— Sep 2024 to Apr 2024
Vice President - Operations, CROSSMARK
— Jul 2024 to Oct 2024

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Biography

Kristen, Co-Owner of Cerius Executives, brings a wealth of expertise to the realm of executive talent solutions, operational excellence, and strategic leadership.

Prior to her co-ownership of Cerius Executives in 2011, Kristen served as Vice President of Operations in the retail services sector, where her leadership played a pivotal role in driving growth and achieving operational excellence, culminating in the successful sale of the company. In her role at Cerius Executives, Kristen has been instrumental in facilitating interim/fractional executives, management consultants, and advisors, effectively addressing short-term talent gaps and providing strategic solutions to long-term business challenges.

Kristen's expertise extends to operational excellence, holding a Six Sigma Black Belt certification with a focus on system design and process improvement. Her academic background includes studies in System Dynamics at MIT, where she gained valuable insights that she applies to tackle complex business challenges. Kristen has developed a comprehensive playbook for business growth, leveraging her extensive knowledge and experience.

As a four-time book author, Kristen has contributed valuable insights on topics such as leadership teams, talent management, contingent workforce, and independent executive careers. Her published works include "Fired to Hired: Bouncing Back From Job Loss to Get to Work Right Now" and "The New Executive: A Guide to Successfully Transitioning from Corporate America to the Entrepreneurial Life". With additional books currently in the works, Kristen's commitment to sharing her expertise and guiding professionals in their careers is evident. With over 15 years of experience, she has actively engaged in teaching companies how to leverage leadership and build effective teams for sustained growth.

Beyond her professional achievements, Kristen successfully balances her role as a mother with her professional endeavors, showcasing her ability to manage multiple aspects of her life. Additionally, her accomplishments as an Ironman reflect her dedication and perseverance. Kristen is also a retired Marine wife, highlighting her strong connection to the military community.

Consider booking Kristen for your events to infuse a dynamic blend of executive leadership insights, operational excellence, and strategic wisdom. With her extensive background in facilitating interim executives and advising on long-term business challenges, Kristen offers practical solutions applicable to various industries. Her thought leadership, as evidenced by her authorship and teaching experience, promises to engage and inspire your audience. Kristen's unique journey, balancing professional success with personal achievements, adds a relatable and motivational touch to any event. Make your next event unforgettable by inviting Kristen to share her expertise and leave your audience with actionable strategies for success.

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Testimonials of Expertise

Kristen is a rare find: she has a talent for understanding exactly the skills and personality a company needs for an interim executive. Concurrently, she knows the strengths of her cadre of interim executives so that her corporate clients get the perfect match.

I'm going to try to consolidate the MANY positive comments I received after Kristen participated on a Marketing/Branding Panel as part of the Irvine Chamber of Commerce's Marketing Seminar. People are still raving about her knowledge, presentation skills, and ability to quickly assess a situation and craft a specific reply that immediately added value. The other panelists were also quite competent, but this panel would not have been the same had Kristen not been on it. She's clearly a leader in her field.