Vicki Kaiser – The Interview
Briefly describe yourself and what you do.
I am executive at Piedmont Newnan hospital responsible for oncology services, community affairs and various other support services. My hobbies include fishing, scuba diving and endurance sports – – especially distance running and cycling. I have four sons and live in Moreland, Georgia with my husband, Paul, a local chiropractor.
Best piece of business advice you’ve received.
The best business advice I’ve ever received was from my beautiful sister, who is the former president and CEO of Dow Corning. I have always struggled with self-confidence and at the time I was nervous about taking on a bigger role that had been offered to me in Piedmont. After a brief discussion about my fears and insecurities, she helped me to understand that I truly had paid my dues, that I had earned this opportunity and that I needed to “Assume the Position.” It is a phrase I use often now when coaching and developing my team.
If I had it to do over …
I would have spent more time with my parents before they passed away. I lost my father when he was only 58 years old from a heart attack and my mother passed away from emphysema when she was only 69. We lost them way too soon.
You are going on an extended solo trip. What three albums and three books would you take?
Albums – Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Damn the Torpedoes; The Eagles, Eagles Live (recorded in Inglewood, California); and Sister Hazel, Absolutely. Books – Lean In, by Sheryl Sanberg; Les Misérables by Victor Hugo; Webster’s Dictionary.
Tell us one thing about yourself that few people know
I lost 45 pounds when I was 21 years old on Weight Watchers. I still carry my Lifetime Weight Watchers card in my wallet to this day.
You are hosting a dinner party for six. What five people, living or dead, would you invite and why
My mother and father, Glenn Frey, Tom Petty, John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Jr.
Name an as yet unfulfilled dream
Someday I will travel to France to cycle all stages of the Tour de France route.
If you weren’t doing what you are, you would be
I always loved all kinds of music and have been fascinated by the industry. If I wasn’t so passionate about healthcare, I would probably be in concert promotion or public relations for in the music industry.
Your go-to food. Progresso Light Chicken Noodle Soup with oyster crackers – my total comfort food!
Favorite movies(s) The Sound of Music is by far my favorite. I can remember my father taking me out of school one afternoon when I was a young girl to go and see it in the movie theatre – it was magical! I know the words to every song and cry every time I watch it. It is a magnificent film!
Dogs or cats? Dogs all the way! I have always and will always have a dog. They are such precious, selfless and amazing animals.
Your favorite quote and why – “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
― Maya Angelou
Name something that you are extremely glad you did or accomplished – Cycling as part of an amazing 8-women team in the 2016 Race Across America tops my list. We raced 3,089 miles from Oceanside, California to Annapolis, Maryland in just over 7 days. I loved experiencing our spectacular country via our country’s rural backroads. We trained pretty hard for almost a year for that event. I got a huge rush out of pushing my body to its physical limit.
What advice would you give your younger self just starting out on their own – I would encourage my younger self to learn and leverage my strengths. Also, I would emphasize the importance of discovering my true passions. The magic happens when those two intersect.
Hello Vicki
This is Al Farinelli.
Remember me?
Would love to talk you.
Cell is 561 379 6423
Hope to hear from you.
Yea were a great friend and employee when we worked together. Congratulations on all your accomplishment. I am proud of you.
Al