In the Spotlight – Kayla Gomez-Cardona

What three traits define you?

I hope that I am considered by others to be trustworthy, hard-working, and kind.

What do you think is the most important quality you need to have for success?

I have found that the most important quality needed in order to be successful is self-discipline. The ability to be aware of and overcome our weaknesses, and to control our feelings, is so much a part of pursuing success. I believe this to be true in our personal lives just as much as in our career. We must be able to focus on what we hope to achieve, despite all the temptations that lead us astray.

What does true leadership mean to you?

I have seen the truest leadership coming from individuals who have obtained the knowledge needed to establish a vision, the trust from those who will be following, and the wisdom to know how to best motivate and inspire them.

What do you value most in a job?

What I value most in a job is the ability to serve others and build relationships that create a pleasant work environment.

What personality trait are you always trying to improve?

I tend to make quick decisions in order to make progress and get things “checked off the list.” I am always trying to be more mindful to include everyone who needs to be involved in the decision-making process, so that all details are considered.

What would you do (for a career) if you weren’t doing this?

I love baseball, and while in college I really enjoyed statistics, so I think that if I weren’t working in human resources, I would have liked to pursue a career as a sports statistician.

Which day of the work week are you the most productive?

I am most productive on Mondays coming fresh off of a weekend!

Have any “hidden talents”?

I have played the violin and cello since I was about 8 years old.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

I consider my greatest achievement to be paying off over $50,000 in student loans in about 4.5 years. With only a starting salary out of college around $35,000, I don’t think that there has been anything else yet in my life that required such consistent discipline, sacrifice, and creativity. (Granted, I don’t have any children yet!)

Family?

I am married to the most wonderful husband, Daniel, who just completed his fourth year here in the Medical Physics program. My parents and youngest brother live back in my hometown of Winona, MN. My other brother and his wife live in Rochester, MN, and recently had a little boy back in April – my sweet godson, Eddie.

Tell us something that might surprise us about you.

While in college, I was the intramural ping-pong champion in both the singles and doubles leagues.

What is the best book you have ever read?

Matthew Kelly’s Rediscover Jesus. It only took the two-page prologue for me to want to do the best I can to live a life in service to others.

Best advice you ever received and how it carry you throughout life?

The best advice I’ve received came from an HR consultant I was working with during my internship in college. She told me to “start a book” of all of the crazy things that happen in human resources. I took that to heart and started journaling. It’s fun now to look back at the different stories and how I have grown in my professional and personal life.

Best advice when encountering in a new situation?

Don’t be afraid! The new situation could very well be the start of something great.