Bay Area Women In Business | Dr. Kerry Lindell

I must confess that as I type this, I find the urge to sit up straighter at my desk and exercise better posture. =)

Why, you might wonder? Well, today I am honored to feature Dr. Kerry Lindell, founder of Lindell Chiropractic in this month’s “Bay Area Women in Business” profile!

Dr. Lindell is a trusted Bay Area - based chiropractor with extensive (over 30 years) experience. She has been named Local Businessperson of the Year in Mountain View twice and her commitment to providing the best care for every one of her clients, undoubtedly, is what contributed to not only the success of her practice, but also to the stellar reputation she has built among her clientele.

One of the things that I personally found so interesting about Dr. Lindell is that while her work is centered around spinal care, sports injuries, etc. this amazing business woman is also pretty fearless when it comes to facing activities that would send someone like me running for the hills! I will let her elaborate on it below, but basically, while most of us shy away from activities like bungee jumping and swimming with sharks, she is the daredevil who seeks after the thrill of activities like this gusto!

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Can you share a little bit about you and your business? 

I grew up in Los Altos, California and studied Biology at UCLA. Towards the end of college, I was suffering with severe pain in my shoulder blade. I was not able to focus on my studies and needed to get some help. My parents flew me home so I could see a chiropractor. After the first treatment, I felt so much better. She treated me again the next day and I improved even more. Not only did I get significant relief from my pain, but I also realized then and there that I wanted to become a chiropractor.

I went to Palmer Chiropractic College West, graduated in 1990 and have been in practice for almost 32 years. I specialize in proper spinal alignment, posture correction, sports injuries and neurology. I am also having huge success with the latest technology challed Shockwave Therapy which is a regenerative treatment for acute and chronic injuries. You can visit www.lindellchiropractic.com to find out more about me and my services.

What do you enjoy about what you do? What are some of the challenges?  

I absolutely love being a Chiropractor and can't imagine doing anything else! What I enjoy the most about what I do is getting to know my patients and being able to improve their quality of life. I have developed treatment protocols to help my patients restore normal posture, relieve pain, improve range of motion and function, and recover and rehabilitate after an accident or injury.

The greatest challenge has always been dealing with insurance companies. Need I say more?

Knowing what you know now about your career, what would you tell your 18 year old self?  
I would tell myself to trust my gut, listen to my heart, and follow my intuition. It worked for me when I was 22 and it still works to this day.

Who inspires you and why?  
My twenty year old twins inspire me to be the best role model possible as a mother, doctor of chiropractic and business owner.

A fun or surprising fact about yourself?  
I am somewhat of a dare devil or thrill seeker. I have tried bungee jumping, skydiving, hang gliding, paragliding, parasailing, balloon riding, helicopter riding, flying trapeze, motorcycle riding, surfing, horseback riding, shooting, E biking, ziplining with monkeys and scuba diving with sharks in South Africa, waterfall/cliff jumping and Spartan Obstacle Course Racing.

If you could meet anyone in history (living or not), who would it be and why?

I'd like to meet the fabulous British actress, Dame Maggie Smith.  Since I am currently watching Downton Abbey for the second time, she has been on my mind lately. It turns out we both have Scottish mothers and she reminds me of my mother as they have very similar mannerisms. She has had an extremely prolific acting career since the 50's and is currently working at 87 yrs. old. I am sure she could tell some funny and fascinating stories.

Bay Area Women In Business | Tricia Dolkas

It is no secret our world continues to be in times of constant change, impacting the personal and professional lives of not only ourselves but also those around us. Career transitions and pivots have become the norm, whether it is for those who find themselves one year or 30 years into their career.

Tricia Dolkas, founder of KickStart Career, is more than familiar with the challenges that come with being a young professional navigating these kinds of changes during uncertain times. She not only graduated from Stanford University in the middle of a recession herself, but also has over 20 years experience as a corporate recruiter with various companies such as IBM, Google, Sears, Blue Jeans Network, and VMWare. Her extensive recruiting experience coupled with her passion for helping young professionals successfully transition into new career territory is what makes her an ideal coach. She also currently serves as President for the Women’s Networking Alliance, Chapter 122 in Los Altos.

It is my honor to highlight Tricia in this month’s “Bay Area Women In Business” profile!

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Can you share a little bit about you and your business? 

I am a career coach assisting people in determining the best next steps in their career and how to approach a career transition strategically and efficiently. I work mostly with 2 different groups of people. First, I love helping people starting or early in their career. In this case, I work with families as parents support their children in launching their careers. I also love working with mid-career professionals with a significant career pivot, ex: changing their career to a direction that is more aligned to their values and passions.

What has your journey looked like professionally to get to where you are now?

I was a corporate recruiter for 20 years. I have recruited for positions at all levels of a corporation and within all functions. My industry experience includes the Tech Industry, Pharmaceuticals, Aerospace, Professional Services, Telecom, Agriculture, Financial Services, Retail and Oil & Gas. I also am the poster child of career pivots. During my career I have worked as Data Analyst, Product Manager, IT Manager, Telco Project Manager and a Recruiter. 

What do you enjoy about what you do? What are some of the challenges?  

Currently in “The Great Resignation” I believe there is a fundamental shift happening in the relationship between professionals and corporations. Professionals are learning to speak their truth and seeing how that brings more personal and professional satisfaction.  What I REALLY enjoy about my work is being a catalyst for “The Great Resignation”. I LOVE teaching people techniques for increased confidence in their career direction, more effective job searches and to own their power as a capable candidate for a company. I am THRILLED when I see my clients more grounded in their self-worth and their ability to make meaningful changes in the world.  

One challenge is that my work is a partnership that depends on a willing client. My method is effective, but sometimes people aren’t willing to follow the guidance or to try new techniques. Ultimately, I can’t apply for job openings or initiate a professional networking relationship, only my client can take these actions. Success  depends on their commitment to action.  

Knowing what you know now about your career, what would you tell your 18 year old self?  

Don’t be afraid of career transitions that allow you to grow professionally and to contribute to society in ways that are meaningful to you. And don’t be afraid to ask anyone for support in reaching your goals. 

Who inspires you and why?  

My father. He was a business owner and restauranteur in Southern California. He believed that a business will succeed only if management takes care of the employees. So in the 1970s, he offered full benefits to all the staff, even the people bussing dishes. He also offered profit-sharing to the management team. Both of these actions were unprecedented in the restaurant business and resulted in a very successful business and a group of very loyal and hardworking employees. 

A fun or surprising fact about yourself?  

I started snow skiing when I was 4 years old and think I skied better then than I do now. 

If you could meet anyone in history (living or not), who would it be and why? 

Eleanor Roosevelt. She was a strong woman who took action on her principles and worked to change the role of women in business and society.

Bay Area Women In Business | Kelly Dunn

Over the years, as any small business owner I am sure will agree with, you realize how important it is to have a network of great connections. Truly, no (wo)man business owner is an island and I am fortunate to know some of the best out there.

My work with Heartbox Photography is centered on women and I think that while it’s important to obviously highlight the awesome women I have the privilege to work with as clients, it is equally important to highlight the women who are part of the business connections that have supported me along this journey. And one such organization I am proud to be part of is a phenomenal group called Women’s Networking Alliance.

Kelly Dunn is the owner of Kelly Dunn Insurance Agency. She also currently serves as the Education Chair for our WNA Chapter (Chapter 122 - Los Altos) and in the time I have gotten to know Kelly, it is obvious she not only has a passion for what she does in her work, but also being a contributing member to our networking group, always being among the first to suggest a contact or connection that would be a beneficial resource for our group to learn from. (Hence her role as our Education Chair!)

It is my honor to highlight Kelly in this month’s “Bay Area Women In Business” profile!

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Can you share a little bit about you and your business?  My mother passed away unexpectedly when I was 18 years old. Fortunately my godfather is an insurance agent and had my parents set up adequately. It was then that I truly learned the importance of insurance and having the right coverages. 

What has your journey looked like professionally to get to where you are now?  A lot of hard work and being able to hear the word no repeatedly. I just take comfort in knowing with every no I am that much closer to a yes!

What do you enjoy about what you do? What are some of the challenges?  I enjoy protecting my clients, knowing that in one of their worst moments, car accident, home fire, etc. that they will be ok because I provided them with the correct coverages. My biggest challenge is no one likes to talk about insurance so I try to find ways to make it interesting and fun when I can.

Knowing what you know now about your career, what would you tell your 18 year old self?  Other people’s opinions are a reflection of their own limitations and boundaries. I had so many people tell me having your own business is too hard/too much work and that I should just get a “real” job.

Who inspires you and why?  My grandmother was my biggest inspiration because she was a strong, independent woman who always took care of herself.

A fun or surprising fact about yourself?  I was tetherball champion in 5th grade at my school’s field and track day. Lol

If you could meet anyone in history, who would it be and why?  I would love to meet Audrey Hepburn, I think she was a very classy lady and I love her sense of style.