Create Your Own Leadership Path: A Conversation with Kaitlin Liston

I had the pleasure of speaking with Kaitlin Liston for the Kim Coaching Group Interview Series, and I’m so excited to share her story and insights.

Kaitlin is a demand generation manager at RingCentral who has built an impressive and intentional career in tech marketing. She started at a small startup while still in college, held almost every type of marketing role you can imagine, and along the way co-founded a nonprofit and helped more than 100 students with their college applications. But what stands out most is how she consistently created leadership opportunities for herself and brought others along with her.

Here are some of the key takeaways from our conversation, in Kaitlin’s own words, with reflections and examples you can use right away.

Rethink What Leadership Means

“Being a leader is more leading by example… All of the best leaders that I’ve worked under have enabled us to be our best selves. It’s more of a collaboration, allowing for an environment where everyone feels like they have the abilities to do their best.”

Kaitlin grew up playing sports and described how the best team captains were the ones who led by how they showed up, not by barking orders. That same approach shaped her view of leadership at work. She’s not waiting to be given authority, she shows up with it.

We talked about how people often tune out during all-hands meetings or skip team calls because they feel too busy. But leadership means showing up anyway, asking questions, and treating those meetings like they matter, because they do. That’s where you get context, build trust, and show you care about more than just your own tasks.

Decide What Kind of Leader You Want to Be

“I love this quote that you are the sum of the five people closest to you. I started thinking about the kind of people I wanted around me and the kind of leader I wanted to be to them.”

Kaitlin discovered her leadership style by observing others. Some made people feel empowered. Some didn’t. That helped her reflect on what kind of leader she didn’t want to be and she built her own version from there.

You don’t have to pick from the leadership styles already out there. You get to define your own. Kaitlin leads by building trust, giving credit, and making people feel like they belong. That’s what people remember and follow.

Ask yourself: who are the people you admire most in your life and work? What do they do that makes you feel seen and supported? Start modeling those behaviors.

Build a Real Network, Not Just a List of Contacts

“Your network is your net worth.”

Kaitlin believes in building meaningful relationships that go beyond LinkedIn connections. When she joins a new company, she asks her manager to introduce her to 10 people across the org. She reaches out to new hires. She gets curious about what people do and who they are.

We talked about how real networking isn’t about keeping score, it’s about being generous. When you offer help without expecting anything back, you build reputation and trust. And over time, those people remember what you’re great at and want to work with you again.

If you’re wondering how to start, Kaitlin’s advice is simple: send a message that shows genuine interest. Tell someone what you admire about their work, ask one thoughtful question, and offer something specific you can help with.

Create the Opportunities You Want to See

“I didn’t wait for a promotion. I started leading book clubs, organizing events, and building community.”

At RingCentral, Kaitlin helped launch WISE, the Women in SaaS Empowerment group. She began by volunteering to run small programs like book clubs and lunch-and-learns. Eventually, she became the event chair, helping others grow their skills and confidence too.

Outside of work, she co-founded a nonprofit during the pandemic and continues to support students through college counseling. All of this started with small decisions to raise her hand.

We talked about how creating leadership opportunities doesn’t have to be big. You can volunteer to lead a 30-minute discussion. You can offer to review someone’s document. You can step in on something that fits your time and energy, and still have an impact.

Leadership grows with every action. Start where you are.

Think Like a Leader Before Anyone Calls You One

“When something doesn’t feel right, I don’t just let it go, I try to be part of the solution.”

Kaitlin once noticed something in the marketing org that didn’t sit right with her. She was a manager at the time, and it wasn’t her responsibility to weigh in on org-wide strategy, but she cared deeply about where the team was headed. So she sent a thoughtful Slack message to her VP, sharing her perspective.

Leadership often starts like this, not with a formal role, but with a mindset. Leaders treat everything like it’s their problem. When you care enough to speak up, offer ideas, or take initiative, even when it’s not in your job description, you’re already leading.

What’s something that’s been bothering you at work? Instead of venting about it, what would it look like to take action? You don’t have to fix everything. But you can start the conversation.

What’s One Thing You’ll Try?

Kaitlin’s story is full of small, intentional actions that added up to real leadership. She didn’t wait to be chosen. She chose herself.

What’s one thing from her story that you’ll try this month?

Pick something simple. Reach out to someone new. Offer to help. Show up differently.

And if you’re ready to take your leadership to the next level, check out the Women Leaders Club. We go deep into topics like these and support each other through every stretch and leap.