“An inspirational leader creates the conditions for others to thrive; challenges what’s possible; and leaves people, organizations and communities stronger than they found them.” —Vanessa Kisicki
Why is honoring achievement important? How does it impact our business community?
Honoring achievement is important because it shines a light on the people and ideas that move our communities forward. Recognition is about more than celebrating individual success. It highlights the innovation, perseverance and leadership that inspire others to take risks, solve problems and make meaningful contributions.
In our business community, these stories matter. They offer tangible examples of what is possible. They encourage the next generation of leaders to pursue opportunities they may not have otherwise considered. Recognition also reinforces the values that create strong organizations: collaboration, continuous learning, service, commitment to excellence.
Stopping to celebrate achievement creates connections across industries, shares ideas and elevates the collective impact of our business community. Ultimately, recognizing success helps build a culture where people are inspired to grow, support one another and contribute to a stronger future for Arizona.
What is the single most important thing you have learned throughout your career that would inspire others/other women?
I think it’s important to stay curious.
Curiosity has shaped every stage of my career: It pushed me to ask questions, challenge assumptions, learn from others and explore opportunities that were not always obvious. Often, growth comes from asking “why” and being willing to look beyond the way things have always been done.
For women especially, it can be easy to feel pressure to have every step of a career planned perfectly. My experience has been that curiosity often provides a better roadmap than certainty. When you remain open to learning, new possibilities emerge, relationships deepen and opportunities reveal themselves.
Curiosity also creates confidence. It helps you understand how things work and where you can make meaningful contributions. If you stay engaged, keep asking questions and remain willing to learn, you discover paths and possibilities far beyond what you originally imagined.
What do you think we can do – now – to make a difference for young people/women in Arizona?
One of the most impactful things we can do is create more opportunities for young people and women to see themselves in leadership roles and career paths they may not have considered.
Representation matters, but so does access. We need to invest in mentorship, internships, career exploration programs and meaningful connections between students and professionals. When young people can see what is possible and learn directly from those who have navigated similar journeys, they gain the confidence to pursue their own ambitions.
We should also encourage curiosity, especially in fields that are evolving rapidly. Arizona’s future depends on innovative thinkers, problem-solvers and leaders who are prepared to address the challenges ahead.
Finally, we should listen. By understanding the goals, concerns and aspirations of the next generation, we can create environments in which they feel supported, valued and empowered to make their own unique contributions to our communities and economy.
Arizona’s future depends on our willingness to cultivate a generation of leaders who are bold, compassionate and ready to carry our communities forward.
In Few Words
- What was the last course, certification or training you took to improve yourself professionally? The last professional development experience that had a real impact on me wasn’t a traditional course at all. It was a Poverty Simulation, where participants navigate the difficult decisions many families face every day. The experience challenged assumptions, deepened my empathy, and prompted me to think differently about how organizations can better serve customers who are already carrying significant burdens.
- What would you say is a single characteristic OTHERS might attribute to you that defines your success? Intentionality
- What is the one thing you feel you could work on professionally to be a greater success? Patience
- What is the one professional skill you have that has gotten you where you are today? Curiosity
- What is the single greatest issue facing Arizona today? Preparing our infrastructure, workforce and resources to support Arizona’s rapid growth.
About Me
As SRP’s associate general manager of customer operations and chief customer executive, Vanessa Kisicki is an advocate for more than 1.2 million customers, using her systems-level perspective to balance their expectations with operational performance and long-term reliability.
With almost 25 years in the utility industry, Kisicki has led transformative initiatives across customer operations, grid modernization, telecommunications and technology. Known for her curiosity-driven leadership and innovative thinking, Kisicki is passionate about turning bold ideas into meaningful results, elevating customer experiences and developing future leaders who will make a lasting impact on their organizations, communities and industries.
