Go Ahead. Ask Us.

What led you to get into this business?

Kim: I heard a speaker speaking about the importance of image over 20 years ago. I was blown away and knew that this is what I wanted to do. I found mentors who shared their advice and taught me invaluable business skills. My first mentor introduced me to JC Penney, and they became my first client. I worked with a group of young female managers on presenting a professional image. My second client was a referral from my previous boss. Since then, our business has become 99% referral-based and has expanded to where we are today.

Kerry: During my tenure at Calvin Klein, I was exposed to numerous leadership development programs and I knew early on that my passion was people and their development. I created a retail education department and was responsible for training thousands of individuals. My manager suggested that I hire an outside company to help build the personal brands of our sales team. Image Dynamics was the vendor selected, and the rest is history!

What’s the most common problem that most businesses have?

Kim: People. We’re all so different and we all bring our own “stuff” to the table. Trying to manage people’s personalities can take a lot of time and effort, which can take time away from the actual business.

Kerry: Many companies face similar problems, just on different scales. The demands and pace at which many people operate creates a lot of urgent requests. I had a client tell me they have a tough time doing their job because they are always managing some type of crisis. On the whole, many of my clients have an enormous work load and often depend on other people for information.

What’s the most easily cured problem that most businesses suffer from?

Kim: Communication and planning. When leaders spend time building relationships, camaraderie and a common vision with their associates, it’s easy to put process into place. It is critical that people know their roles within their organization and how their role fits into the success, both daily and long-term.

Kerry: Many businesses suffer from issues around planning, asking the right questions and communicating clearly with others. In order to really impact a company’s bottom-line, you must see the big picture and seeking to understand other people’s viewpoints.

What’s the funniest question anyone has ever asked you?

Kim: When I was 25 years old, I was at a client’s office training their team on customer service. One of the participants came up to me and said, “Kim, how old are you, are we the same age? I’m the youngest person on our team and everyone keeps saying that we’re the same age and you’re leading this session.” I asked her, “How old are you?” And she answered, “29.” So I said, “No, we’re not the same age, you have nothing to worry about.” She walked away feeling better that I was older than she was, and I walked away chuckling.

Kerry: I was leading a seminar in New York City and one of my participants said, “I am really learning about myself and recognizing the behavior styles of others. How do I change my boss?” I simply smiled and said, “you don’t.”

What’s the most amazing transformation you’ve ever seen?

Kim: I see incredible transformations every day. It is unbelievably rewarding when I see a light bulb go off in someone’s head. Amazing transformations are when people walk out of a session and decide to change a behavior because what they’re doing is stalling their careers.

Kerry: I have a soft spot in my heart for a client who was petrified to stand up and deliver a business presentation, and who now hunts out opportunities to present. I witnessed her will and determination to learn and develop. Once she learned how, she practiced and became the presenter she always wanted to be.

What’s your favorite quote – either for business or life?

Kim: “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” Aristotle.

Kerry: “If you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.” Henry Ford.

In a tough economy, what would you tell someone who is on the fence about hiring you?

Kim: “This is the most important time to train your people. Now is the time to make sure that every person is representing your company in the most professional and competent way. That is both internal and external. It is the only way to ensure survival. Every business is a people business. When the company and its leaders are making an investment in their employees, they are more committed to the growth and success of the company. When employees don’t feel taken care of – that’s when a tough economy can affect a business that much more.”

Kerry: “We all know the people resource is critical to a company’s success. Let’s try a pilot program and measure the results. I believe you can’t afford to not train your people.”

What’s the hardest problem to correct that you’ve encountered?

Kim: Anytime ego gets in the way, it becomes the “hardest problem.” Unfortunately, there are a lot of people who function only on ego. They really hurt themselves and everyone else.

Kerry: I love to tackle problems head on, and I enjoy working with others to develop solutions and make decisions. If I have a participant who does not want to grow, I would rather not work with them.

If you could wave a magic wand and change one behavior in all managers, what would it be?

Kim: Better communication skills. The ability to adapt the way they communicate to each employee when possible. Again, this is where I think ego gets in the way and, if shelved, would allow more managers to become exceptional leaders.

Kerry: I believe all managers have the ability to delegate more. They just have to be willing to take risks, invest time in others, and be forgiving during the learning curve.

My parents don’t understand what I do for a living. Do yours?

Kim: Yes, my mom and I work together.

Kerry: My mom has observed some of my sessions and she understands what I do for a living. My father passed away in 2009, but he offered me a tremendous amount of career guidance.

What’s your favorite business book – other than the two you’ve written?

Kim: Most business books I read are brilliant in their own way. There are a handful of authors that whatever they write – I learn: Marshall Goldsmith, Malcolm Gladwell, John Maxwell, Jeffrey Gitomer, Jim Collins…I could go on and on. I love to read, and if there’s one thing that I read that I can implement, it’s worth it.

Kerry: I absolutely love to read business books. My day revolves around the key themes in Stephen Covey’s “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.”