Wisdom after Bacon: Kaise Aschliman’s Leadership at Noon

Viterbo’s latest Leadership at Noon event was probably the first to ever begin after grilling copious amounts of bacon. Aspiring to recruit in their own unique way, Acuity Insurance rolled onto Viterbo’s campus with Fanny Packs and bacon to hand to the masses. With them came an employee from the company’s HR department, Kaise Aschliman. Taking a break from her usual duties of hiring, training, and marketing for Acuity Insurance, Aschliman spoke to students about her leadership philosophy, personal health in the world of business, and what employers often look for.

Aschliman had a lot to pack into her thirty-minute speech. She explained the ways she develops herself as a leader while factoring in how to influence others. She also emphasized how to maintain a good work-life balance. Aschliman explained that the business world demands a lot of time and energy, so maintaining energy levels and social life is important. Some examples she gave that have proven to help are exercise, yoga, and eating healthy. On top of her wellbeing teachings, Aschliman also discussed important factors of the hiring process. Since hiring people is one of her main responsibilities, she had a wealth of information to share. Some of her advice pertained to the importance of not just general competencies, but also to character. Her team focuses on the character a potential employee displays, since training someone for a job is more plausible than changing someone’s personality.

Rick Kyte, the Director of the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership, coordinated the event. The Leadership at Noon lectures, which are often held two to three times a semester in the Reinhart Center Board Room, are a collaboration between the Institute of Ethics and Leadership and the Dahl School of Business, with Kaise Aschliman’s speech being no exception. Kyte claimed that having Aschliman speak truly accentuated the diversity they aim for with the Leadership at Noon lectures. To elaborate, Kyte shared, “Kaise is young, just out of college, but some that speak are business owners, and some built companies from the ground up.” According to Kyte, he looks for people that are inspirational and good role models, but also, “people with different kinds of organizations, and different levels of experience.”

Kaise Aschliman shared information with students and community members alike before hitting the road again with Acuity Insurance. The event was insightful, and though it was not the biggest takeaway, the bacon was a nice touch