The Empathetic Enterprise
THE EMPATHETIC ENTERPRISE
Interview by CammaneX Editorial Team
The Empathic Enterprise From Data to Depth: Kim Leiby on Building Empathic Growth in the Age of AI
In an age where performance is often measured in clicks, quotas, and quarterly targets, Kim Leiby is quietly reshaping what meaningful growth looks like. With a career that spans Wall Street brokerage houses, insurance entrepreneurship, and global professional services, Kim brings a rare balance of strategic insight and emotional depth to every room she enters. Now leading business development at Lerepco IT while preparing to launch her own smart networking solutions company, Kim is forging a new path—one that integrates data,technology, and empathy in service of deepe human connection. We sat down with her to explore how her journey—from corporate finance to motherhood to AI-enhanced sales—has shaped the way she leads, connects, and creates lasting value.
From Data to Depth: Kim Leiby on Building Empathic Growth in the Age of AI
Let’s start at the beginning.
What originally drew you into the world of sales and marketing? Was leadership always part of the plan, or did it unfold along the way?
My career began at a prestigious financial brokerage house in Central Jersey, where I discovered an unexpected passion for sales. The environment was intense and fast-moving, but I was lucky to work alongside supportive colleagues with deep Wall Street roots. That early foundation taught me how to perform under pressure and more importantly, how to build trust. From there, I pivoted into health and life insurance for credit unions, later founding and running my own insurance agency. After taking time away to raise my children, I returned to the professional world through a global services company focused on performance and risk. Today, I lead sales at Lerepco IT and am preparing to step into entrepreneurship again. Leadership wasn’t in the plan—it unfolded. Even as a child, I was often the one asked to lead, to organize, to take initiative. That theme carried into my career. I didn’t start out thinking of myself as a leader; I was focused on doing the work well. But over time, through experience and necessity, I grew into leadership— first by starting my own agency, then by influencing teams and strategy in every role since.
You now lead with both strategy and emotional intelligence. What experiences shaped your approach to leadership?
My leadership style is rooted in both structure and heart. Starting out in the brokerage world taught me the power of discipline and focus. But the biggest shift came when I started my own insurance agency. That experience taught me that strategy is only half the story—real leadership requires listening, empathy, and
adaptability. Stepping away from my career to raise our children may have been the most transformative experience of all. Motherhood sharpened my emotional intelligence in ways no job ever could. Patience, intuition, communication—those became tools I brought back into the workplace, and they continue to guide how I
lead.
Today, in the tech-driven world of IT services, I rely on all those lessons. I lead by aligning business goals with human insight—always remembering that growth without empathy isn’t sustainable.
Were there any pivotal mentors or defining moments along the way?
Absolutely. My mother was my first and greatest influence. A proud Georgia peach who raised ten of us— five boys, five girls—during the Jim Crow era, she modeled strength, love, and relentless determination. She was our bigge cheerleader, always encouraging us to work hard, stay focused, and rise above. Professionally, entering the financial and insurance industries as a woman of color was a defining experience. I often found myself in rooms where no one looked like me. That wasn’t easy—but it was formative. I had the support of my family, especially my brothers, who helped me navigate what was often a man’s world. And I was fortunate to have mentors—some with deep Wall Street experience—who believed in my potential and helped me grow. They challenged me, coached me, and reminded me that representation matters—but so does allyship.
In your current role, you’re using AI to support human connection. What inspired that shift—and how has it changed the way you lead?
I’ve always loved tools that help people work smarter. AI isn’t new—it’s been quietly integrated into our lives for years. But now, we have the chance to use it more intentionally in marketing and customer experience. That’s where it gets exciting. At Lerepco, I use AI to streamline outreach, understand customer behavior, and personalize messaging. It’s not about replacing people it’s about empowering them. I still believe in the human touch—I make calls, send mailers, and knock on doors. But AI helps me work faster and focus on what really matters: relationships, service, and outcomes. It’s also changed the way I lead. I encourage my team to stay curious, embrace innovation, and see technology as a partner. AI can enhance our work—but empathy is still the glue.
You manage both data and people. What helps you build a culture of trust, curiosity, and performance?
It starts with people. I believe in open communication, celebrating curiosity, and letting go of perfection. Sometimes that means helping someone shift into a role that better aligns with their gifts. Culture is everything—it’s he engine of performance. When people feel valued, supported, and safe, they show up with their best. Without that, you end up with constant churn. I lead with people in mind. Every day.
Has there ever been a time when the numbers told one story—but empathy told another?
Yes—one moment stands out. I was ahead of my sales goals one quarter and planned to take a brief step back to regroup. Then I got a call from a longtime clien —just a check-in. But something in their voice felt… off. It wasn’t in the data, but I heard it. I leaned in, asked more questions, and found out they were considering a competitor. If I’d relied on the numbers alone, I would’ve missed it. But because I stayed present and trusted my instincts, we not onlykept the account—we grew it. That moment was a powerful reminder: data matters. But empathy is often what closes the deal—and keeps it.
The Empathic Enterprise From Data to Depth: Kim Leiby on Building Empathic Growth in the Age of AI
In a world that celebrates “hustle, ” your approach feels grounded. What does sustainable growth mean to you—and how do you protect it?
Thank you. I do strive to lead intentionally. Sustainable growth, to me, means success that lasts. It’s not about grinding endlessl —it’s about building with care. That means protecting your energy, honoring your values, and making time for what really moves the needle. Each day, I focus on high-impact work. I protect my mornings—those early hours are mine. I stay connected to people, not just numbers. And I set boundaries. Hustle culture burns people out. But when you move with intention, you often move further, faster, and with more alignment.
What keeps you anchored when life and work move fast?
My morning routine. I’m up around 4:00 or 4:30 AM, before the world gets noisy. I walk our dogs, pray, meditate, sip my smoothie, and reflect on the day ahead. No coffee, no chaos just clarity. That space grounds me. It’s how I stay centered in a world that doesn’t slow down. Looking ahead—what excites you about the future of marketing and leadership? I’m energized by the return to human-centered business. Even as tech accelerates, there’s a growing hunger for authenticity, connection, and empathy. As I prepare to launch my own compan —a smart networking solutions brand combining NFC, QR, CRM, and live brand representation—I’m focused on helping people engage more meaningfully. It’s about streamlining connection without losing the human spark. The future I’m building is one where performance and people thrive together. Where we use technology to elevate not replace—our relationships. That’s the kind of growth I want to lead.
Visual Note:
We’ve invited Kim to share a portrait that captures her energy: calm, grounded, quietly powerful. A leader who blends strategy with soul. If that’s not the future of leadership—we don’t know what is.