Name: Kristina Mirchukai Khanna

Title: CEO/ Founder Geist Consultancy

Organisation: Geist Consultancy

My journey in knowledge management began in northern Germany, where I honed my expertise in the automotive industry. In 2016, I ventured to Spain's Basque Country, embracing an international perspective in my professional undertakings.

Fluent in five languages and balancing life as a mother of two, I founded GEIST Consultancy to revolutionize how organizations manage and optimize talent. From knowledge sharing to talent acquisition and retention, I am deeply involved at every level of the talent management process.

Currently, I am pioneering Personal Knowledge Management (PKM) solutions for entrepreneurs, empowering them to maximize their intellectual capital for strategic advantage. As Vice President of GfWM and a board member of KMGN, I lead efforts to foster knowledge exchange and elevate the practice of knowledge management globally. My work extends to leading a research group focused on the nexus between knowledge management and organizational resilience, with my insights published in the field.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

I hope Kristina's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

As a leader, one of the most challenging aspects I've encountered is striking the perfect balance between giving my team the autonomy they need to thrive and ensuring there is enough structure to meet our strategic goals. It’s a delicate dance of empowerment and guidance. My approach has always been to foster a culture of open communication and trust, which can be incredibly rewarding but also requires constant nurturing and attention.

Each individual’s unique strengths and personal development paths need to be considered, which demands a high degree of emotional intelligence and adaptability on my part. This challenge has been a profound learning experience, pushing me to grow alongside my team and refine our collective ability to adapt and innovate.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

I stepped into leadership quite organically through my passion for knowledge management and my commitment to making a tangible impact in organizations. My career began deeply rooted in the educational and developmental sectors within the automotive industry in northern Germany. This foundational phase was crucial as it immersed me in the intricate dynamics of how large-scale organizations operate and leverage their knowledge base effectively. The decision to move into a leadership role was driven by a desire to broaden the scope of my impact. After years of hands-on experience and building a robust understanding of organizational needs, I launched GEIST Consultancy.

This venture was not just about consulting but also about creating a platform where I could lead by example—implementing cutting-edge knowledge and talent management strategies across diverse industries. Becoming a leader meant transitioning from an expert executing specific tasks to someone who envisions projects and motivates a team toward shared goals. It has been about crafting a vision based on my core beliefs in the power of knowledge and then rallying people

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

I strive to maintain a daily routine, but it's only sporadically possible due to the lively nature of my family life and the cultural differences I experience living in Spain compared to my earlier life in northern Germany and Ukraine. My children significantly influence my daily schedule, bringing a delightful yet challenging unpredictability that requires flexibility. This cultural shift has been a learning curve, and I continuously adapt to balance professional responsibilities with personal time effectively.

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

A recent lesson I've been reminded of is the importance of adaptability in leadership. In our rapidly changing business environment, the ability to pivot and embrace new approaches without losing sight of your strategic goals is crucial. This lesson came into play especially during recent shifts in global market conditions, which required quick thinking and flexibility.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

While I don't have a single book that stands out as profoundly influential, I consistently turn to professional literature over fiction to enrich my understanding of leadership and management. Reading these expert insights and case studies equips me with the practical knowledge and latest trends needed to navigate the complexities of my field. This habit of seeking out professional literature ensures that I am always learning, evolving, and adapting my approach to leadership based on solid research and proven strategies.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

My piece of advice to anyone aspiring to be a leader is to embrace the mindset of being a lifelong learner. Leadership isn’t just about guiding others but also about continuously evolving and adapting your own skills and understanding. Whether through formal education, self-study, or experiential learning, consistently seek new knowledge and perspectives. This approach not only prepares you to face diverse challenges but also helps you to lead by example, showing your team the value of growth and adaptability.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

One memorable story from my leadership journey involves a family and work-life balance moment. During a crucial virtual meeting with international clients, my children decided it was the perfect time for a spontaneous "concert" in the next room. Their lively performance, complete with instruments and singing, inadvertently broadcasted to all meeting participants.

Instead of disruption, it brought laughter and a light-hearted pause to the session, reminding everyone of the importance of balance and humanity in our professional lives. This incident not only lightened the mood but also highlighted the universality of juggling family and work, fostering a deeper connection with the team and clients alike.