PwC Executive Explains Need for Empathy, Curiosity in Corporate Leadership

Published: Thursday, July 3, 2025 at 11:02 am

PwC Executive Highlights Empathy and Curiosity as Key Leadership Traits

Kathryn Kaminsky, Chief Commercial Officer for PwC U.S., emphasizes the importance of empathy, curiosity, and adaptability in modern corporate leadership. Having joined PwC in 1993, Kaminsky's career trajectory reflects a shift in her definition of success, moving beyond traditional milestones to focus on fostering growth in others and creating lasting impact.

Kaminsky's career path included strategic pivots, such as taking a step back in title to deepen her expertise. She believes that bravery is demonstrated in small moments, such as speaking up or advocating for others. She has held various leadership roles within the firm, including tax leader and vice chair, and was recognized as one of Forbes' Top 200 CPAs in America in 2024.

PwC, a global professional services firm, is focused on investing in its people and preparing them for the future of work. The company is actively embedding upskilling and workforce transformation into its growth strategy. This includes initiatives like My AI, which helps employees build fluency in using AI, and a Career Development Experience that provides tools and support for career advancement.

Kaminsky highlights the evolving role of AI, shifting from experimentation to execution. She emphasizes the need for collaboration, deep expertise, and adaptability to help clients solve complex problems. She believes that success is measured by how well PwC helps clients and supports its people.

Kaminsky advocates for a leadership style that embraces asking better questions, staying open to change, and bringing others along. She sees curiosity as a crucial leadership skill, essential for navigating constant change. She also emphasizes the importance of mentorship and creating space for future leaders to thrive. She encourages young women to pursue their goals and make bold choices, while also advocating for mentorship and sponsorship to help others succeed.

BNN's Perspective:

Kaminsky's emphasis on empathy and curiosity resonates with the evolving demands of the modern business landscape. While the focus on upskilling and AI integration is crucial for remaining competitive, the emphasis on human connection and mentorship provides a balanced approach to leadership. This approach is likely to resonate with a workforce that values both professional development and a supportive work environment.

Keywords: PwC, leadership, empathy, curiosity, adaptability, AI, mentorship, career development, upskilling, workforce transformation, innovation, inclusion, resilience, future of work, Kaminsky

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