Before I began my career with KCI, I worked with Keith & Schnars as their human resources (HR) manager. In 2019, we were acquired, and I transitioned from managing a 100-person, family-owned firm to becoming a HR generalist for an over-1800-person firm.
The first few months were admittedly hard, and I went from being the go-to person with all the answers to just as confused as the rest. To integrate myself, I made a point to join every KCI volunteer committee I could and attend every meeting I was invited to. Although my title changed, being acquired gave me the opportunity to learn and grow significantly quicker than I would have been able to otherwise.
There are definitely challenges when navigating an acquisition. Everything was different, and I had to learn who the new “go-to” people were, how decisions were made, and other foundational information. For those transitioning alongside of me, I was the familiar HR representative, and I made it my mission to help lead the way as much as I could through my position. KCI had set up training for different subjects and systems to help get us acclimated, which was certainly helpful. Additionally, we had a KCI leader who regularly came to our office to answer questions and guide us through the process.
I learned through the acquisition that, just because something is comfortable, doesn’t mean it’s what is best for you. It was an uncomfortable experience at times, but I am way better for it. KCI is a great company and, in the years since being acquired, I have seen us (the team I was acquired with) grow, have access to technologies and resources we need, earn greater wages and benefits, have better working environments, and much more. I now also have heightened compassion and patience for others going through change since I have lived through it.
Since 2019, I have truly embraced being a KCI employee and have worked hard to contribute to the firm. In turn, I have been promoted several times and am now a Senior Human Resources Manager here. I have been privileged to be exposed to so many opportunities while working at KCI that I am certain I would not have been otherwise. I have also graduated from the Emerging Leaders program and will be participating in the Professional Leaders development course to continue advancing my career.
While I can’t speak for every acquisition, I can speak to a KCI acquisition, and my advice to others navigating their own experience is to keep an open mind. Give some time before you judge the firm. Find resources within the company to help you get connected and don’t be afraid to ask questions. You will have to put in some of your own effort to assimilate, but it will be worth it.