Meet a Leader: Kristi Epstein, Director of Finance
Redefining the Golden Rule—One Team Member at a Time
At Smartlink, we believe strong leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about the impact you have on the people around you. And if you ask Director of Finance Kristi Epstein, great leadership starts with a simple mindset shift:
“Treat others not how you want to be treated, but how they want to be treated.”
It’s a twist on the classic Golden Rule that Kristi learned growing up. But in her leadership journey, she’s found that effective leaders don’t assume everyone wants the same things—they seek to understand what matters most to each person and adapt accordingly.
“Everyone has a different perspective on what respect, recognition, or support looks like,” Kristi says. “The more I lead, the more I come back to what I call the Golden Rule of Leadership. It’s about showing up for people in the way that’s most meaningful to them.”
To bring that vision to life, Kristi focuses on four key principles:
1. Active Listening
Hear not just what people say, but how they say it—and what they don’t say. “Listening builds trust and helps me understand what truly matters to each team member.”
2. Flexibility in Style
There’s no one-size-fits-all. “I try to meet people where they are—whether they want detailed plans or just high-level vision—and give them the space and tools they need to succeed.”
3. Call Out Wins
Kristi is a big believer in recognizing what’s going right. “It’s easy to focus on fixing problems, but celebrating wins motivates people and shows them they’re valued.”
4. Foster a Thought Incubator
Smart teams are built on shared ideas. “I always want to hear new perspectives. Encouraging people to challenge ideas and offer solutions helps us innovate and grow together.”
For Kristi, leadership is ultimately about unlocking potential:
“Bringing out the best in the people around you starts with truly getting to know them—and valuing what makes them unique.”
That philosophy is something she brings to every meeting, every conversation, and every challenge—and it’s why she continues to make such a meaningful impact at Smartlink.
About Smartlink
Smartlink is a trusted leader in professional services and project management solutions, delivering innovative services that enable clients to streamline operations, enhance collaboration, and achieve measurable results. For more information, visit www.smartlinkgroup.com.