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It’s no wonder that Karen Wisniowski thrives under pressure. How can you be an NCAA women’s basketball official and not only be able to handle stress and tense situations, but thrive in them? While pressure may make diamonds, it also reveals character and it’s clear that she has plenty of that, too. Read on to learn more about Karen, why she loves old TV shows, and the synergies between her job today and being a psychiatrist.
Name: Karen J Wisniowski
Job Title: Firm Managing Attorney Collections and Litigation
Company: Orlans PC
Length of time at current company: 1 year 2 months
Length of time in industry: 28 years
How did you get your start in the industry?
After graduating law school, I was eager to find a role that would provide me with substantial courtroom experience and expose me to various facets of the legal field. The financial services industry presented itself as a perfect opportunity to achieve these goals. It allowed me to quickly immerse myself in the legal field and file lawsuits, try cases, and represent clients. Each case brought unique challenges and required a deep understanding of different law areas, including contract law, consumer protection, bankruptcy, etc. Experience was a great teacher for me.
What is your career highlight so far?
My career highlight is more of a culmination than one specific moment. For me, the best part of my career has been successfully handling court cases and leading teams that resulted in favorable outcomes for my clients and set precedent in the industry. Each of these cases required meticulous attention to detail, strategic thinking, and effective collaboration with a diverse team of professionals. They each serve as a milestone reenforcing my belief in the importance of perseverance, ethical practices, and the power of teamwork. Seeing all the hard work pay off and make a meaningful impact on the industry is incredibly rewarding and never gets old.
When or how are you most productive?
For me, pressure equals productivity. The more stress I experience, the more focused and efficient I become. Stress acts as a catalyst sharpening my problem-solving skills and enhancing my ability to multitask, ensuring that I meet deadlines and deliver high-quality results. In these moments, I can channel my energy into productive outcomes, turning challenges into opportunities for growth and success. For many, stress is an obstacle. For me, it’s a spark.
Which industry professional do you admire most?
It’s funny. I don’t have one person I admire most. I have many. You see, I hold great respect for all those who work ethically and empathically in this industry. It’s the collective dedication to integrity, fairness and compassion that truly inspires me. So for each professional who upholds these values and contributes a positive impact for both consumers and clients, that’s my hero.
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
For some, pressure busts pipes. But for me, it makes diamonds. My unique response to stress and fast-paced environment that I mentioned earlier has been a key factor in my professional achievements. It allows me to excel in demanding situations and consistently exceed expectations.
What do you like most about this industry?
I see the financial services industry as a tremendous opportunity to achieve success for my clients while maintaining kindness and empathy towards consumers. I understand that many individuals who find themselves in debt are good people who have simply experienced unfortunate circumstances. So balancing effective debt recovery with compassion has a special reward.
What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
I would love to change the public and political perception of our work. They always go to the negative. Yes, our primary goal is to recover debts and money, but I believe there is a significant opportunity to highlight the compassionate and ethical practices that many of us employ to help consumers handle this stressful process. That is something no one ever talks about.
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
I’d probably be a psychiatrist. After all, I already spend a lot of time understanding people’s problems and helping them find solutions — just with a bit more financial advice and fewer couches!
Describe a typical work day.
Much like Smokey the Bear, I spend my day ensuring everyone adheres to the rules and client requirements, while also putting out the occasional fire. Whether it’s addressing urgent issues, providing guidance, or ensuring compliance, my role is all about balancing proactive planning with reactive solutions to ensure everything runs smoothly and effectively.
What is your guilty pleasure?
I am a big fan of TV shows from the 70s and 80s. I love seeing how issues were presented back then and reflecting on whether we’ve made any progress since. I find it fascinating to compare the social, cultural, and political themes of those times with today’s world. Plus, there’s a nostalgic charm to these shows that makes them incredibly enjoyable to watch.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
A paralegal once told me that in order to succeed, I needed to identify who had the knowledge I lacked and delegate tasks accordingly. I didn’t need to know everything myself. Great advice for a young managing attorney.
What are you currently reading?
In addition to my day job, I am also an NCAA women’s basketball official. So, I’m currently reading the NCAA women’s rules and mechanic books to prepare for the upcoming officiating season. Bet you never had that answer before.
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you?
I am a high-pressure performer. High-stakes situations bring out the best in me, driving me to perform at my peak and deliver exceptional results. This ability to stay focused and productive under stress has been a key to my success.
