May 2025: Kim Shumway
Kim, can you describe how Allconnect services the energy industry.
Allconnect builds personalized customer experiences for utilities that are designed to leave a lasting impression. We have a variety of solutions tailored for the industry that connect millions to energy products, simplify complex processes like moving essential services, and professional services that focus on customer-centric excellence. By utilizing patented technology platforms, a digital-first approach, and will pull out all the stops to exceed our partner’s performance goals.
What goals are the companies trying to achieve when they partner with you for these services?
Companies who partner with us are looking to enhance customer satisfaction, increase brand awareness and generate economic return. Allconnect is often an accelerator to achieving these goals quickly as we are able to test, deploy and adapt to innovative experiences efficiently which speeds return on investment and mitigates risk. This industry is always evolving so testing and learning is critical to delivering long-term value to all stakeholders.
What personally inspired you to use your expertise in the energy industry?
I thrive navigating complexity and adapting to an ever-changing landscape. The dynamic nature of this industry, the unique business model and the regulatory nuances never fail to uncover new opportunities for growth and innovation.
I have a knack for connecting dots across a journey that spans business functions. Ideas surface when I can see customer moments in actions. I’m just as comfortable wearing steel toe boots in the field as high heels in a boardroom. The energy industry provides that diversity.
I’m also motivated by the collaborative nature of our partnerships. I am in my element when working alongside the leaders who power the energy industry forward!
As we seek to inform, inspire, and motivate the next generation of workforce talent, briefly share with us, your education and professional background, please.
My career kicked off at a Fortune 500 telecommunications company when deregulation and technology disrupted everything about service delivery. That era was key in shaping how I approach business to this day. These experiences cultivated my resilience, creativity and innovative spirit which set the stage for roles that I would take on in the future. From there, I was a part of three venture-backed start-up companies which then landed me at Red Ventures.
I’ve had the opportunity to lead teams across technology, operations, marketing and product & business development. Throughout my career journey, I’ve challenged myself to step outside my comfort zone, learn new skills, and take unfamiliar challenges head-on. I encourage the next generation of workforce talent to be brave and learn new things, it will pay off!
Knowing what you know today, what advice would you have given yourself twenty years ago?
If I could go back and give myself advice at the beginning of my career, I would emphasize the notion that you can, in fact, have it all, but not at the same time. Life is a series of choices and priorities, a juggling act of what matters most at any given moment. While we may not be able to have everything simultaneously, you can shape your life in a way that aligns with your current goals and paves the way for future ones. Our intuition can serve as a guide towards a path that resonates most with our values and who we aspire to be, trust it!