She Means Business: The Ambitious Woman's Guide to Achievement - Teara’s Story
From the boardroom to the battlefield, ambitious women have been making waves and breaking barriers in every field imaginable. Despite the countless obstacles they face, they refuse to be held back by societal expectations or gender stereotypes. Instead, they blaze their own trails, inspiring and empowering others along the way.
Whether you're a woman with big dreams or simply someone who admires those who dare to chase them, you'll find plenty of inspiration here. We sat down with Teara Kilmer from Austin, Texas to learn about her journey as a woman and mother in business.
Let’s start with an introduction. Tell us about yourself. Feel free to share your business, your life’s mission, and what brings you joy.
My name is Teara Kilmer and I am a seasoned business consultant and entrepreneur. My passion is for driving innovation and improving the healthcare, workers compensation, and risk management industries. As the founder of both TK Essential Consulting and HILDR Group, I am committed to delivering high-quality services and data-driven products to these industries to reduce fraud & abuse and unnecessary costs that enhance the patient/client experience and mitigate risk. I have over 17 years of experience in procurement services, product development, operations, and sales. Through my career, my commitment to building strong relationships has earned myself a reputation as a trusted advisor within my field.
My mission to improve the healthcare industry extends beyond my work as a consultant and entrepreneur. I am dedicated to promoting diversity in healthcare and advocating for greater diversity in influential decisions that impact the healthcare delivery system. With a vision to support a more equitable and just healthcare system that involves improving access to care that is cost effective, medically necessary and compliant. As this is a foundation to a more equitable healthcare system that benefits all involved.
Outside of my work, I find joy in spending time with my family and achieving a healthy work-life balance. I believe family is the cornerstone of building strong communities and am passionate about making a meaningful impact on the lives of others. Through my dedication to promoting diversity, inclusivity, and access to healthcare, I am working towards a better future for all.
“By staying focused on my goals and seeking support from others, both personally and professionally, I have been able to overcome these obstacles and achieve success.”
Here at BBN, we’re all about sharing Women’s stories. Tell us about a time you had to overcome an obstacle? What did that moment in your life teach you?
I have faced significant challenges related to mismatched qualifications and abilities, which have at times created a lack of confidence and limited my opportunities. Through these experiences, I have learned the importance of resilience, maintaining a positive attitude, and relying on data to inform decisions. By staying focused on my goals and seeking support from others, both personally and professionally, I have been able to overcome these obstacles and achieve success.
What do you believe is the biggest challenge women in business face?
As a woman in business, I have personally experienced the challenges of the gender pay gap and a lack of representation in leadership positions. These experiences have taught me the importance of advocating for gender equity and support for women in business, so that all women have equal opportunities to succeed. I actually participate in organizations that gear towards supporting women such as, Boss Babe Networking (BBN), National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), and Alliance of Women in Workers Compensation (AWWC) .
“It’s essential to remember that brand is everything - your reputation and the perception of your business can make all the difference in your success.”
What did the younger version of you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a PharmD and a lawyer specializing in patent law with a career in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Although my career path took a different turn, I am still passionate about the field of pharmacology and dedicated to making a positive impact on patients and communities through innovative products and solutions. I am excited about the possibilities that exist within this field and committed to staying at the forefront of the industry.
What advice would you give Women in Business?
My advice to women in business is to focus on a niche market or develop a flagship product that not only sets you apart from the competition but also brings a unique solution to an area of concern. Additionally, it's essential to remember that brand is everything - your reputation and the perception of your business can make all the difference in your success. Stay true to your values, be authentic, and always strive for excellence
Where can our readers connect with you online?
If you are in need of value-based care consulting services or a reliable medical and testing supply vendor partner, TK Essential Consulting and HILDR are here to be of service. Contact me directly via LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tearakilmer/ or visit our websites, www.tkessentialconsulting.com and www.hildrgrp.com, to explore our offerings and discover how we can assist you in achieving your business objectives.
