The Power of Being Afraid - an Interview with Kim Thomas, SVP & CHRO, OneAmerica Financial

In the latest Fearless Female Leadership interview, I had the privilege of speaking with Kim Thomas, Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer at OneAmerica Financial, about the power of fear and how leaning into discomfort has shaped her extraordinary leadership journey. Kim shared her personal story of growing up with instability at home, which inspired her from a very young age to take control of her future. That determination carried her through college, career uncertainty, leadership challenges, and even personal transitions such as divorce, always guided by her decision to choose courage over comfort.

Kim emphasized that real growth often happens at the edge of fear, and that by saying “yes” to opportunities (even those that seem intimidating) we develop the skills and confidence needed for long-term success. She also highlighted the importance of writing out a personal and professional vision, staying grounded in values, and taking consistent quiet time to reflect and recalibrate. Her journey illustrates how facing fear not only unlocks personal breakthroughs but also creates a ripple effect of inspiration and empowerment for others.

10 Key Takeaways from the Interview with Kim Thomas:

1. 0:01:37 – Childhood decision to create a different future: At age seven, Kim chose not to repeat her parents’ struggles and committed herself to education and self-reliance.
2. 0:03:29 – Building resilience through discomfort: She intentionally sought out challenging environments—new programs, internships, and diverse groups—to grow and adapt.
3. 0:05:44 – Choosing faith mindset over doubt: Despite financial barriers and subtle discouragement, she refused to internalize limiting beliefs, staying focused on her long-term goals.
4. 0:09:04 – Living at the edge of fear: Kim believes growth and transformation happen when we step into fear, whether personally or professionally.
5. 0:11:14 – Courage in leadership: Initially afraid of “ruining someone’s life” as a leader, she reframed fear into an opportunity to positively impact others—and discovered her passion for leadership.
6. 0:12:03 – Asking “why not?” instead of “no”: A mentor encouraged her to challenge instinctive refusals, opening doors to new experiences like hiking, zip-lining, and eventually learning to swim.
7. 0:14:33 – Ripple effect of courage: By facing her lifelong fear of swimming, Kim not only grew personally but also inspired others to learn and save lives.
8. 0:16:25 – Creating a personal and professional vision: Writing down how she wants to show up and add value keeps her intentional and aligned.
9. 0:18:24 – Saying yes with discernment: Opportunities should align with values and long-term vision—while also recognizing balance and timing matter.
10. 0:22:09 – Carving out quiet time: Even five minutes of daily reflection builds consistency, clarity, and sustainable high performance.

If you’re interested in being featured on the Fearless Female Leadership podcast, or you’re a leader looking to gain clarity on ‘what’s next’, how to build more cohesive and high-performing teams, and lead with greater confidence and influence, let’s have a confidential conversation.

Cheering you on always!
– Sheryl