EPISODE SUMMARY
In today’s episode, Mindy Tucker has the opportunity to speak with fellow Theta Kappa sister from Southern Methodist University, Karen Lynch Parkhill—leader in business and finance and one of Tri Delta’s 2025 Women of Achievement. As the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of HP Inc., Karen is a powerful force in the corporate world. We’ll hear about her journey from finding her path in finance to overcoming challenges as a woman in leadership. She shares valuable insights and down-to-earth advice on resilience, confidence, and what it means to lead with both head and heart.
EPISODE NOTES
Hear how being “cross-cut” during recruitment as a freshman gave Karen one of her first lessons in resilience—one that shaped her journey of grit and determination as she went on to realize her dream and become a Tri Delta as a sophomore. Since then, she’s carried those traits throughout her career, navigating the challenges of being the only woman in the room, learning confidence and embracing her power in a male-dominated field.
In this conversation, we’ll hear why Karen believes in being surrounded with supportive friends who keep her grounded while pushing her toward success. She shares her philosophy on authenticity, choosing organizations that allow her to be herself, and offers valuable advice for anyone whether in business, government or service. Learn why she got to chills when learning about being named a 2025 Woman of Achievement, about the causes she’s passionate about and what’s next for her as she leads HP today and beyond. Congrats again, Karen!
Timestamps:
0:49 – Meet Karen Lynch Parkhill
2:00 – Stretching her wings from Illinois to Texas
4:54 – Finding her way to business and finance
5:54 – Lessons learned in Tri Delta
7:36 – Inspiration from a coffee mug
9:15 – Challenges in her career
12:01 – Karen’s advice to “sleep on it
13:10 – Advice to young women in finance
15:15 – What being named a WOA means to her
18:03 – The causes that mean the most
Click here for a transcript of this episode.
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