20 Under 40: Kirsten Krose

Meet Kirsten Krose, 38, president of SWON Public Affairs and one of our 20 Under 40 Class of 2023 recipients

A VETERAN POLITICAL staffer, bureaucrat, public affairs specialist and lobbyist, Kirsten Krose launched SWON Public Affairs in 2022 with the aim to help local businesses and organizations navigate government operations and the legislative process. Servicing a wide range of private and not-for-profit clients, she is making public affairs advice and strategic planning affordable and accessible to a broader range of organizations, and works to create stronger lines of communication, advocacy and understanding between government and the people government is meant to serve.

Click here to view this story in magazine format

What would you say is your biggest business achievement, and why?

Starting my company, because I always wanted to run my own business, but I just didn’t know what I would do. And then it happened!

What about your biggest business obstacle?

Learning how to run a business, which I am still doing.

Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give to your younger self?

Just go for it. Be patient and think things through, but just do it.

What’s left for you to do – professionally or personally?

All the things! I want to grow my company — I want to develop more ways to help people through my company and give back to the community. I want to be able to train and hire more people to work with me and watch them grow in their roles.

When you’re not working, what kinds of things do you love to do?

I love being outdoors, so anything that gets me out there. Golf, hiking, running, paddleboarding, camping, horseback riding, playing with my kid…anything.

You’re off on your dream vacation – where are you headed?

I love travelling in Canada and want to see all of it — and then see more of the world.

And finally, what’s your guilty pleasure?

Chips and wine. And sleep. Interview by Kieran Delamont