Meet Callie Y. Kim, the Founder and CEO of Waban Impact, a company transforming sustainability goals into actionable strategies that drive global change.
The inspiration for Waban Impact draws from Callie’s personal connection to Lake Waban at her alma mater, Wellesley College. Just as “Waban,” meaning wind, symbolizes movement and transformation, Callie envisioned her company as a force for sustainable impact. After years of consulting for governments, Fortune 500 companies, and nonprofits, she saw a critical gap when these organizations attempted to integrate sustainability practices. Many organizations aspired to tackle global issues but lacked the tools to create real change. Waban Impact was born out of Callie’s drive to bridge this gap, helping clients create purpose-driven strategies rooted in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
During our conversation, Callie shared insights into her journey as an entrepreneur, how she personally defines success, and the advice she would give women wanting to intentionally grow businesses.
What is the underlying mission of Waban Impact? How does your work make a difference in people’s lives?
Waban Impact was founded with a mission to help organizations integrate sustainability into their core business strategies, ensuring that it becomes an intrinsic part of their operations. We focus on translating the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into actionable strategies that are both globally informed and locally relevant.
In my work, I partner with organizational leaders from nonprofits, the corporate world, and the government to define and execute what social impact looks like for their businesses—whether through workforce development, fundraising, marketing strategies, or even street market initiatives. My approach is rooted in aligning business goals with meaningful social change, ensuring that sustainability drives both purpose and profit.
It’s a privilege to collaborate with diverse clients across industries, from the U.S. and Taiwan to Israel and Mongolia. Each experience allows me to contribute to solutions that make a tangible difference in people’s lives and communities, while helping businesses thrive in a rapidly changing world.
How do you personally define success? In what ways does this definition guide both your business and personal life?
One of the greatest gifts of being an entrepreneur is the freedom to define what success looks like for myself. It’s liberating, but it’s also a bit intimidating, especially after years of thriving within structured systems where the path is clearly laid out. Now, as I operate outside that framework, I get to create my own definition of success. For me, it’s about the impact I can make through my venture—how much value I can bring to the communities I work with. Creating positive social, environmental, and governance outcomes is at the heart of what I do. That sense of purpose drives both my business and personal life, shaping how I measure fulfillment and growth.
“For me, success is about the impact I can make through my venture—how much value I can bring to the communities I work with. Creating positive social, environmental, and governance outcomes is at the heart of what I do.”
Can you share a time when you struggled with burnout or stress? What steps or practices helped you regain your balance and well-being?
As an entrepreneur, you’re constantly wearing multiple hats—delivering work, seeking new business opportunities, and managing client relationships—all at once. There was a time when I was juggling four projects simultaneously, along with numerous events, and I started feeling physically and mentally drained—classic signs of burnout. I knew I had to unplug and force myself to step away from work entirely. For me, that meant reconnecting with nature. I spent significant time by Lake Michigan and explored the Midwest with a friend.
Burnout happens, and it’s okay. You just need to find your way to bounce back. Entrepreneurship is a wild ride, full of surprises. Some days you’ll stumble across exciting new business opportunities, and other days it’s just new anxieties. You’ll eventually learn how to coexist with both, finding your own rhythm to stay balanced.
Which personal relationships or life experiences have had the greatest influence on your leadership style?
Living and working abroad for 10 years. Being originally from Taiwan and spending eight years in the U.S. and two in Switzerland, I’ve had the privilege of immersing myself in diverse cultures and learning how to navigate and appreciate cultural differences. These experiences taught me the importance of adaptability, empathy, and finding common ground in unlikely places. Leading in a multicultural environment gave me the tools to connect with people from all walks of life, which has become integral to how I run my business. “Going global” isn’t just a strategy; it’s deeply embedded in my company’s DNA. It’s reflected in the diversity of my clients and the collaborative nature of my work. These experiences have shown me the value of inclusivity and a broad perspective, which I bring to every project and relationship.
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your entrepreneurial journey so far?
The power of authenticity. As an entrepreneur, you no longer have the luxury of hiding behind a Fortune 500 company or a well-known brand. You are the brand. Your reputation, credibility, and work ethic are your unofficial, yet most powerful, business card. Nourishing and protecting those qualities and values is key. When you bring your authentic self forward and build genuine relationships, those connections will support you in ways you never imagined.
What advice would you give to other women wanting to start or grow businesses in an intentional way?
Being intentional doesn’t mean you need to have 100% clarity on the outcome. It’s about being intentionally curious, intentionally crafting the vision for your business, and intentionally building a support network. Acknowledge where you are and accept that there’s no perfect timing. The process of building or growing a business is what makes it truly special. By bringing intentionality into every step, you can navigate uncharted territory with purpose and resilience.
Callie is a member of Dreamers & Doers, an award-winning community that amplifies extraordinary women entrepreneurs, investors, and leaders by securing PR, forging authentic connections, and curating high-impact resources. Learn more about Dreamers & Doers and get involved here.