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Joone Kim-Lopez's remarkable journey from South Korean immigrant to transformative water industry leader offers a masterclass in resilience, authentic leadership, and the profound impact of leading with compassion.

Arriving in America at age eight without speaking English, June navigated childhood poverty, cultural isolation, and family hardship before finding her path to leadership. Her candid reflections on being "the weird, awkward, unpopular kid" reveal how these early struggles cultivated her deep commitment to creating environments where everyone belongs.

Joone's unconventional career trajectory—from decorated police officer receiving the Silver Medal of Courage for bravery under fire to becoming CEO of Moulton Niguel Water District—demonstrates how purpose-driven leadership transcends traditional career paths. With refreshing honesty, she shares how she rose from "everyone's peon" in the public affairs department to leading an organization serving 172,000 customers across six cities, all while transforming it into an award-winning workplace recognized nationally by USA Today.

What makes Joone's leadership philosophy so compelling is its foundation in human connection. "I always looked at water as a people business rather than a utility," she explains, detailing how this perspective drives her approach to everything from workforce culture to global partnerships. Her extensive board service—spanning from the California Seismic Safety Commission to the Make-A-Wish Foundation—reflects a leadership ethos that prioritizes community impact over personal advancement.

Perhaps most valuable is Joone's refreshing perspective on work-life balance: "This idea of having to have this perfect balance and perfect life is total false." Instead, she offers a liberating alternative: "Let's forgive ourselves for what we are not. Let's celebrate ourselves for who we are." It's this authentic approach—focusing on meaningful impact rather than perfection—that makes her leadership story so relevant for anyone striving to make a difference while navigating life's complexities.

📌 ABOUT OUR GUEST:
🔹 Name: Joone Kim-Lopez
🔹 Title: General Manager
🔹 Organization: Moulton Niguel Water District
🔹 Company Website: https://mnwd.com
🔹 Guests Social: https://instagram.com/joloh2o/

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