Today we’d like to introduce you to Kirsten Conrad.
Hi Kirsten, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have spent the past 18 years working in preschool settings, which helped me discover my passion for early childhood development and build a strong foundation in supporting young learners. I earned my degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Early Childhood Development from the University of Kansas, where my interest in child development truly began.
As a mother of two boys, ages 10 and 12, I’ve gained an even deeper perspective on working with children. Parenting has helped me approach leadership and training with a balanced, fun, and supportive mindset.
In April of 2023, I joined Goldfish Swim School as the General Manager for both Kansas City locations. I have the privilege of leading a team of over 100 staff members while also staying hands-on by teaching in the water a couple mornings each week. My passion lies in youth development and sports, and I find it incredibly rewarding to watch swimmers overcome fear and build confidence through their progress.
At Goldfish, we don’t just teach children how to swim — we help them dive into life with confidence, and I truly love being part of that mission.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Throughout my career in youth sports and child development, I’ve learned that success doesn’t always come from a smooth path. We’ve faced a variety of challenges, including shifts in parent expectations, the impact of the pandemic, and ongoing economic struggles. Working through each obstacle with a positive mindset has strengthened my resilience and reinforced my confidence as a leader.
These experiences have taught me that with hard work, dedication, and a commitment to the team, it’s possible to overcome difficulties and emerge even stronger on the other side.
I also believe that having a growth mindset is essential in this role. I’m always learning, and I view every challenge as an opportunity to improve and adapt. At Goldfish, we often talk about having the “mind of a Goldfish” — letting go of what you can’t control and quickly adjusting to what you can. That approach has helped me stay focused, flexible, and forward-thinking in both leadership and daily operations.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Goldfish Swim School is built around the Science of SwimPlay, which combines guided play with a safe, supportive learning environment. We understand that children learn best when they’re having fun, so our curriculum is designed to help kids become confident, capable swimmers while developing essential water safety skills. Our goal is to ensure that every child in the Kansas City community has the opportunity to learn how to swim and feel safe around water.
We also strive to provide the best overall experience for families. From the moment they walk through our doors, families become part of the Goldfish family. We go above and beyond to create a welcoming, comfortable environment with thoughtful amenities like family-friendly changing huts, a blow-dry bar, suit dryers, and a warm, shiver-free pool deck kept above 90 degrees so children can swim comfortably year-round.
I’m incredibly proud to be part of Goldfish Swim School because we encourage our swimmers, families, and staff to be their best selves. Being able to serve and support the Kansas City community through this mission is something I truly value.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
One of the best pieces of advice I’ve learned is also one of the simplest: you have to be willing to put yourself out there. Growth often starts by stepping outside of your comfort zone, asking questions, and seeking opportunities to connect and learn from others.
At the same time, having a strong growth mindset is essential. I truly believe that there is always room to improve, both professionally and personally. By staying open to learning and expanding my view of what’s possible, I’ve been able to achieve goals I once never thought I could reach. That mindset continues to motivate me to keep growing and striving for more.
Pricing:
- $30/ Lesson
- $15/ Family Swim
- $450/ Birthday Party
- Free Trial Lesson
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.goldfishss.com
- Instagram: @goldfish_lenexa/ @goldfish_overlandpark
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goldfishlenexa/ and https://www.facebook.com/goldfishoverlandpark
