2025 Consultants Club: Meet Kristie Salter!

At CCN, we believe that our consultants are at their best when they’re empowered to lead fulfilling, balanced lives—and Kristie Salter is the perfect example of this. Recently inducted into the CCN Consultants Club for hitting 5,000 hours with us, Kristie’s career path is as dynamic and unique as her story. From her transition into finance to her passion for animals and music, Kristie is the embodiment of how CCN’s flexible, community-driven approach lets our consultants thrive both professionally and personally.

A Non-Traditional Path to Accounting

Kristie didn’t take the traditional route to accounting—and that’s what makes her story so inspiring. As a kid, she had two loves: music and animals. She dove headfirst into a degree in music performance, with a focus on French horn, but after a year and a half of intense practice, she realized something was missing.

“I got really tired of practicing and being in that little 6×6 square foot room,” she laughs.

Kristie’s passion for animals remained strong, which led her to a veterinary clinic. But the demands of the job quickly caught up with her. “Animals don’t take holidays off,” she says, reflecting on the tough, year-round nature of the field. After considering a career in veterinary medicine, she decided to shift gears. At 30, Kristie enrolled in accounting classes while working full-time, and it took her 10 years to finish her degree. “It took me a while, but I finally got my degree,” she says, noting that persistence paid off and opened new professional doors.

Consulting: The Perfect Fit for Kristie

Once Kristie found her footing in accounting, she soon realized she craved variety and flexibility—something that a traditional office job couldn’t provide. She joined a large consulting agency in 2015 and discovered a passion for consulting that would shape her career. “Accounting is only so interesting. It’s more exciting if I can just start doing different things and not sit at the same desk the whole time,” Kristie says.

That freedom to explore new opportunities is exactly what drew Kristie to CCN. The flexibility of consulting at CCN allows her to work on a range of projects while maintaining control over her schedule. “I really appreciate the flexibility that consulting gives me,” she says. “I don’t have to rush home from a long commute, and I don’t have to wake up to an alarm clock anymore.” That freedom lets Kristie blend the best of both worlds—pursuing professional excellence while nurturing personal passions like music and animal welfare.

Work-Life Balance: The Key to Kristie’s Success

One of the most important aspects of Kristie’s work-life balance is how it allows her to take time for herself and her hobbies. She plays her French horn again after many years, and she’s even joined the Hill Country Community Band, where she can enjoy making music with a group of like-minded individuals. “I really missed playing my horn. I’m just getting back into it, and it feels great,” she says.

In addition to music, Kristie has also found a deep sense of fulfillment through volunteering with animals. She spent about a year and a half volunteering at the Austin Zoo, where she helped with cleaning and care. While the physical nature of the job became too demanding on her shoulder, Kristie remains passionate about animal welfare and is exploring other ways to contribute. “I love being around animals, but the physical work at the zoo became too much for me,” she explains. “I’m now looking for ways to still help out, like walking dogs or playing with cats at shelters.”

For Kristie, having the flexibility to pursue these activities is vital. Without the rigid structure of a full-time office job, she can focus on what truly makes her happy. This sense of control over her schedule is one of the greatest perks of her job. “Consulting has given me the best of both worlds. I get to work with talented people, do interesting work, and still have the freedom to live my life how I want,” she shares.

Looking Ahead: Kristie’s Future Adventures

As Kristie continues her work with CCN, she also dreams of future travels. Iceland, with its stunning natural landscapes, and the Amalfi Coast in Italy, with its scenic beauty and delicious food, are at the top of her list. “I love good food, and Italy is always calling me,” she says, with a smile. She is also considering future volunteer projects and hopes to continue contributing to causes that align with her values. Wherever life takes her, Kristie is ready to embrace the next chapter.

Kristie’s story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when you have the freedom to pursue both personal passions and professional excellence. Congratulations, Kristie, on your well-deserved induction into the CCN Consultants Club! We’re excited to see where your journey takes you next—both professionally and personally.