Public Service Is Hard Yet Rewarding And Fulfilling

Aaron Addison, WGIC Executive Director, speaks with Amber Shultz, Kansas Secretary of Labor, about her journey from anthropology and GIS programming to public service leadership. Amber shares how curiosity, problem solving, professional networks, and a willingness to take risks shaped her career, guided the modernization of Kansas’s unemployment insurance system, and showed her that geospatial thinking can help leaders ask better questions, improve public services, and create new opportunities. This conversation is part of a Horizons Podcast series highlighting the experiences, leadership journeys, and insights of women shaping the future of the geospatial industry. Through these conversations, WGIC aims to showcase diverse perspectives, inspire future talent, and increase the visibility of women across geospatial and related sectors. DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the World Geospatial Industry Council (WGIC) or any entities it represents. 2:34 - From anthropology to geospatial 9:12 - Navigating career barriers and stepping into leadership 16:19 - From technical expertise to public service 23:33 - Modernizing public systems through investment 31:57 - Career advice and mapping opportunity #WGIC #geospatial #GeospatialIndustry #GeospatialInEverything #GeospatialForEveryone #HorizonsPodcast #GIS #WomenInGIS #PublicService #Leadership