Mentorship has been a cornerstone of Kathy Ireland's remarkable journey, shaped by visionaries like Warren Buffett and Elizabeth Taylor. While she holds them in high regard, Ireland emphasizes humility: "It's vital not to place mentors on pedestals. We're all flawed humans."
Here are insights from Ireland's most influential mentors:
Elizabeth Taylor
Asked about Elizabeth Taylor, Ireland pauses reflectively. "What a gift to be mentored by Elizabeth," she says. "She became family."
Taylor inspired Ireland profoundly, even gifting her the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award Oscar. Taylor's philanthropy, through founding the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation during a time of widespread stigma, taught Ireland the power of tenacity. "She fought fiercely for her convictions," Ireland recalls.
Taylor's quiet generosity—selling diamonds to fund African medical care—influenced Ireland's discreet approach. Today, Ireland champions women's health (named a top 10 advocate by UCLA), serves as an ambassador for the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, opened neonatal intensive care units across the U.S., and is the only layperson on the American Society of Gastroenterologists.
Irv Blumkin
Irv Blumkin, CEO of Nebraska Furniture Mart, was Ireland's first major customer in furniture retail and introduced her to Warren Buffett.
"Irv was tough—he ensured I knew our products inside out," Ireland says. "But we became family." Blumkin echoes: "She's energetic, genuine, with incredible integrity and passion."
Warren Buffett
From Berkshire Hathaway's legendary investor, Ireland's favorite lesson: Do 10 things for others before asking for anything. "It's a principle we all can apply," she notes, countering greed.
At Kathy Ireland Worldwide (kiWW), partnerships start with: "How can we nurture and support them? What value can we add?" Success follows when motives are selfless: "Do things for the right reasons, eyes on others, and prosperity follows."
John and Barbara Ireland
Ireland's father, John, worked in labor relations with Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta, instilling fair treatment. This shaped kiWW's ethical sourcing (avoiding blood diamonds) and worker welfare, influenced by childhood trips to Tijuana witnessing exploitation.
John's mantra: "Under-promise and over-deliver." Her mother, Barbara, the "ultimate entrepreneur," ran businesses from daycare to custom dresses, modeling resilience and innovation.
