Beyond the Title is a series of Q&As with alumni of Madison365’s Most Influential lists.
Kalvin Barret was appointed Dane County Sheriff in May 2021 by Governor Tony Evers and was elected to a full term in 2022. He has served as Dane County deputy sheriff and as an officer with the Sun Prairie Police Department, where he was the first Black officer on the force. Previously, he was law enforcement officer at Wisconsin State Fair Park and the faculty director of the criminal justice studies program at Madison College. Kalvin graduated with a BA from UW Sociology in 2004 where he also played football for the Badgers.
What does presence before performance mean to you – and how do you stay grounded when the pressure to perform is high?
It starts for me with daily self-care including exercise, meditation, prayer, gratitude journal, and time with family. I approach every high-pressure situation with this in mind; Proper, Planning and Preparation, Prevents Poor Performance.
What’s the best advice you’ve received from a mentor?
If you are not at the table, then you’re probably on the menu.
Tell us about a time you had to lead before there was consensus – when you were the only one who saw it, believed it or were willing to act. What gave you the courage to move anyway?
I envisioned a safe, humane, and rehabilitative jail facility in Dane County. A facility that focuses on building people up and not tearing them down. I recognized its critical need for those in our criminal justice system. Despite opposition from some community leaders, organizations, activists, and elected officials who prioritized alternative funding allocations or advocated for defunding and dismantling the criminal justice system, I remained steadfast. Others supported maintaining an outdated, inhumane jail as punitive retribution for justice-involved individuals, further complicating the consolidation project. Through principled leadership, I championed a modern facility to promote rehabilitation, equity, and public safety, fostering constructive dialogue to advance the initiative.
Trusting the research, data and staying dedicated to educating and informing the community on the deplorable conditions of the current jail and sharing the design and function of the proposed updated facility.
What’s one question every new leader should ask during their first 100 days and why?
Is every decision I make focused on “being right” or “doing what’s right?” Leadership is about doing the right thing for the right people. Sometimes a leader’s ego and arrogance can get in the way of actual progress and service to the people.
Who’s in your “corner” – that voice of wisdom you trust when things get tough? How do you build and protect that circle?
- My Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
2. My spouse & mother.
4. A group of sheriffs from across the US.
Building an inner circle requires all of us to be vulnerable, honest and humble in our deficiencies as leaders. Seeking and asking for help is the first step. Using the wisdom provided in a respectful manner protects that circle. “Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit, wisdom is knowing not to put it in a fruit salad.”
Leadership can be exhausting. What practices or boundaries help you avoid burnout and stay aligned with your purpose?
Prayer, daily exercise, meditation, proper stress relief practices, building a relationship with a therapist, do not take work home with you, having a great partner by your side. Setting boundaries with coworkers and community members is very important. Knowing when to “turn if off for the day.”
Clout fades. Calling lasts. How do you stay anchored in impact over recognition?
Staying anchored requires a daily focus to prioritize my “purpose” over my “plan.” So many times, we focus on the exact step-by-step plan to success we envisioned in our minds. In reality, our focus should stay on our “purpose” as that will always remain the same. We have little influence over the “plan” life has for us, but we have total control over our daily purpose. My purpose is to make a positive impact on my community and profession, leaving this world better than it was before.
What’s a leadership value you refuse to compromise even when its inconvenient?
Character
What book, quote, lyric or even scripture captures how you lead or how you live?
My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style” – Maya Angelou
When life gets heavy or leadership feels overwhelming, what’s something you turn to: music, travel or cultural connection that helps you feel like yourself again?
Family, and my college music playlist on CD’s
Who is your favorite sports team?
Eastern Michigan Women’s Row Team (daughter #1) and the SC Wave Soccer team (daughter #2). Bucks and Packers.
What is your favorite holiday and why?
Thanksgiving. For the great food, family time, and it’s the holiday before Christmas.
