Meet Kimberly Gossard, marketing and brand strategist for Monet, who works directly with the CEO and other executives to develop and shape the company’s brand, determine their overall marketing plan, and clearly communicate their company’s worth and objectives to investors, customers, and consumers. Much of her time is spent doing market research such as expert interviews to confirm industry assumptions and guide marketing efforts.
She also serves as the Marcom Director for the 2016 San Diego American Marketing Association Cause Conference, overseeing all conference marketing communications for email, website, social media, content marketing, public relations, and advertising. Her responsibilities include guiding the overall marketing strategy for the conference, managing all project timelines, integrating Cause Conference communications with general San Diego AMA communications and channels, and championing the team.
WHAT DID YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT VOLUNTEERING FOR THE SAN DIEGO AMA?
Leading the dedicated subcommittee that makes my job possible has given me the opportunity to work with some AMAzingly talented individuals. I am learning so much from each and every one of them about their area of expertise, the AMA, and even myself! This experience has truly had a profound impact on me and I have David Palmer, the San Diego AMA President, and my marcom team to thank for that.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BRAND, AND WHY
I don’t have a favorite brand. I think there are lots of purposeful brands each doing their own cool thing to impact the world, and there is a lot to be learned by looking at a variety of leading brands like Patagonia, Toms Shoes, Unilever, etc. Instead of idolizing one specific brand, I choose to admire and learn from the best parts of a bunch of brands. In fact, I think that’s what is so great about the Cause Conference: many of these types of companies coming together to share ideas and learn from one another.
WHAT IS YOUR GOLDEN NUGGET OF WISDOM?
“In the end we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand; and we will understand only what we have been taught.” – Baba Dioum, 1968.
Something else I heard recently from a new friend that struck a chord with me is “If you don’t like change, you are going to like irrelevance even less.” – General Eric Shinseki
WHO INSPIRES YOU?
Everyday people doing their job extremely well inspires me. It takes a certain sense of ownership and responsibility to become a master in anything, and I admire that. I’m also inspired by people performing random acts of kindness because it reminds me how beautiful the world can be.
WHAT ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT?
I’m passionate about making the world a better place in whatever way I can. On that same note, I’m specifically passionate about increasing ocean conservation awareness so that the wonders of the sea still exist for future generations. Within my career, I’m passionate about exceeding expectations and learning from every experience I have in order to apply that new knowledge to future opportunities.
HOW HAS THE AMA HELPED YOU EXCEL IN YOUR CAREER?
First and foremost, the AMA has given me the experience of being a marcom director, which has taught me various skills that will serve me throughout my career. Additionally, the AMA has provided a network of marketers with my same values with which I will be able to continue to learn from in order to progress as a marketing professional myself.
