Meet a Member: Katherine Koon
Katherine Koon is the Marketing Senior Manager for GBQ, an Ohio-based Top 100 firm. In this Meet a Member, learn more about Katherine and how she has seen the accounting landscape change over the course of her career.
About Katherine
Name: Katherine Koon
Title: Marketing Senior Manager
Years of Experience: Marketing: 8 Accounting: 6
College: Capital University B.A., Marketing
Firm Name: GBQ
Firm City & State: HQ in Columbus, OH, with locations throughout Ohio (Toledo and Cincinnati) and Indianapolis, IN
Firm Size: Top 100 Firm, $50M, 200+ associates
Email Address: kkoon@gbq.com
Professional Memberships: Society of Financial Service Professionals Columbus Chapter
Community Involvement: Newfoundland Club of America Rescue
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherinekoon/
In what ways have you seen the accounting landscape change and how has that affected your marketing strategies/plans going forward? Having entered the accounting industry in 2017, I’ve been in a unique position to witness considerable change. From the advancement of technology, the expansion of advisory and consulting service offerings, and increasing M&A activity to the focus on talent, workplace culture and corporate responsibility, our marketing strategies and ways in which we communicate continue to evolve to empower growth and success of these initiatives internally and externally. I’m grateful to be part of an innovative company that values and supports our team and our proactive efforts to positively impact client and employee experiences.
Within your career, what have you learned the hard way? What makes marketing so exciting yet challenging is the opportunity to create value and empower growth amid an ever-changing environment. It’s easy to get caught up in the pressure of creatively identifying “what’s next” and not pausing to recognize progress and accomplishments. Whether going to market with a stellar campaign or implementing a new strategy, looking back to learn (and even celebrate!) is key in successfully moving forward.
What is a “must know” for new accounting marketers? I believe a “must know” is that it’s okay to “not know.” Curiosity continues to contribute toward my career growth as I identify and leverage my strengths.
What is something people may not know about you? My husband and I own two 10-year-old Newfoundlands who inspired our involvement with rescue work throughout Ohio, Michigan and Kentucky. As if we weren’t already outweighed by our gentle giants, we regularly open our home to foster recently rescued Newfies and transport them to their forever home.
What is the biggest benefit you receive from your AAM membership or what effect has AAM had on your career? Since entering the collaborative world of accounting marketing, AAM and its members have been invaluable to my growth; the connections and friendships are an extension of my team at GBQ. Whether participating in AAM-organized groups and discussions or connecting with like-minded individuals for advice and knowledge sharing, this association is one of a kind.
What would you be doing if you had not become a marketer/business development director? Marketing is my true passion. Given the stack of Entrepreneur magazines on my desk combined with my love for watching endless episodes of Shark Tank, I’d be inclined to start a business of my own. Maybe even combine my passion for animals and rescue work?!
If you had an unlimited budget, what is one thing you would implement immediately? While technology is always a topic of conversation (for good reason!), I’d first invest in and continue building our team.
What books have you read recently that you feel would be beneficial to other AAM members? I will pick up a magazine over a book any day. Professionally, Entrepreneur magazine and articles in Harvard Business Review provide innovative insights and inspiration regarding strategy and leadership. Motivated by various business leaders’ stories and unique perspectives, I’m able to see the “big picture” outside of my day-to-day focus and responsibilities.