The Marketing Mentor Network is AMADC’s signature mentor program. It attracts some amazing marketers and we try to get time on their busy schedules to talk to them and find out more about who they are and what motivates them to mentor. Meet AMADC member Kimberly Mikec, contracted Marketing and Communications Manager, Accenture.
Kimberly Mikec
Contracted Marketing and Communications Manager
Accenture
How long have you been a member of AMADC?
Almost a year.
Tell us about your professional background.
I fell into marketing 22 years ago. My initial plan was to have an international relations career and end up at the United Nations but after my first job, during university, as a creative with Army Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) in Stuttgart, Germany I began to consider marketing. My following role as Media Center Chief, also in Germany, offered the opportunity to learn public relations and inbound marketing – my path was forever altered. However, that path has been very diverse and has included roles in B2B, public relations, internal communications and social media for various industries such as global professional services in the sectors of technology, and security; startups, and the federal government.
What attracted you to the marketing profession? What keeps you inspired?
The challenge of understanding customers’ pain points to solve the problem, figuring out how to creatively connect and engage with them on a human level and build an authentic relationship. Marketing continues to evolve and people’s attention spans continue to shorten, so the challenge is always fresh.
How long have you been a mentor with the Marketing Mentors Network?
This is my first year.
What made you decide to join the Marketing Mentors Network?
I wanted to give back. So many people have helped me along my journey and I’m grateful for that.
What (if anything) have you learned from your time in the program?
We all have different paths and together we can move the obstacles or nudge them a bit to the side, to help others as well as ourselves to go where we aspire to be.
What is your favorite part about being a mentor?
Helping my protégé through his challenges to reach his goals and celebrating when he does.
What would you say to others considering becoming a mentor?
You don’t have to be a VP, CMO, CEO etc. to be a mentor; you only need a willingness to give a bit of your time to listen and share your knowledge. It’s an incredibly rewarding experience.
What advice do you have for up-and-coming marketers in your field?
Be a lifelong learner and don’t niche yourself.
Other thoughts/comments you want to add?
Be bold and constantly ask the question “so what”? It sounds rudimentary but when you are marketing, if you can’t answer the “so what” to why you are doing something you may need to reconsider.