Ian K.

About Ian K.

StrengthsFinder™ Top 5: Strategic | Individualization | Learner | Futuristic | SignificanceWorking Genius™: Wonder | GalvanizingI am an interdisciplinary collaborator, strategic communicator, and global systems thinker with 10+ years experience in marketing, market research & customer insights, competitive intelligence and business strategy across startups, global corporations & institutions, and consultancies. I am a futurist at heart with deep passion for creating change and process improvement based on cutting-edge innovations and emerging trends that have potential to improve lives, delight customers, and change the world. I am a self-starter. I am a life-learner. I am a keen observer of emerging trends and opportunities. I am a unifying, diplomatic communicator and relationship bridge-builder. I am creative in my mindset, strategic in my approach, and human in my interaction. My eclectic background has created a holistic, interdisciplinary mindset allowing me to connect with many groups of people. I have learned to not only be adaptable and flexible (bend but don\'t break mentality like the bamboo tree), but to find tolerance in the ambiguity of innovation. I have refined the ability to find structure in chaos and navigate ambiguous landscapes: define strategy and clear communication; home in on actionable yet achievable goals; and above all remain committed to customer-centric solutions, forging rich and deep relationships with team members, clients, and stakeholders alike to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes (win-win) that achieve excellence in customer satisfaction!Having led innovative and technical projects—working interdisciplinarily—I thrive on changing landscapes and ability to wear multiple hats. I have the strategic vision to set long-term goals and longitudinal strategies coupled with the drive and discipline to focus on the work at hand to solidify plans and see success through to the end—product innovation, research projects, campaigns, business strategy, business development, new market opportunities, etc. I foster positive attitudes built on the foundation of great team relationships; strategic communication; encouragement of individual growth; and personal development that ties into better work efficiency to achieve team satisfaction and success on a budget. I accomplish all of this with high enthusiasm; a love for mentoring and helping; a problem-solving mindset; and the ability of being a people person, thriving on creating lasting connections with those I interact with as to produce the best possible outcomes!

Experience

1. Marketing Director

   Convergent Therapies

   Apr 2025 — Present · Seattle, WA, US

Education

• UMN Carlson School of Management

  Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), Marketing | Insights | Strategy

• Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar (UCAD)

  International Studies & Business Development, Franco-Senegalese Cultural Studies

• University of Minnesota

  BA, Journalism & Advertising

Skills

• Managing Associates
• Marketing Communications
• Data Analysis
• Creative Development
• Photography
• Copywriting
• Travel Photography
• Global Marketing
• Operations Management
• Microsoft Office
• Marketing
• Leadership Development
• Social Media
• Adobe Creative Suite
• Project Management
• Customer Service
• Sales Management
• Strategic Communications
• Ethnography
• Graphic Design
• Account Management
• Event Management
• Marketing Strategy
• Adobe Software
• Public Speaking
• Online Advertising
• Global Insight
• Global Strategy
• Team Leadership
• Marketing Research
• Market Research
• Advertising
• French
• Creative Direction