Katie and Young at client’s conference in San Francisco
On December 3, industry veteran Katie Olivier (pronounced oh-liv-ee-ay) joined MarketWave as vice president. In true MarketWave style, we had to find out everything about her as soon as we could. Her incredibly caring and energizing personality is the perfect fit for MarketWave where we believe being nice is mandatory. And, her almost 20 years of diverse marketing and communications experience isn’t bad either. Take a minute to get to know her and see why we instantly knew she belonged at MarketWave!
Tell us about what you did before joining MarketWave.
I’ve spent my career in public relations and marketing, with a focus on technology clients. I’ve also worked with clients in restaurants, retail, hospitality and professional services. My expertise is in setting strategy, creating messaging and identifying what visibility opportunities will create the most success for my clients.
What attracted you to MarketWave?
As an integrated agency, MarketWave can customize its offerings for clients and create results that will help achieve goals. Additionally, as I got to know the MarketWave team and learned about their diverse depth of experience, I became really excited about working with these professionals.
What do you hope to bring to MarketWave?
I hope to bring a different perspective on business and clients. With the years I’ve spent working in technology, I am able to offer a level of expertise that will further broaden the agency’s client base.
What’s your favorite client or work memory?
I will never forget getting to throw the football around with former 49er Steve Young. He was such a nice guy, down to earth and an incredible speaker… And, those eyes!
What do you love about our industry?
I love the creativity of the people as well as their diversity. I enjoy learning about their backgrounds and how they creatively meet and exceed client expectations.
What is challenging about our industry?
I do wish that companies interested in marketing could come to us with a greater lead time. The more time we have to talk about goals and strategies, the better the end results. Unfortunately, there are challenges clients face that prevent them from spending the time it takes to fully experience the process. But, there is always such a noticeable difference in the end result when we have the appropriate amount of time to plan and strategize together.
Who inspires you and why?
I can’t narrow this down to one person. There are so many people who are really inspirational to me. Leaders like Tina Young, who dedicate their lives to their businesses, but still figure out how to balance everything. I’m also amazed by the scientists and researchers in technology, as well as professionals who work in nonprofits and put their heart and soul into their work to make changes in the world. All these people inspire me to make a difference. And, I can’t forget to mention my parents who have sacrificed so much so that I could succeed.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I volunteer with animal rescue groups, including North Texas Cat Rescue and Hillcrest Animal Rescue, which is an all-breed dog and livestock rescue. If you are looking for a pet, call me. I know some great foster parents who are preparing pets for adoption.
What’s one thing everyone should know about you?
Well, I’ll tell you more than one thing about me…I’ll talk to anyone. I’m a science nerd. Ever since I was a kid, I have loved cows. (We’ve also heard she thinks chickens and the honey badger are funny!)
Where are you from?
New Orleans, and yes, I can tell you where to go when you visit!
