We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kate Long. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kate below.
Hi Kate, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
I believe my resilience, like in the case of so many people, has been developed over time. When life punches you in the gut, you have 2 options: to roll over or to get stronger. I choose to get stronger.
For me, the gut punches started when I was in high school. Tragedy just started hitting my family, and frankly, only just started to subside in 2022. We have dealt with mental illness, drug and alcohol addition, tragic car accidents, death, estrangement, and So. Much. Cancer.
My resilience comes from all of these experiences. I opted not to allow these tragedies break me. Rather, I looked at them, including my own cancer diagnosis, as opportunities to learn, develop, and most importantly, get stronger.
And as I grow stronger, I look around to see how I can bring this strength and resilience to those around me who may be struggling. That is what ultimately keeps me going.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I have spent the majority of my career in technology marketing. Why, you ask? Well, because 20 years ago my husband and I agreed on Seattle as a “compromise” between the 2 places we were raised (Southern California and the Chicago Suburbs). We have been here ever since, and technology is the biggest industry here.
While I somewhat stumbled into this career, it’s one where I have found passion and meaning. However, this passion isn’t necessarily about the technology I am marketing. Rather, it’s driving sustainable, long-term growth by truly understanding the customer, optimizing every part of the marketing ecosystem and creating impact that lasts.
I am a marketing innovator, strategist, and operator who has built brands, defined new categories, and ignited product enthusiasm across for many companies. Though I have found “traditional” success in these roles, for me, success isn’t just about results. It’s about people. I believe sustainable growth happens when you have a high-performing, empowered team behind it. I’m deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of marketing talent, especially women in technology, and building teams that are future-ready and capable of making a lasting impact.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
1. Always ask questions. Don’t assume that everyone else around you knows the answer and don’t worry about “looking stupid.” Digging in and gaining understanding leads to better outcomes – and makes you, and everyone else around you, smarter in the meantime.
3. Take the time to get to know people. Understanding the whole person not only leads to more meaningful relationships, but also helps you understand where people are coming from, what their strengths are, and what motivates them for the best outcomes.
2. Don’t let failures define you. Approach life with a growth mindset – you will always be learning, improving, and growing as a result.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
I return to my breathing and center myself. I might take a quick walk. I might take a break from my computer and do some breathing exercises. I might go to yoga. Whatever it is, I take a break and try to put things into perspective.
If that’s not enough, I talk it out. I find someone I trust and I talk through what’s overwhelming me. This helps me get the feeling of overwhelm out of my chest and helps me solution, if needed. Just be clear when you are talking with someone if you are looking for an answer or you just need a sounding board!
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