Kasie Smith is the President and Publisher of Serendipity Media.
What motivates you to continue to grow Serendipity Media?
When we started Serendipity Media in 2002, we went to our first trade show without a magazine and only a website saying it was coming. Since then, we’ve seen the media industry evolve and change in ways that I couldn't have expected. Over the years, we’ve evolved our products keeping client service top of mind. We have entered new markets where it made sense. And, we have grown via new verticals that I never could have imaged.
No two days are the same, which makes coming to work every day more enjoyable. But what truly motivates me is the team I have the pleasure of working with. Each of our team members brings a unique talent to the office every day and together, we get to exceed our client’s expectations. What could be more motivating than that?
What's your favorite part of your job?
I love the fact that we continue to grow on a regular basis. We learn new skills, we gain new clients, and we evolve just as the media industry is evolving. “Grow beyond where you are” is a culture standard of ours. We like to stretch ourselves and learn new things to stay relevant and progressive.
What do you love most about working with Serendipity Media clients?
I love the diversity of our client base and the relationships we have with them. Our publications range from tour & travel and education, to lifestyle and arts & entertainment. Each and every client has a story to tell and being able to tell that story is what makes this work so rewarding. Many of our clients have been partners of ours for years and growing together makes it that much sweeter.
What's the coolest place your job has taken you?
This is a hard one. I've been fortunate to travel all over with our work. But, if I had to pick, I would say Scotland.
This past summer, the National AfterSchool Association hosted an International Learning Exchange in Edinburgh, Scotland. It was a spectacular few days of exchange and learning. But what made it the coolest place was the extended golf trip we took to St. Andrews. As a golfer, it was a bucket list experience being able to golf the Old Course at St. Andrews, among others that exceeded my wildest expectations!
What are your top three tips for businesses or companies?
- Identify who you are, what your priorities are and how you go about your business. We’ve always had a mission, vision and core values, but when we extended our standards to include culture, brand and hiring standards, we evolved much stronger together. These standards help team members know what's most important and how we expect to work together. Knowing this as we go into work creates a solid foundation for us to start from.
- Sometimes you have to say “No.” Early in my career, we wanted to work with everyone. Turning down business seemed ridiculous. But over time, I learned that doing good business was better than doing any type of business. It’s my job to make sure that we’re successful and sometimes not doing certain work is better financially and often better morally.
- No matter how crazy work gets, do your best to find balance in life. There will always be work to be done and sometimes it may even be overwhelming, but be sure to make time for family, friends and your health.
In a game of truth or dare, what are you more likely to pick?
In my earlier years, I might have picked dare. Today, I'd select truth any day of the week.
What's your go-to drink?
I'm a Chardonnay girl! I love something full bodied ... The more oaky and buttery, the better!
It's the weekend! What are you typically doing on a Friday or Saturday night?
It depends on the season. If it's warm enough, I could likely be found on the golf course. Our boys are old enough for us to play together as a family, which is GREAT! If its winter and it’s a Saturday, we’ll likely be at a basketball game or two followed by dinner out! We’re definitely foodies, so trying new places out is something we try and take advantage of in the winter.