Grace Boyle

Connect

http://www.kapost.com

http://www.gracefullplate.com

http://www.smallhandsbigideas.com

Education

Champlain College - Bachelor of Arts, Public Relations

Grace Boyle’s current job started as a consult. Then, there was a chat over beers. And, next, a job offer as director of marketing and sales for Kapost, an online startup — or, as her offer letter called her, “Chief Rainmaker!” At Kapost, Grace keeps busy with everything from marketing to account management to social media, and plays a large role in the company’s voice.

For her “side hustle,” as she calls it, Grace does freelance consulting in brand management, social media and marketing strategy for small-to-mid size businesses. She also authors two blogs: Grace(Full)Plate and Small Hands, Big Ideas. On the first, you’ll find restaurant reviews, recipes and food news. The latter is a conglomeration of Grace’s ideas and covers her life as a woman in a tech startup, daily inspirations, relationships, moving and ideas as a 20-something.

The network you build will stay with you forever. Don't burn bridges; the world is smaller than you think.

How did you discover your current job?

It's all about who you know and creating a community and solid network around you. My previous boss at the startup I was with for the last three years (Lijit) is a good friend and mentor. He introduced me to the CEO and co-founder of Kapost to offer insight as they started to ramp up and needed some advice. I merely was going to offer some thoughts since their work was analogous to what I had been doing. He mentioned they were hiring. Surprised, I mentioned I actually might be interested. A few days later we had beers, next day offer letter, next day I was hired.

What is your typical day like? What types of things do you do in your job?

Like most budding startups, I wear many hats. There are seven full-time employees and I'm the only one who is 100 percent devoted to marketing, community, our users, sales to build our network and social media. It's a mixture of talking with our customers (account management), outbound conversations with to-be customers, perusing the digital journalism landscape online, using social media to grow and find leads, arranging conferences and ensuring our customer base is up-to-date with all things Kapost. I am a large part of the voice for Kapost, outbound and inbound.

What is the most rewarding part of your job? The most challenging?

Kapost truly fills a need. When I speak with editors or online publishers, explaining Kapost's product and service, they start to gush and love what we have built to help alleviate the administrative tasks of editing, managing writers and freelancers, and the entire content production lifecycle. I love helping and communicating.

The most challenging aspect is balancing all the tasks and things that need to get done. When juggling many tasks and ideas, it's important to figure out what is needed immediately, and what can wait.

What is the biggest personal sacrifice you have to make because of your job?

I really haven't had to sacrifice much. I believe in a blended work/life balance and constantly strive to create that, especially in a place as wonderful as Boulder, Colo.

My days are far denser than before and I often have long days, but I remember to leave a little early occasionally or try to enjoy my weekends without too much work. I think the most successful people are those that not only exceed in the workplace, but also, at home and in their personal life. Both are needed.

What is one lesson you've learned in your job that sticks with you?

The network you build will stay with you forever. Don't burn bridges; the world is smaller than you think.

What do you feel is the biggest challenge for women today, particularly females in your industry?

I feel supported and until recently, was the only female at Kapost. The biggest challenge is lack of women in the industry. That is after all, up to women to be interested in the online/tech industry. I think that education and role models are important in aiding in that effort. I love organizations like Ladies Who Launch, Girls in Tech (both of which I have worked with) and NCWIT.

Who are your role models?

Both my parents. They're entrepreneurs and have instilled gumption, honesty, and a work ethic of pulling-yourself-up-by your-bootstraps, to make it work, no matter what.

I love to follow Danielle LaPorte of White Hot Truth for her piercing words and encouragement, especially to women. And professionally as a woman in tech, because I'm also a food blogger and love the intersection of food and tech, Soraya Darabi, co-founder at Foodspotting and Digital Strategist for ABC.

What are some of the rules you live by?

I love this Hunter S. Thompson quote and live my life by it, "Buy the ticket, take the ride." I believe in being good and helping other people with the notion that giving is living. I believe in keeping an open mind, like a parachute and respecting our differences. Finally, I believe our deepest stories, fears, joys, business deals, partnerships and ideas are shared over delicious, hearty, good food.

What advice do you have for women who want to be in your industry?

Ask questions. Push through. Start young. Expect to be challenged, and you will be rewarded. This industry is innovative and I feel at the top of cutting edge technology and in the online space because I am involved and care to know what's happening. Have fun. We're here to enjoy! Finally, find a mentor who is in this space who can share stories, offer advice and encourage you.

Where do you see yourself five years from now?

Like my parents, I would love to run my own company. I have a vision for how I want to treat my employees and even how the office looks. I would love to create a product that helps people and, while serving a need, is fun. We'll see where it takes me; I feel on track for expanding my knowledge and learning.

What are three things you love aside from your job?

Food (cooking it, sharing it, eating it, dining out and traveling to eat it). Travel. My people (best friends, boyfriend, family and puppy).

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thanks for having me here! I really respect I Want Her Job because it provides context to what other successful women are doing professionally.

I'm happy to answer any questions directly or just say hello. I'm gracekboyle at gmail dot com. You can also find me tweeting away @gracekboyle, talking about food at http://gracefullplate.com or on my personal blog http://smallhandsbigideas.com.

Since I'm Italian and have dual-citizenship, I will leave you with the beautiful words of Leonardo Da Vinci: "I love those who smile in trouble, gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection."