Kou Moore

http://www.google.com

Founding Peppersoup Media, a company all about brand management and marketing socially responsible companies, started as a simple volunteer job for Kou Moore. A geneticist by day, Kou lent her skills as a blogger to help friend and Project Runway runner up, Korto Momolu, expand her social reach as she grew her empire from reality TV to New York Fashion Week. Realizing that she'd managed to find her passion right about the time her full-time gig was burning her out, Kou decided to go for it and follow her heart helping socially conscious organizations develop and market themselves.

What started as helping a small, local farmers market grew into national launches with big name clients like Target and Vogue. And while all of that's a pretty big deal, Kou not only appreciates her success in a traditional sense, but also takes pride in working with people that have a real impact on the world at large. For Kou, it's not so much about just getting a brand noticed, but getting a brand noticed for all the right reasons.

http://www.google.com

If you’re lucky, persistent and prepared, there’s always better and more.

What drew you to your job?

I have a background in science, public health and communications, which I combined with my interest in supporting businesses and nonprofits that work toward having a positive impact. I created my dream job as founder/director of Peppersoup Media, where I work on branding, marketing and communications for socially responsible organizations every day.

What does your job involve on a daily basis, and what types of responsibilities do you have in your position?

Generally, I spend all day reading, writing, thinking and conversing. Specifically, I work on client accounts, manage relationships with vendors, partners, media and colleagues and scout for new business opportunities.

What is your favorite part of your job?

My favorite part of my job is the strategic planning -- working out how to exploit opportunities for the highest possible impact and return.

What challenges keep you awake at night?

I’m kept awake working on how to increase opportunities while maintaining quality.

Is work/life balance ever a problem with you? If so, what is one no-fail tactic you use to create balance?

I think work/life balance, like multi-tasking, is a myth. Perspective is important, though. I start each day with goals, and if I’ve gotten a bit closer to those goals by day’s end, then I'm happy. If you’re lucky, persistent and prepared, there’s always better and more.

Was there ever a moment in your career where you’ve thought, “I can't believe I have this job?" What was it?

I’ve had many, many, many experiences like that, but the two most recent ones were handling a client’s national launch at Target and being approached by a New York Times reporter about profiling a client. I enjoy shopping at Target and reading the Times every Sunday.

What are some of the rules you live by?

1 / It’s better to have goals than dreams.

2 / Never give up.

What qualities does one need to possess to be successful in your line of work?

Flexibility, grace and clarity. You’re frequently dealing with different personalities, backgrounds and agendas, so try your best to maintain perspective and inspire everyone for the same common goal.

What’s one piece of advice do you wish you could tell a 21-year-old version of yourself?

Have some perspective; minimize doubt and recrimination.