4-minute read
Kathleen Prendiville is a Partner Lead at Google in the Retail industry where for the last 7 years she has helped some of the biggest brands in Canada reach their business goals through leaning into digital transformation. Kathleen has first hand seen how marketing has transformed over the years & with it what it takes to thrive and cut through the noise.
“When I started at Google, I didn’t know the first thing about how to effectively build a media campaign on Google Search or YouTube. I was not well versed from a digital perspective and seven years ago advertising across different social and online video platforms was still very new. All these different marketing areas of opportunity were just starting to kind of peek through the cracks.”
Along with learning the job itself, being a woman in tech had its own challenges to overcome. “I had certain leaders at previous jobs tell me not to be so funny,” said Kathleen with a grin. “I’ll never forget that day. This former colleague asked me to take away the cornerstone of my personality. I’m so glad I didn’t listen to them because it has been one of the key things that has allowed me to connect with people throughout my career. It takes strength and courage to bring your authentic self into a meeting room. Especially as a woman in tech.”
Fast forward to today and Kathleen now leads Google’s partner relationships in Canada with some of Canada’s most influential retailers, including The Bay, Lowe’s, Walmart, Best Buy, Home Depot and Loblaw’s helping them build out their own profitable digital advertising networks.
When asked what keeps her motivated after a decade of digital advertising Kathleen said: “The common theme that keeps coming back to me and energizes me is problem-solving,” smiled Kathleen. “I love it. I get to sit in a room with a number of different people from so many different backgrounds with different perspectives and we’re not all meant to think the same. It’s the best way to effectively partner with companies in tackling their biggest challenges.”
Being a woman in tech has presented its challenges to Kathleen, but she knows her worth and knows there is a reason she has a seat at the table.
“One challenge I had to overcome in my career was speaking up when I was not 100% confident in what I had to say and owning my voice in the room,” said Kathleen.
“With women representing 1 in every 4 people working in tech (source), we see this underrepresentation every day in virtual meetings and boardrooms which inevitably makes you question at times how or if you should speak up. But that shouldn’t be the case. I’ve been very fortunate at Google to have amazing female mentors at all levels of the company that always inspire me to chase that next step and push outside of my comfort zone.”
Now seven years into her career at Google, Kathleen hopes to be that person that injects energy & inspiration into the working environment for peers and clients alike. Every day she shows up for her team and for herself.
As Kathleen and her team lead these large retailers through transformational digital change, in her mind, it all comes down to this: authenticity and how you are showing up for your customer.
“When people are searching for the best manicure near me or where can I buy the best power drill for my at-home renovations or even where to find someone to do my taxes? You have to think as a brand or service selling in this space, how are you showing up? That’s when you can start driving value for your target customer in a differentiated way,” said Kathleen. “It all comes down to that. Marketing on Google Search or YouTube is not a cost, it’s an investment in acquiring new customers with the opportunity to show up in a way that sets you apart from the rest.”
Are you showing up?
REGISTER TODAY FOR OUR NOVEMBER LUNCHEON WITH KATHLEEN
How Google Can Improve Your Business
Thursday, November 18, 2021 | 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Fairmont Winnipeg
Member Rate: $65 +GST
Future Member Rate: $130 +GST
The pandemic forced our economy into an accelerated digital transformation. Businesses not reliant on technology in the past, suddenly now are ‐ working smarter and faster than ever before.
To keep the technology momentum going, organizations need to do see digital marketing as not just a cost, but a powerful means of attracting new customers and revenue – and it’s easier than you think.
Hear from, Kathleen Prendiville, Partner Lead for Retail Media & Audience Solutions at Google Canada, on how leading companies use digital media as a customer acquisition strategy and how you can too.
Digital and/or physical COVID immunization card will be mandatory
at our event check-in for all Winnipeg Chamber in-person gatherings.
