Transforming Tech Marketing with Heart and Data!
In a traditionally male-dominated field, Kara Rudy has carved out a niche for herself as a trailblazing marketer whose influence on the technology industry is catching notice. Her journey from a small town in upstate New York to becoming the Chief Marketing Officer at Compugen Systems Inc., a rapidly growing U.S. based IT service delivery company, is an example of her determination and innovative approach.
Kara’s passion for technology and marketing began at a young age when she discovered her love for copywriting and graphic design. After landing her first job as a web designer for an engineering firm, she quickly rose through the ranks, gaining valuable experience in various marketing roles within the technology reseller domain.
Over nearly 20 years, she honed her skills, building processes and teams that delivered measurable results, all while championing a people-first, data-driven approach. Kara’s unique blend of technical knowledge and marketing expertise sets her apart from her peers. She has been touted as a “best in class IT marketer,” by her peers, coupling a deep understanding of the IT industry with the intricacies of successful marketing strategy and execution. Her ability to bridge the gap between executive visions and ground-level operations exemplifies her commitment to inclusive and empathetic leadership.
As the founder of MarketDesign Consulting LLC, Kara has worked with SMB IT resellers, VARs, MSPs, and SaaS organizations globally to build their marketing lead generation engines. Her company’s success in turning a start-up into a seven-figure firm in just five years is a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit and strategic vision.
Kara’s impact extends beyond her professional achievements. She is a passionate mentor and coach, dedicated to empowering women in the tech industry. Her belief in the importance of investing in people as much as in the brand itself is evident in her inclusive approach to leadership.
Holding three executive roles at any given time in support of the Compugen Group of Companies—a North American network of technology- driven entities— serving as the Chief Operating Officer of MarketDesign Consulting, the Chief Marketing Officer at Compugen System’s Inc., and the Vice President of Marketing at Compugen Inc., Kara is poised to make an even greater impact on the technology industry. Her commitment to data-driven marketing, digital innovation, and brand evolution offers a winning formula for other tech marketing leaders to follow.
Let us learn more about her journey:
Founding MarketDesign: Turning Setbacks into New Opportunities
After a corporate acquisition and restructuring left her open to new opportunities, Kara found herself at an exciting crossroads in her career.
Rather than jumping into another company position, she took a chance on herself, founding MarketDesign Consulting LLC, in 2018. What started as a solo venture quickly grew into a thriving, seven-figure business.
By focusing on hiring people with deep experience in technology, she ensured that her company could deliver tangible value to clients in the technology space who were looking to define their brand, build their marketing engine, and connect their sales and marketing teams through a focus on data and accountability.
Her proprietary approach, the 6Ps of Progress, focuses on aligning people, prospecting, platform, plan, process, and pipeline, to inspire new levels of internal and external engagement: a proven framework for IT solution providers to carve out consistent, year- over-year revenue growth in an increasingly manufacturer-driven, margin-controlled industry.
MarketDesign’s success wasn’t just an exercise in new clients acquired or revenue achieved; it was an opportunity for Kara to give back to causes she cares most about. Inspired by her personal experiences with cancer, she made philanthropy a key part of the company’s mission, raising nearly $30,000 for cancer research in a few short years. This commitment to making a difference in the lives of others is a theme that runs throughout her career.
Leading with Purpose
Kara’s background as an athlete has profoundly influenced her professional approach, providing her with a robust framework for success. The discipline, structure, and teamwork she cultivated through sports have become foundational elements of her work philosophy. Whether she is coaching her children’s sports teams or mentoring colleagues in a corporate environment, Kara firmly believes that with the right guidance and a strong work ethic, anyone can achieve their goals.
Her mentorship style is deeply rooted in her extensive practical experience across various roles within a company. Having worked her way up from entry- level positions to the executive suite, Kara leverages her diverse experience to assist others in navigating their career paths. For her, mentorship transcends mere advice; it involves instilling the necessary structure and discipline that individuals need to thrive in their professional journeys.
As a key leader now for three growing organizations, Kara leans on the principles that have guided her throughout her career. She leads with an emphasis on clarity and purpose, ensuring that the company’s strategies are intricately aligned with its core mission and values. This alignment is crucial for fostering a cohesive brand identity and achieving sustainable growth.
Kara’s marketing approach is refreshingly straightforward. She asserts that a company’s brand should authentically reflect its true identity, with go-to-market efforts focused on building trust—both with customers and internally among team members. This philosophy has proven effective, as evidenced by Compugen Systems’ impressive market share expansion, which has doubled year-over-year for the past three years, alongside enhanced brand recognition.
Her athletic background has not only shaped her professional ethos but also equipped her with the tools to inspire and lead others. Her commitment to mentorship, clarity in marketing, and dedication to building trust within her organization exemplify her belief that success is attainable for anyone willing to put in the effort and embrace the right guidance.
Balancing Empathy with Accountability
Kara has consistently emphasized the importance of emotional intelligence (EQ) alongside strategic thinking throughout her career. Recognizing that business fundamentally revolves around people, she prioritizes the human connections that are vital for success. This dual focus has not only enhanced her effectiveness but has also established her as a respected leader within her organization.
At Compugen, Kara’s leadership is marked by a strong commitment to clear communication and the establishment of shared goals. She actively ensures that all team members, from marketing to sales and operations, are aligned and working towards a unified vision. This collaborative approach has been instrumental in Compugen’s achievements, fostering a culture characterized by mutual respect and support.
Kara’s ability to balance practical business demands with a profound understanding of her colleagues has created an environment where team members feel valued and empowered. Her leadership style encourages open dialogue and feedback, enhancing team cohesion and driving performance. By integrating emotional intelligence into her leadership practices, Kara not only cultivates a positive workplace culture but also positions Compugen for sustained success in a driven model.
This holistic approach to leadership exemplifies the critical role of emotional intelligence in achieving organizational goals and fostering professional growth.
Sending the Elevator Back Down
Kara Rudy exemplifies the values of hard work, authenticity, and a strong commitment to empowering others. Her approach to leadership transcends traditional boundaries; she sees herself not merely as a leader but as a coach dedicated to nurturing the next generation of tech professionals. Her LinkedIn newsletter, which she personally contributes to each month, is aptly called Dear Future Self; is a collection of letters which reflect on lessons learned and insights gained for the learner within each of us.
Kara’s career serves as a powerful reminder that true success is not solely about personal advancement but also about fostering an environment where others can thrive. MarketDesign Consulting LLC, which was incorporated into the Compugen Group of Companies in January of 2024. “There has been a key transition happening in marketing and technology over the last five years,” she says, “with many top players uniting thought leadership with consumer insights. Data is the common thread, and it’s so important to let it guide our efforts.”
Her recognition as one of the 2024 Women of the Channel Power 100 highlights her influence and dedication to innovation within the industry. Kara Rudy’s story inspires many, illustrating that leadership is about creating opportunities for others and making a meaningful difference in both professional and community settings.
