For Sarah Bundy, her motto – delight, innovate, grow and give back – is more than just a business philosophy; it is the culmination of the fundamental personal principles upon which she has built her company.
Bundy, founder and CEO of Richmond-based All Inclusive Marketing (AIM) often refers to that motto. She credits finding a network of people, including co-workers and clients, who share those values as a reason why her firm is now among the leading marketing companies in North America.
A big part of how she applies philosophy, she said, is to always keep her ears open to opinions and other voices, whether they are those of her staff, clients or the industry at large.
“You have to listen to your team because they are your front line,” Bundy said, noting co-workers’ first-hand experience in the market is crucial for a CEO’s decision-making process. “Being able to ask the right questions with the right people has been a huge factor in being able to get some of the most essential information that one would need to continuously provide value [to clients] and be best in class.”
She said getting the pulse of industry trends is also especially important, since the online/digital marketing space is constantly changing.
“There are so many moving pieces, so being able to build out a company that’s agile and quick about the type of information you have access to – that’s crucial,” Bundy said. “If you do all the talking, you are going to hit the ceiling eventually in terms of the type of information you can provide. But if you learn to ask the right questions and approach it with an open mind, then there is no glass ceiling on what you can do.”
Today, AIM has a long-running A-plus rating with the Better Business Bureau and a five-star rating with Glassdoor. The company has racked up numerous fastest-growing firm awards, and Bundy herself has become a sought-after speaker at industry events.
It is here where she plans to give back to the community at large. In addition to volunteering on the board of the non-profit Performance Marketing Association, Bundy speaks at B.C. schools to inspire youth and mentors women in businesses and startups.
Birthplace:
Vancouver
Where you live now:
Ocean Park (South Surrey)
Highest level of education:
Technology diploma in marketing management from the British Columbia Institute of Technology
Currently reading:
The Women in the Castle by Jessica Shattuck
Currently listening to:
Go Your Own Way by Fleetwood Mac
When you were a kid, what you wanted to be when you grew up:
A vet, a police officer AND a massage therapist
Profession you would most like to try:
Spa and travel writer
Toughest business or professional decision:
Leaving the corporate world to start my first business
Advice you would give the younger you:
Don’t burn bridges. Ever
What’s left to do:
Travel to 27 more countries on my bucket list (been to 29 so far), and start my spa and travel writing business
Join us to celebrate the 2017 Forty under 40 Awards on January 23, 2018, at the Vancouver Convention Centre. For tickets and event info visit http://www.biv.com/events/40under40
