Michael Kim

Background

About Michael Kim

Many people believe in their company's products. But they don't always believe in their companies. Though the reasons for this cynicism can be debated, there is no doubt that humans have always craved leadership and purpose. And when work is supremely tied to purpose for more people than ever—especially for millennials, the largest workforce generation—then organizations that prove leadership and purpose matter will last. And those that don't won't. So I work to address this age-old question: How can our work not only produce profit but help move us toward fulfilling our human potential? After years working in industries ranging from the mortgage sector to film/tv industry to churches/non-profits, I helped organizations treat their employees not simply as changing demographics but as people. And worked to empower existing and future leaders. While working as an account ops exec at Countrywide Home Loans, I initially did what others do: work hard and try to be super-competent. However, after growing into a senior compliance role, I was still dissatisfied, as was others. But this led to a fantastic realization: I had been investing just as much energy in building up people and assessing obstacles in the company's culture, practices, etc. as I did in approving loan purchases. Later on while working at InkTip, I helped recruit talent and developed hiring assessments. I also took on a position as a worship director at a "start-up" church. This gave me experience applying servant leadership practices, and what I would later come to learn as "Organization Development." Since I love the intersection of business and the social sciences, I am pursuing my masters of science in Organization Development at Pepperdine's Graziadio Business School to work with organizations to make their greatest resource—people—thrive. My Thesis is on how Asian American entrepreneurs define leadership.