Premier agency level work – without the agency overhead
I help enterprising brands work smarter because I believe in the trailblazing spirit.
I root for the underdog and believe in those companies who challenge the status quo to make change for the better. I bring brand focus so you can plan big.
You know that you have a great product but struggle to articulate your brand in a way that stands apart.
My superpowers are clarity and vision.
I’m a classically trained marketer infused with nimble start up experience who has best in class learnings from F500. I’ve created my own strategic branding approach tailored to enterprising companies looking to move faster, with less people and without traditional brand agency overhead.
I’m here to help enterprising companies use the full power of their brands by bringing premier agency level work that fits the entrepreneurial spirit.
I help brands work smarter.
Experience
An expert in creating new brands, evolving existing ones and the art of their story telling.
I’ve had the honor of working with global brands - Unilever, PepsiCo, Starbucks, Kraft, Mars, Pret a Manger - that took me around the world. I’ve conducted consumer research in Mumbai, India. Attended Brand Archetype training in Nice, France. Managed a commercial shoot in Cape Town, South Africa.
My job? Figure out how to connect with consumers.
These days, I work with enterprising companies looking to next level their brand identity, so they grow. I help leadership teams lean into their identity and use the full power of their brands, so they stand out online. I work with a range of enterprisers at various stages of growth to help them get to the next level. I also believe in cultivating the next generation of brave thinkers, so I volunteer as a Brand Mentor at 1871 - Chicago’s Tech incubator.
Join my list
Practical branding strategies for your online business. Case studies, tutorials, and guidance for a focused brand.
Credentials & Education
Founder of Kim Jursa Brand Strategy LLC (Present)
1871 Brand Mentor: Chicago’s Tech Hub Incubator (Present)
Completion of The Copy Cure by Marie Forleo (2020)
Director of Innovation fairlife / Director of Global Menu Strategy McDonald’s (2016-2019)
Recurring Guest Lecturer at the University of Chicago-Graham School: The Importance of Brand Strategy (2015-2017)
Strategy Director for NYC branding and design agency: Clark McDowall (2008-2014)
Brand Management and Innovation: Unilever / Keurig Dr Pepper (1997-2007)
MBA, Entrepreneurship concentration - University of South Florida
What people are saying
“Kim helped me articulate my unique story, so my target consumers find me.”
“Before working with Kim, I was struggling with brand clarity. I know the elements of the brand and their importance but was struggling with how to put it all together to tell a story. My brain hurt trying to think through where all the pieces land. Kim brought an outside perspective and helped me think about what I really wanted to say – she helped me get to my own unique words and story so my consumer can find me. I was open minded going into the session, but truly realized the value when we discussed different ways to talk about the brand, which aligned the rest of my story. I’m much clearer on my brand and very excited about using the new positioning for my upcoming pitch deck.”
— Nicole Sdao, CEO Altruize
“Kim distills the message into something digestible”
“Our leadership team needed to get on the same page with regards to a brand vision. We spend so much time talking about technology we don’t always spend the time thinking about where we are heading. After a Brand Strategy Work Session with Kim, we felt much better about starting the website design process, we were struggling with how to sharpen our conversation and message. These brand questions take thinking and we couldn’t have gotten there without Kim. She is able to distill the message into something that’s digestible. I’m going to hang these pages on the walls for the entire team to climb aboard. ”
— Mike Brown, Co-founder Rake
“Kim’s working style is very approachable – she asks the questions that get me thinking”
“After One-on-One coaching with Kim, I’ve noticed changes in my thinking. My team now has a very consumer-centric view which drives our communication and product innovation. I appreciate another person to build ideas with. Kim’s working style is very approachable – she asks the questions that get me thinking.”