Kristen Knape

An executive level strategist who believes deeply in purpose & culture.

We're in a pivotal moment for marketing: brands need to move beyond shouting for attention and instead integrate authentically into people's lives and culture.

My Purpose

With 25 years of experience, I guide agencies, companies and individuals in the articulation and activation of their brand purpose at every touch point. Because when brands clearly understand their role in the world, they create the most tangible value for both their employees and society.

I use goosebumps, increased heart rate, teary eyes, and clapping as key metrics of my success.

 

Co-Creation

I provide a no-nonsense, simple approach to purpose and impact. From internal processes, to partnerships, to business strategies, to communication frameworks, I’m here to roll up my sleeves and get working fast.

I’m humbly open to coming in during any part of the process, whether you’re staring at a blank sheet of paper, or you want a second set of eyes on a near-to-final output.

 

Specialties

  • Brand purpose & societal role definition

  • Business, consumer and cultural analysis

  • Fostering internal alignment

  • Annual strategic planning

  • New business pitch development

  • Comms planning & messaging hierarchy

  • Social media strategy

  • Audience profiling

  • Research methodology development & vendor management (qual & quant)

  • Brand partnerships guidelines & filters

  • Strategy department setup, structure and operations

Present & Recent Past Clients

Spectrum

Port of Long Beach

Frito-Lay / Pepsi-Co
De'Longhi
California Lottery & NASPL
LG
Lenovo
LA Fitness 
Virgin Galactic
Honest Kitchen
IMAX 
Luka Donçic (77X)

Chamberlain

Niagara Water

Chicken of the Sea 
Kraft

VIZIO

AT&T
Universal Studios

State Tourism (CA, TX & AZ)

Homeboy Industries

LACHSA

California Lottery

Changed the business from a rational “chances” brand to a lifestyle “belief” brand,

LA Fitness

Changed the business from a “new year resolutions” brand to a daily lifestyle brand.

Stacy’s Pita Chips

Changed the business from a snack brand to an “amplifying women” brand

VIZIO

Changed the business from a “bells-n-whistles” brand to a “simple is beautiful” brand.

Universal Studios

Changed the business from a family-safe Disneyland competitor to a “bold is better” brand.

15 Minute Jam Seshes

Unsure how we might work together? Let’s chat.

Bring your ideas. Your wishes. Your stupid questions (cause you know I’ll say there’s no such thing). Perhaps I can help. Perhaps I know someone else who can. Regardless, it’ll be fun.