Meet the Board: Judy Habib

Roessel Joy’s Advisory Board is made up of diverse and talented members, with success and experience in many different industries. We are proud to formally introduce our members in our new “Meet the Board” series! We (virtually) sat down with KHJ Brand Activation’s Founder and CEO, Judy Habib, to learn more about her experience and her role on our board.

Q: How long have known Jonas and Chris?

A: I met Chris and Jonas about three years ago when I was speaking on a panel about how to succeed as an entrepreneur/small business, hosted by the Boston Business Journal. After the close of the event, Jonas and Chris approached me to introduce themselves. They said they appreciated hearing my perspectives and asked if I would be willing to get together with them for a follow-up lunch. It took a few months to get a date scheduled - they were very persistent. But no surprise there!

Q: What drew you to RJ, and how long have you been on the Advisory Board? How did you become an advisor?

A: So the lunch happened, and I remember being very impressed with both Jonas and Chris. Their energy was palpable. They clearly had been successful in their profession, but they had goals and aspirations that were not being met, and that’s what had them take the leap to start their own business. Most interesting to me was that they were driven by values around not only how to better serve clients, but also how to serve the people who would become members of the RJ team. Toward the end of lunch, they asked me if I would be willing to serve on their advisory board. How could I say no?

Q: What space do you work in?  

A: I am in the brand strategy and marketing communications space, serving clients across industries including healthcare and life sciences, real estate and hospitality, professional services and economic development.

Q: What is your role at your current company?

A: Founder and CEO  of KHJ Brand Activation.

Q: What previous experience do you bring to Roessel Joy? 

A: I am sometimes referred to as “The Brand Whisperer” because of my ability to listen for the soul of an organization, and then help bring that to expression. Jonas and Chris personify the authentic passion and purpose of what Roessel Joy stands for, and that differentiates them in a relatively commoditized market. Our conversations about their ‘brand’ have them appreciating that a strong brand is not just conveyed in language (their website content and marketing), it’s equally, if not more important that it’s experienced in every interaction with employees, candidates and clients. When people experience the passion, purpose and integrity that defines Roessel Joy, that’s a win for everyone.

Q: Are you involved in any other organizations outside of work? 

A: I chair the Board of Directors for ALSAC, which is the fundraising and brand awareness organization for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. I was also just elected to be the President of the Massachusetts Women’s forum.

Q: Where do you see the future of Roessel Joy going in the next few years?  

A: To very great places, spaces and levels of success.

Q: What is your favorite piece of career advice?  

A: You can’t be what you can’t see. Don’t be afraid to have a bold vision. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Learn from everything and everybody.

Q: What is one thing we should know about you that we can’t find on LinkedIn? 

A: That I’m a philosopher at heart. As Socrates said, “The life unexamined is not worth living.” On that basis, my life is priceless…wink.