Blog Post: Ask the Alum: Kathleen Duffy Ybarra

Name:  Kathleen Duffy Ybarra
Job Title/Employer:  President/CEO/Founder, DuffyGroup, Inc.
Year of Graduation:  1981
Degree/Major:  B.A./Communication
 
What is your favorite part of your current job? 
I love the fact that I make a difference in people’s lives.  My employees manage their income potential, work/life balance, and career path, based on their personal/family situation.
 
What career path did you follow from your ASU degree to your present job? 
After graduation, I worked in “personnel” for a large health care organization for less than a year.  I quickly discovered I was not cut out for the corporate world.  The next eight years were spent with a national retained executive search firm, where I had the luxury to be creative and freedom to grow at my pace. 
In 1991, after honing my craft, I started my business.  Today, DuffyGroup is one of the largest recruiting research firms in the country with global outreach.
 
Describe one skill learned at ASU that you use daily in your job. 
This is a difficult question; there were so many skills I learned at ASU.  I would say the most valuable skill has been leveraging personal and professional relationships to build and grow my business.  As a result of my involvement in the Greek system, student government, the Devil’s Advocates and various scholastic honor societies while at ASU, I am continually re-connecting with ASU-affiliated individuals in my business dealings.
 
Were any ASU-affiliated persons helpful to you in advancing your career? 
Dr. Christine Wilkinson.  Christine was ASU’s director of admissions when I was at ASU, and I was hired by her to recruit student leaders from Arizona high schools to attend ASU. 
The Admissions Office was housed in the Moeur Building and it was tight quarters; I worked in Christine’s office and sat at her conference table.  The experience was one of learning through direct coaching, but more importantly, learning through osmosis; I learned so much by being in her office and watching her in action.
 
What advice would you give to current students or job-seekers about finding work in your field? 
Do not be afraid.  Trust your gut. Nourish and grow your professional network.  You never know who will be your next client or employee.