Julie Kampf
Julie Kampf is a distinguished global business executive and thought leader with over 30 years of experience spanning the life sciences, retail/consumer fashion industries, and not-for-profit boards. She is the Founder, CEO, and Chief Possibilities Officer of JBK Associates International, established in 2003, which has grown into a multi-million-dollar firm recognized as one of INC’s fastest-growing private companies for four consecutive years. Julie is renowned for delivering results that exceed expectations, partnering with CEOs and boards of life science companies ranging from Fortune 100 corporations to early-stage start-ups.
Prior to founding JBK, Julie built a 17-year career in the fashion industry, holding leadership roles with Macy’s, Warnaco Inc., Hartmann Inc., and Michael Stevens Ltd., ultimately rising to Senior Vice President with full P&L responsibilities. Her expertise spans product development, marketing, sales, and organizational growth, consistently driving revenue growth and profitability. Alongside her corporate achievements, Julie has significant experience in not-for-profit leadership, serving on boards such as Howard University’s School of Communications Board of Visitors, Girl Scout Council of Bergen County, and Good Grief, where she has contributed to initiatives supporting education, entrepreneurship, and community well-being.
A dedicated advocate for women’s advancement, Julie co-founded mentoring programs and philanthropic initiatives, including Bergen County’s Women United in Philanthropy, and served as president of the 1,750-member Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association Metro Chapter. She has received numerous accolades, including recognition as one of New Jersey’s Best 50 Women in Business, Ernst & Young Entrepreneurial Winning Woman, Enterprising Woman of the Year, Brava Smart CEO, and PharmaVoice 100 ‘Most Inspiring People in Life Sciences.’ Married for 15 years, Julie is also a devoted dog owner and an avid golfer who competes in tournaments and enjoys playing while traveling. Her leadership, mentorship, and passion for excellence continue to inspire both professional and personal communities worldwide.
• University of Rhode Island - B.A. Pol Sci
• NJBIZ's Best Places to Work in New Jersey
• Inc. 5000's America's Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies
• The Highest Leaf Award
• Profiles in Diversity Journal's CEO in Action Leadership Award
• Profiles in Diversity Journal’s 2012 Diversity Leader Award
• Enterprising Women of the Year
• Diversity Business' Top 100 Women-Owned Businesses in New Jersey
• Diversity Business' Top 500 Privately Owned Companies
• PharmaVOICE's Top 100 Most Inspiring Leaders in the Life Sciences Industry
• Founder of Womens Giving Circle
• Non-Profit sits on board of Cancer Alliance of Palm Beach
• Non-Profit sits on board of Bio Florida Associate
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to surrounding myself with the right people and empowering them to excel in their roles, combined with the strong leadership skills I developed early in life, inspired by my father. I have always believed in the power of a cohesive, motivated team, and much of what I have achieved stems from fostering collaboration, trust, and accountability within that team. By valuing both leadership and teamwork, I have been able to create environments where people can thrive and collectively drive meaningful results.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is: if you can see it and believe it, you can achieve it. This guidance has been a constant reminder to set clear goals, maintain confidence in my abilities, and approach challenges with determination and vision. It reinforces the idea that mindset and belief in oneself are just as critical as skill and hard work when pursuing success.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to find a strong, experienced mentor who can guide you and help you navigate the business. A mentor provides invaluable insights, shares lessons learned from experience, and can open doors that might otherwise be difficult to access. Building that relationship early on can accelerate your growth, boost your confidence, and give you a clearer path to success.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is the intense competition, as everyone is striving to be the best and secure the win. At the same time, this environment presents opportunities to differentiate yourself through innovation, strategic thinking, and building strong relationships. Those who can adapt quickly, stay ahead of trends, and deliver exceptional results have the potential to turn this competitive landscape into a platform for significant growth and success.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are integrity, ethics, transparency, and honesty. I believe that staying true to these principles builds trust, fosters strong relationships, and creates a foundation for long-term success. Upholding these values ensures that decisions are made responsibly and that both professional and personal interactions are guided by respect and accountability.