Member Interview with Katie Mousley

We are delighted to bring you a Member interview with Katie Mousley Head of Marketing at MBA Group.

What’s your golden rule?

Be genuine and authentic - in an industry like ours, human connection is a genuine advantage, both for professional growth and for enjoying the work itself. It doesn't take much to make someone smile or feel comfortable and welcomed. A sense of entitlement has no place in that approach.

Who has been your biggest influence and why?

I have a few! I have been extremely lucky to have had a number of incredibly impressive female managers across several of my roles, who have really shown me how to be the best version of myself in a professional manner, and most importantly, how to navigate my role as I have become more senior. I think the biggest way they have influenced me is by being so authentic and real in their roles - you don't have to be or act in one specific way in order to be successful in your career, and in fact, from learning from them, I have found the opposite to be far more effective. They have asked me the hard questions, they have made me really think about what I want out of my career, and they have done it all with such grace and kindness. I would like to think that, having been given that experience, I am now able to do the same for young professionals in my network.

What is your most hated business expression?

"Can we take this offline?" It's a phrase that instantly makes my skin crawl. Firstly, we're not robots - the corporate jargon just feels so unnecessary when a simple "let's chat separately" would do. Secondly, it's often used as a way to sidestep a difficult conversation rather than actually resolve it, which only delays progress. And perhaps most frustratingly, it tends to exclude other people from a discussion they may have valuable input on, cutting off the collaborative thinking that got the conversation going in the first place.

If we want to build cultures where people feel comfortable speaking up and problem-solving in real time, phrases like this quietly work against that. Sometimes the best ideas come from keeping the conversation open, not shutting it down..

What’s the smartest business idea you’ve ever had?

Not jumping straight onto the career ladder after university. Instead, I took time to really figure out what I actually wanted to do and where my strengths lay. I spent a number of years living in different countries, exposing myself to new cultures, experiences, and people. Looking back, that decision has shaped how I approach both my work and my career in a way that feels far more intentional and effective for me than if I'd rushed straight into a role at 22.

That period gave me perspective I don't think I could have gained any other way: adaptability, comfort with uncertainty, and an ability to relate to people from all kinds of backgrounds. Those are things you can't really learn from a textbook or a fast-tracked graduate scheme - they come from lived experience. I genuinely believe it's made me better at my job, and a more well-rounded person, than if I'd taken the conventional route.

Which leader do you admire most and why?

I don't have one particular leader I idolise, but there are certain values and behaviours I've seen across a range of leaders that I really respect and admire. Being realistic rather than sugar-coating things. Leading by example, not just by instruction. Being honest when things aren't okay, rather than pretending everything is fine. Bringing your team along on the journey with you, rather than leaving them to catch up. And having real clarity on what you're striving for, then breaking that down into how you're actually going to get there.

Above all, treating your team as equals and genuinely respecting their skillset - for me, that's the true sign of a leader. It's less about hierarchy and more about trust: creating an environment where people feel valued for what they bring, not just for the role they sit in.

What is on your mind the most right now as a marketing leader?

Right now, I'm thinking about how we, as marketers, stay at our best in such a fast-paced, ever-evolving landscape: shifting consumer demands, evolving technology, and an industry that feels more crowded than ever. It's not about tearing up the handbook. It's about recognising the mindset shifts, and strategic changes, we need to make to keep loving what we do and creating high-value work. For me, that means staying curious rather than reactive, embracing new tools without losing the creativity and strategic thinking that got us here, and cutting through the noise with work that's genuinely meaningful, not just loud.

Why is being part of The Marketing Society important for your career?

As I progress into a more senior role and step into leadership within my business, building a network of senior marketing professionals has become invaluable. People who've walked this path before me, who can offer candid insight and honest support as I navigate it myself. I've always found that investing in a strong network across the industry pays dividends, and right now, I'm keen to learn from the best in the business, not just the theory of great leadership, but the reality of it.

Why does marketing matter to you?

Marketing is an incredibly powerful tool when it's done right. We have this amazing opportunity to bring creativity, insight, data, and culture together in one place and build something genuinely impactful, work that doesn't just sell a product, but shapes how people think, feel, and connect with the world around them. Imagine a world without marketing. It would be pretty dull. No stories that stick with you, no brands that make you feel something, no ideas that spread because they're actually worth talking about. That's why it matters to me: at its best, marketing isn't just noise, it's craft, it's connection, and it has the power to genuinely move people.

Tell us something that’s not on your CV

So prior to starting my marketing career I spent a bit of time surf instructing in Cornwall, America and Australia!