Amy Yu ('97 BCom)

BAA: Tell us about your time at the Alberta School of Business. What are your favorite memories?

My time at the Alberta School of Business was a balancing act for academic excellence and self-discovery. It was an adventure filled with learning, diverse extracurricular activities and forging new relationships. Amid the chaos, I uncovered the foundation of who I was supposed to grow up to be.

It was a whirlwind of unforgettable experiences of fun campus events, inspiring professors and interesting courses. Yet, my most favorite memories revolve around those late-night study sessions. In dimly lit rooms, we battled against the clock, attempting to absorb a semester's worth of knowledge before exams. The stress was palpable, but so was the camaraderie — shared desperation and a shared determination to succeed. The exhilaration of acing an exam or the relief of passing one, united us even further. These study buddies became lifelong friends, the backbone of my support system.

BAA: Can you tell us about your journey since graduating? What opportunities and experiences have helped you get to where you are today?

My career path started in the world of finance at one of the big banks, where I polished my customer service skills. The introduction of a new banking system led me to the role of training internal staff, sparking a passion for technology and client education. This internal training role and part-time education revealed my interest in computer programming, propelling me into the world of software development. I continued to refine my skills and took the plunge into a local company at the forefront of Intelligent Systems development.

I then moved to a consulting firm, wearing multiple hats as a business analyst and project manager, spanning diverse sectors like health, government and GIS. It was here that I uncovered my true superpower: project management. I excelled in managing entire projects, handling planning, risk management and providing unwavering support to both my team and client stakeholders.

Today, I proudly lead a thriving digital marketing agency, and as I reflect on my journey, it becomes clear that each of my previous career transitions served as a crucial stepping stone in preparing me for this role. The bank provided opportunities to understand the importance of client relationships, programming and development provided me with technical knowledge to navigate the digital landscape, and consulting showed me how to leverage the toolbox of skills and knowledge that I had in any role. These diverse experiences provided me with a versatile skill set that now plays a pivotal role in every facet of our company.

BAA: Tell us a bit about your business, Kickbyte Digital, and what the inspiration to start it was.

Kickbyte, born from the collaborative vision of two co-founders — one passionate about digital technology, the other in marketing. Our unwavering mission is to bridge the gap between companies and their customers. Recognizing the human thirst for authenticity, our digital marketing agency is centered on genuine engagement and human connections in the digital world. Kickbyte's philosophy asserts that the gap for human connections is widening, and that technology should enhance, not replace, human interactions. As our world increasingly embraces the digital realm, it places greater demands on organizations to engage digitally, crafting experiences that are not only memorable but also profoundly meaningful.

BAA: How has Kickbyte evolved since its early days?

Kickbyte has not only diversified its service offerings but has evolved into a one-stop destination for comprehensive website development solutions and digital transformation. We believe in imparting a vital perspective to our clients: their websites are not static checkboxes but dynamic, ever-evolving channels that directly connect them to their customers.

Kickbyte has expanded its scope. Our mission encompasses elevating Alberta's tech talent in design, digital and technology, supporting local businesses. We are committed to recruiting local talent, aiding small enterprises, and assisting non-profit organizations, all to contribute to the thriving Edmonton community.

Our active participation is marked by contributions to several notable initiatives, including the City of Edmonton's Women's Advocacy Voice of Edmonton, the University of Alberta Career Mentorship program, YEG Women in Tech and Alberta Women Entrepreneurs.

BAA: What advice do you have for others who are interested in entrepreneurship?

Entrepreneurship is a challenging yet exhilarating journey. Passion and purpose are the keys to success. Kickbyte's secret formula is delivering services aligned with our passion, backed by a brilliant team, and a commitment to our clients' results. But let’s be clear, entrepreneurship, no matter how fulfilling, is not a path for the faint of heart.