Bernard Kim, CEO of Match Group and BC '98, began his journey to fostering meaningful relationships at an early age, growing up in a strict Korean family and playing video games with his sister late into the night. .
“The reason I loved video games from an early age was because of the connections I made with people. [could] I made it with my sister,” Kim said. “I've always admired [her]And video games really brought a sense of connection and common interests. ”
The Winston Center for Leadership and Ethics welcomed Kim to the Fulton Honors Library on Friday as part of its “Lunch with a Leader” event series. Kim shared her story from college to her current job managing apps like Tinder, Hinge, Match, Meetic, and Hyperconnect.
During his time at BC, Kim said he built a strong community by bringing students together and holding gaming tournaments between dorms.
“We've played FIFA, Madden, NHL hockey…and that's when I felt like I lived in this great community of competitive, well-rounded people.” Kim said.
Kim also talked about a class presentation he and his former classmates gave to which they invited friends.Wizard” will feature live game play alongside lectures in the class auditorium.
“At the finale, when I thought 'billion-dollar profit business,' he did an insane Mario move and the whole venue went wild,” Kim said. “I received a standing ovation.”
After graduating from BC, Kim moved to California and joined the San Diego-based tech company Qualcomm, where she said she entered a dark period in her life, starting in a new city without friends or family.
“The only thing you can take away from this talk is that life is a roller coaster and you have to endure tough times to get through it,” Kim said.
Kim said he felt ready to retire after several years at the Walt Disney Company and then developing a billion-dollar business at Electronic Arts (EA).
“My plan was to never work again,” Kim said. “I'm going to buy a house on the beach and relax with my family and focus on being a father. Within three weeks, I learned that wasn't the lifestyle. I completely failed when it came time to retire.”
Now, Kim said his position at Match Group allows him to continue building purposeful relationships that create positive experiences for people around the world.
“The quest for health and happiness is about the moment,” Kim said. “When I walk on campus, I feel a sense of community. At that moment, I thought I saw my wife across the room. It was a human connection that brought me more happiness, fulfillment, and stability than I could have ever imagined.” And that was the beginning of my journey to becoming the CEO of my company.”
Kim also said that networking is within the reach of extroverts as well as quiet people, adding that public speaking is not a natural skill for him.
“It's like a video game,” Kim said. “You only have a certain amount of extroverted energy…it's hard to do, but it's worth it…just practice and build it over time like any other sport.”
In concluding his speech, Mr. Kim emphasized the importance of human relationships in both business and personal life.
“What I love is collecting experiences and connections,” Kim said. “I have [an] A team of epic, if not legendary, mentors, amazing people that I can call at any time, message at any time, and they will be there for me. ”
