Conversations with Leaders
Lunch with a Leader: Bernard Kim '98
Bernard Kim ‘98, the CEO and board director of Match Group Inc., spoke at the Winston Center’s Lunch with a Leader session. Match Group manages a portfolio of brands, including Tinder and Hinge, that aim to increase user connection.
Kim began by sharing his experience as a BC student organizing video competitions with friends on campus. This ignited a passion and created a network to serve him in technology and connections-based businesses. Kim's early post-BC career began as an assistant buyer for discounted retail products at Filene's; then, he went on to a stint at Qualcomm, a San Diego-based technology startup. However, he found that both roles didn’t match his persona. So, following Qualcomm, Kim moved to Los Angeles and began working for Disney Mobile.
At Disney Mobile, he gained invaluable experience in mobile technology. He applied it to a role at EA Mobile, a mobile video game company, which was a full-circle moment that reflected his passion from his earlier days at BC. Later, Kim joined Zynga, a video game development company with zero value at the time. He said the market predicted the company would be out of business within a year. However, even with unprecedented conditions, Kim grew Zynga’s market cap by 300% and sold the company for $13.5 million.
In his current role, Kim described how Match Group’s mission of human connection felt like the best position for him. Drawing from his values, his vision for Match is to ensure authentic, joyful, and safe connections for users. Kim said one should expect leaders’ aspirations and drive to change and that success comes in many diverse and unexpected opportunities. He encouraged students to build strong networks and seek out mentors. He said inspirational and loyal mentors can be highly influential and supportive on the journey to success.
Madison Zimmerman '24, Winston Ambassador
Read more in The Heights article by Gigi Chu
Reba Hatcher '16
I Belong: Reba Hatcher '16
Reba Hatcher '16 is the chief commercial officer at ButcherBox. Hatcher returned to her alma mater to share insight into her journey and belonging within her work. While at BC, Hatcher was involved in many campus organizations, such as the Student Admissions Program (SAP) and Women in Business (WIB), and was an undergrad assistant in the CSOM dean's office. She also participated in 48hours and Kairos retreats. With the varied skills in hand, she landed her first job at Ernst & Young, where she ranked high in her consulting class, learned many technical skills, and enjoyed communicating with people within the company.
Communicating with people was the driving force behind her career change from a large accounting firm to a small startup and jumping into the unknown. Hatcher enjoyed learning new things and found a sense of belonging in the thrilling art of working at a startup, which helped grow ButcherBox into what it is today. After four years as the chief of staff, she worked with the CEO to create the current chief commercial officer position.
Not only has Hatcher helped grow the company from a $35 million valuation to a $500 million valuation, but her biggest impact has been implementing inclusion initiatives within ButcherBox. She helped start the company's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging sector and prides herself on instilling a company culture of belonging. She also leans into the Justice for Black Farmers Act to ensure a diverse outsourcing strategy for ButcherBox’s food supply.
Hatcher expressed gratitude for her support system throughout her time at BC. She emphasized the importance of reaching out to people and being as multifaceted as possible. Lastly, she advised students to find a company that supports them and celebrates their background and who they are. Hatcher closed by advising students to cherish their time at BC, lean into their curiosity, and discover their purpose and belonging.
Connor Silva '26, Winston Ambassador