Distinguished Speaker Series Ft. KPMG CEO Paul Knopp

Written by Audrey Hastings

On October 17th, the Honors Business Association welcomed Paul Knopp, CEO of KPMG U.S., for an insightful talk as part of the Distinguished Speaker Series. With a career spanning over 36 years, Knopp shared his journey, beginning with his time at McCombs, where he earned a BBA in Accounting in 1982 and an MBA the following year. He started as an audit professional in KPMG’s San Antonio office and steadily worked his way up to CEO, leading the company to its current success. Knopp provided valuable insights into his career, discussing the challenges and lessons he has learned along the way.

Building a Career on Relationships

Knopp emphasized the importance of building and maintaining relationships. Early in his journey, he learned how to leverage networking, proving to be particularly useful when it promoted him to a partnership role, a pivotal moment in his career in 1997. This move helped solidify his reputation and placed him on the radar for higher leadership positions. He stressed that being proactive in developing strong interpersonal skills was key to his advancement. As CEO, Knopp continues to rely on these relationships with clients and colleagues, proving that strong connections are invaluable at every level of leadership.

Adapting to Change

Knopp’s stressed to students entering the workforce that technical skills alone won’t ensure success; soft skills like communication, empathy, and critical thinking are just as important. In fact, learning to become comfortable with ambiguity and developing strong interpersonal relationships are essential for thriving in today’s dynamic business world. Observing others and allowing personal values to shine through are strategies Knopp encouraged, as they help navigate uncertainty and lead to long-term success. One of Knopp’s key takeaways was that empathy, while a strength, must be balanced to prevent burnout. Knowing when to draw boundaries while remaining understanding is crucial in leadership. He also touched on time management, explaining that finding a balance between work and personal life becomes easier with experience.

Final Thoughts

Paul Knopp’s journey to CEO of KPMG is a testament to the power of relationships, resilience, and lifelong learning. Knopp’s visit to McCombs offered students like myself the opportunity to hear firsthand what it takes to lead in an ever-evolving business landscape, and HBA is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to hear his advice and learn from his experiences.