In 2001, Deb Knupp had an entrepreneurial vision to start a business that
leveraged her unique corporate experience as both a senior Sales leader
and Human Resources executive for companies like Frito-Lay, Alcan
Packaging and Pearle Vision, and to have this business embrace three
inarguable truths: 1) People want to be seen, 2) People want to be
heard, and 3) People want to be valued. Deb’s vision led to the founding
of GrowthPlay, a firm that inspires organizations to achieve their full
growth potential and to create environments where the most talented
employees “want” to work; where the most profitable clients “want” to
buy; and, where the most inspired leaders “want” to serve a bigger
purpose in their communities and families.
Deb integrates sales methodologies with human resources insights, advocating for a service-oriented
approach to business development. Her work emphasizes the importance of building authentic
relationships and prioritizing the needs of others over self-interest. Authentic relationship building and
other-centered problem-solving are the cornerstones of high-growth cultures. Deb firmly believes that
the ability to build authentic relationships is not an innate talent reserved for a select few, but rather a
skill that can be systematically taught and developed. This perspective is particularly relevant in
professional services firms, where the cultivation of genuine relationship connections can significantly
impact business development outcomes. Deb loves teaching professionals a road-tested, proven
process for generating revenue that is highly predictable when the right building blocks are in place. By
focusing on research-backed insights, actionable steps, and consistent efforts, she enables her clients
to demystify the often-daunting task of sales.
Deb has a B.S. in Speech/Organizational Communication from the University of Texas at Austin and
embraces Midwest living with an impressive array of outerwear. She is a passionate wife and mom to
three Gen Z daughters – two in college and one high-schooler. As a “native analog” Gen X-er, Deb is
acutely focused on harnessing the power of generational differences leveraged through the “native
digital” Gen Z experience. She is a community cultivator and crusader for the underserved through
active engagement and support for a range of non-profit organizations. Deb has a zealous commitment
to help make the world better by helping others become the best version of themselves and elevating
human flourishing with love as a through-line