In the second edition of our ELT Spotlight series, we interview Courtney Austermehle, Q4’s Chief Marketing Officer, to discuss her perspective on Q4’s place in the market, her expertise in sales and marketing, and what she likes to do in her spare time.
Where do you see Q4’s position in the IR landscape, and how do you see it shaping the market in the next few years?
Courtney: The hectic schedules of IROs and CFOs necessitates a modern, secure technology that operates around the clock and functions as an extension of their team. Q4 is aligning our strategy accordingly — we’re making a deliberate shift away from open systems and heightened focus on secure platforms.
Furthermore, efficiency and performance are key. A single, unified platform that integrates and measures AI has become the new benchmark of the IR market, both within the context of IR and specifically within security. It’s clear that this is the trajectory, not only for the global market, but also for our valued customers and Q4 is uniquely positioned to surpass market expectations for years to come.
What inspired you to join Q4?
Courtney: I consider three things when I decide to join a new organization: product, business, and leadership.
Q4’s technology isn’t just customer-centric; it’s built and developed by its customers. The direct involvement of IROs and CFOs since day 1 has ensured that the platform truly addresses the specific needs and pain points of IROs and finance professionals. Our innovative use of AI is the cherry on top; we have the potential to revolutionize the IR landscape and disrupt the market, setting a new benchmark for efficiency and insight.
I’ve always been attracted to hyper growth SaaS models. It offers unique opportunities for professional development and the chance to be a part of something truly transformative. Not many people can say they’ve driven a true SaaS model development end to end. And as an added bonus, I’ve always had a personal connection to the finance world. I’m from a family of CPAs and CFOs, so the market was a natural fit.
And finally, the CEO, Darrell Heaps, and the diverse executive team were major factors in my decision to join Q4. Darrell’s leadership and vision, combined with the breadth perspectives and expertise of the executive team, create a dynamic and inspiring work environment.
What motivates you when building your team?
Courtney: Truth be told, I’m always open to working with anyone who displays hunger, curiosity, and integrity. I’m a Chief Marketing Officer who began her career as a Business Development Representative. Skills can be learned, curiosity comes from within. Leaders have been taking chances on me my entire career, so it’s important to keep an open mind and not box people out.
When leading, a positive and supportive environment is non-negotiable. There is zero tolerance for toxicity. My team is about open communication and the challenging of established norms. The drive, effort, tenacity, and diversity of my teams define its success — not its hierarchy. My team drives me to improve every day and I deeply appreciate their willingness to provide upward feedback and I take it to heart. I firmly believe that if I’m not growing as a leader, neither are they. This is something all managers should keep in mind.
Describe the market opportunities presented to Q4 in 2025 and beyond.
Courtney: Periods of economic uncertainty and market volatility can highlight the necessity of a platform like Q4’s. We see more demand for products that offer stability, support risk management, and ensure business continuity.
We’ve seen digital transformation in the market. Now we’re seeing tech consolidation – organizations want single, unified platforms that handle their whole workflows, not just pieces of the puzzle. So we’ve widened our scope: we invested in AI with IROs specifically in mind, we navigate regulatory compliance, we’ve built AI-backed advanced cybersecurity – everything IR teams need.
What’s your philosophy on AI when it comes to marketing?
Courtney: As an AI company, we understand its importance and potential in all avenues of business, not just IR. AI has unimaginable potential to provide real-time data analysis, deliver hyper-personalized marketing experiences, and automate administrative parts of our workflows to free up time for strategic thinking. I’m excited about integrating high-quality AI into our marketing efforts and customer service touchpoints to showcase our expertise in the field.
But while AI can be immensely powerful, we must remember the importance of human creativity, empathy, and community in marketing. We aim for the right balance of AI and human input – we don’t want to sound like robots, after all. AI scales our creativity, it doesn’t replace it.
Overall, AI has the potential to revolutionize marketing. By embracing AI and using it responsibly, we can create more effective, personalized, and engaging marketing campaigns that drive results.
How do you believe Q4’s brand separates itself from the rest of the IR landscape?
Courtney: We’re built by IROs, for IROs — with a team that’s walked in their shoes, from our executives to our product leads. The level of customer integration in our product development is unparalleled and forms the foundation of who we are as a brand.
Q4 has the strongest tech out there, and we’re about to drop a major product launch… 😉
What book, podcast, or TV Show has you hooked right now?
Courtney: I really love the variety on the CMO podcast and learning about so many other industries and their challenges. Although I don’t watch a lot of TV, I was hooked on the Masters Tournament last week – go Rory! You can find me with a book in hand at nearly all times ranging from historical reads to thrillers. A personal favorite is The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson.
What are you doing when you’re not leading marketing at Q4?
Courtney: Life’s a whirlwind, but I’ve found what keeps me balanced: the spots I explore, what I do for fun, and who I surround myself with. It might look like a lot to others, but this is just how I roll – traveling, hiking in the summer, hitting the slopes in the winter, and running year round. I’m sure to always find time for my family. My husband plays in an orchestra and we have a beautiful collection of symphonies performed by numerous orchestras around the world.
What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in your career?
Courtney:
Fight for what you know is right and to be true.
If something feels wrong, don’t second guess yourself.
Live with awareness and empathy.
No one person operates the same, get to know the people. People are your most critical partner and asset.
