After getting my MBA from UVA in 1983, I had a 34-year career in advertising & marketing, 31 years at The Martin Agency and the last 20 years of that as Chief Strategy Officer. In this thought leadership role, I developed brand positioning and marketing communication strategies for 100s of companies in dozens of business categories. Clients included GEICO, Mercedes-Benz, UPS, Saab, Discover Card, Hanes, Mount Gay Rum, among others. In addition, as an Independent Brand Strategy Consultant with the Brand Federation I have 3 specific skills to offer: 1. Writing and rehearsing “pitch” presentations to prospective clients and investors, recommending brand positioning and communication strategies. 2. Facilitating group ideation sessions with a wide range of participants, including cross-disciplinary teams and client/prospect company management. 3. Mentoring people having done it with a department of 30+ Brand and UX Planners, helping them to become self-sufficient and confident to do the best work of their lives, inspiring teammates and clients alike.