Melinda Lee Email and Phone Number

From media behemoths like Meredith and Hearst to disruptive media companies like BuzzFeed to startups in the tech and media space, the thread of my career is reimagining brands on the cutting edge of emerging technology.I believe that media and content are powerful, and that they can inspire people to help make the world a better place. On the flip side, they can create chaos and pain. After 15+ years of bridging media, content, technology and strategy, I'm committed to integrating my expertise with a values driven mission and serve the underserved.My teams know that I see them and that I care about their development. “Kind” is a word people use to describe me, but I am also known for instilling rigor and professionalizing companies. I believe that success is a combination of the people and the tools they have available. I have dedicated my career to implementing both, and achieving success. My specialty lies in quickly assessing an organization, its strengths and challenges, and then creating a plan encompassing content, organizational structure, operations, strategy and the integration of new technologies. ◆◆◆ Highlights and Team Achievements● Revenue Acceleration: Scaled revenue 3.5X for Stage TEN with up to 80% margins and 30% YOY to $100M+ for Buzzfeed.● Monetization: Innovated within business models by introducing SaaS offerings, branded retail products & 6 new international digital platforms.● Operational Excellence: Saved 20% of operating costs by centralizing content teams and refining strategy while upholding differentiation across 40 brands.● Metrics & Measurement: Transformed 5 companies and brands to data-based, insight-driven organizations through implementation of measurement, formal goals, ● Team Cultivation: Recruited, restructured and led 5+ creative & technical teams of up to 250 with up to 100% retention & 98% diversity.● Diversity: Championed inclusion strategies for all companies, maintained distinction between bringing people into an organization and setting a foundation allowing them to succeed.● Entrepreneur & Advisor: Launched and advised 8 women- and minority-founded startups, apps, and media companies, helping secure PE/VC investment totaling $14M+.● M&A: Integrated $3B Time Inc. business and 7k employees into Meredith, focusing on video and studio business. ◆◆◆ Recognition and Thought Leadership● Won 17 industry awards for personal leadership, creative content and consumer experiences.● Spoke on transformation in the media industry to like-minded professionals at SXSW, FIPP, NY AAPI panels and podcasts.