Leslie Forde Email & Phone Number

Boston, Ma, Us

Developed the proprietary Mom’s Hierarchy of Needs® framework, to transform how Mothers and organizations, view and solve challenges parents and caregivers face to prioritize their mental, physical, and emotional health. Conduct behavioral health and work/life research studies, 30-day challenges and year-long workplace wellness programs, employee and manager education to embed flexibility, psychological safety, and wellness-led growth habits into work cultures. * Oversee the longest-running national parent study on pandemic and post-pandemic mental health, work/life benefits, childcare, eldercare, and infrastructure needs. Over 3,500 parents have participated since March of 2020.* Launched the TimeCheck® wellness web app, the world’s first self-care discovery engine for Mothers, employers and organizations who serve women with caregiving responsibilities.* Launched the Allies @ Work program to help Employers like: AstraZeneca, HubSpot, the Barr Foundation and MIT, retain caregivers through an intersectional approach. With manager training and wellness programs for employees at greater risk for burnout.* Conduct keynotes, workshops, and training sessions on self-care, wellness, career growth, and leadership for employees, Employee Resource Groups, Human Resources and leadership teams. * Lead custom market research, employee and DEI consulting or advisory projects for a select few organizations.

Cambridge, Massachusetts, Us

New York, Us

The WIE Suite is a membership community for women leaders and creators who use their collective influence and expertise to help one another advance, thrive & succeed.

San Francisco, California, Us

Developed the Cleo for Work curriculum and content strategy.

Cambridge, Massachusetts, Us

Marketing and launch strategy for an early-stage children's digital health product.

Boston, Massachusetts, Us

Launched new offerings to expand equitable access to college-readiness for children. Developed category growth strategy, including: go-to-market and channel distribution plan, strategic partnerships, product roadmap and revenue forecast. Managed overall profitability.

Boston, Massachusetts, Us

Lead marketing strategy and audience development efforts for Channel One News, an award-winning daily show that encouraged children (ages 8 through 18) to become informed global citizens.Developed and executed growth strategy for both subscription products, the school offering and direct-to-consumer. Established content marketing initiatives and campaigns; including compelling writing and editing that drove customer conversion, engagement and value.

Boston, Massachusetts, Us

Established channels and marketing partnerships that drove organic customer acquisition and revenue growth for direct-to-consumer products: mobile apps, games and media for children (ages 2 through 18). Established distribution for the launch of Curious World (subscription app for children ages 2 - 7) with category leaders in Travel, Gaming, Retail, OTT and subscription video-on-demand.Partnered with top tier manufacturers of games and toys, to launch a successful line of licensed products, including the Oregon Trail and Carmen Sandiego games sold exclusively at Target.

Brooklyn, New York, Us

Dallas, Texas, Us

Led marketing and business development strategy, opportunities and team for Care.com’s Business Services products. This included overall brand development and growth strategies for new and existing revenue sources.• Oversaw product marketing and awareness efforts, including: lead generation, acquisition, conversion and retention.• Initiated and developed vibrant strategic partnerships and industry relationships to delight customers and promote product and category growth.

Dallas, Texas, Us

Led the business development strategy and team to support growth opportunities across Care.com’s value added services. Established strategic partnerships and programs to increase Care.com’s consumer visibility and activation, capabilities, industry awareness and speed-to-market for new products.Launched and developed a channel sales and marketing effort for a recently acquired Care.com company. Developed and rolled out a partnership program, including communications and materials for the end-consumers, that drove exponential revenue growth from non-traditional channels.

Dallas, Texas, Us

Developed and managed a new channel sales and marketing effort for a recently acquired Care.com company. Built mutually beneficial partnerships with complementary businesses to drive incremental revenue and consumer reach.

Worked closely with clients on key marketing initiatives including: product marketing strategy, brand positioning, market and customer experience research, customer and social community engagement, content marketing program development, analysis and optimization of current marketing efforts.Provided business and corporate development strategy and execution for clients, including: new market opportunity assessment and recommendations, all aspects of partnership strategy -- including vendor/capabilities relationships, channel and distribution alliances and joint-ventures or acquisition partnerships.Accomplishments:• Created international go-to-market strategy and expansion plan for a crowd sourcing technology company. This included prioritized recommendations on the best global markets for growth, based on market size and client potential and a localization plan for the company's operations, software and services.• Developed marketing strategy and cost-effective tactical plan for a consumer e-commerce company to acquire new high-impact channel partners, increase sales and establish new consumer pricing and activation programs.• Advised a consumer products manufacturer in the health and wellness space to strengthen its business plan, pitch and targeting to prospective investors and distribution partners.

Boston, Ma, Us

Spearheaded Communispace's global expansion strategy and execution including the prioritization, planning, research, marketing, sales strategy and support, P&L forecasting and set-up for new operations outside of the US. Worked directly with Fortune 1000 clients and internal consulting teams across industries (Consumer Packaged Goods, Financial Services, Healthcare, Media, Technology, Hospitality) to develop regional and country-specific strategies for successfully gaining insight and engaging customers online to achieve growth in world markets (Western Europe, Asia-Pacific and Latin America). Identified and licensed complementary technologies to accelerate feature/new product innovation, including: mobile consumer and market research tools, consumer survey and search capabilities, analytics and real-time messaging platforms.Accomplishments:• Established operations in China. Responsible for navigating legal, regulatory and intellectual property issues, initial feasibility, preliminary go-to-market strategy, creating local partnerships, hiring and the operating plan for the Shanghai office. Exceeded forecasted revenues for China within first six months of operating.• Developed the short and long term international expansion plan including feasibility and market assessment for high priority countries, including incubating satellite office in Mexico, plans/resources for pilots to create revenue streams from emerging markets such as Brazil, India, Russia and China.• Established local strategic partnership and supported initial sales efforts and in-country marketing strategies to launch office in Sydney Australia.• Cost-effectively grew global market coverage and support to non-English languages by over 200%.

Boston, Ma, Us

• New business development: grew channel marketing and sales program from inception to secure new revenue streams and create industry awareness for a disruptive new category by building relationships with top-tier advertising and marketing communications agencies including Ogilvy, The Martin Agency, Edelman and Digitas.• Strategic capability partnerships and technology licenses: established and managed relationships with leading technology, direct-response and marketing service firms to build internal infrastructure and new capabilities, including piloting new services offerings to meet client demand and explore entry into new lines of business.• Grew network of recruitment partners (primarily consumer panel and opt-in databases) for direct-response acquisition of community members to meet client needs ten-fold.• Marketplace ambassador: frequent public speaker on topics related to online communities, customer listening, marketing strategy, web 2.0 and social media marketing.

Managed sales and marketing for all retail and channel partnerships across products: consumer magazines, subscriber Web sites, retail books, and sponsorship of the public TV show, ‘America’s Test Kitchen.’ Managed and mentored team (4 full time people, 2 consultants.)Accomplishments:• Managed team to significantly exceed revenue forecasts for retail books.• Managed major retail book launches, including: vendor displays, multi-city author tours, consumer point-of-purchase material, coop promotions, and publicity. • Negotiated partnership with international retailer (TV shopping, online, & print) to generate significant growth in subscription and retail book revenue.• Spearheaded and closed distribution deals for retail books in Canada and Europe, establishing the brand outside of the US.• Reduced order processing burden by 80%; transitioned small orders to wholesalers.

Boston, Ma, Us

Founded all aspects of the marketing and business development efforts during five year tenure for provider of on-line content subscriptions & technology, for consumers and businesses. Established company initiatives in Europe, the Asia Pacific and Latin America, including: distribution partnerships, sales, marketing, publisher relations/content licensing, and client relationship management. Accomplishments:• Relocated to London, and launched international division as first company representative outside of the U.S. • Grew international client and partner base by over 300% within first 6 months. Full P&L responsibility.

Boston, Ma, Us

Reported to CEO, managed activities to promote products and services, including: partnerships, product management, technology alliances, pricing and product definition, training, and client relationships. Hired, trained, and developed department of 15. Accomplishments:• Department grew to account for over 80% of company revenue.• Negotiated sales and alliance agreements with leading companies (publishing & technology.)

Boston, Ma, Us

Grew partnership marketing effort from the inception, including: sales, business development, strategic targeting, proposal writing, contract negotiations, forecasting, budgeting, retention and measurement. Accomplishments:• Personally responsible for 45% of company revenues in 1998, 28% in 1999. Achieved double- and triple-digit revenue growth year-over-year.

Boston, Ma, Us

Founded department and directed consumer marketing campaign including launch plan for site (consumer search engine and online content subscriptions); developed PR and advertising campaigns; managed press and advertising agency relationships. Accomplishments:• Generated press releases and articles in key consumer and industry publications.• Created direct response marketing programs to increase online subscription and pay-per-view content sales.

Norwalk, Connecticut, Us

Managed all stages of the product life cycle, from concept to successful product launch, for new consumer product line within an entrepreneurial division of Xerox. Managed cross-functional work teams to bring new products to market. Translated requirements from customers into innovative product features and packaging. Managed advertising, direct-response, and PR efforts to build brand and category awareness. Launched Web sales and marketing strategy. P&L responsibility. Accomplishments:• Managed partnership with non-profit and launched first consumer awareness program in the industry.• Launched channel program and distribution through leading retail catalog (The Sharper Image.)

Bridgewater, Nj, Us

Managed all aspects of disposable contact lens product line, new product development, and sports marketing sponsorships (Olympics and the National Basketball Association.) Forecasted product sales, developed launch material, established consumer promotions, and pricing. Worked with cross-functional teams and customers to bring high quality products to the marketplace. Created, managed and measured the effectiveness of consumer and trade marketing programs to increase sales, brand recognition, market share, and customer satisfaction. Accomplishments:• Launched direct response promotions with consumer brand partners (McDonald’s, Maybelline Cosmetics, the NBA.)• Developed award-winning point-of-sale display collaborating with customers and vendors.

Diplome D'Art Patisserie, Baking And Pastry Arts/Baker/Pastry Chef

Mba Courses

Bs, Management (Marketing Concentration)