- Food & Beverage track, Spring 2023- Women & BIPOC track, Fall 2023

Helping BIPOC founders in Food & Beverage grow their businesses and increase access to industry resources.

I partnered with food & beverage clients to create new brands and identify opportunities for growth through new product innovations and business strategies. Areas of practice include CPG business case, brand strategy, consumer insights, innovation, go-to-market strategy, sales strategy, brand application, agency sourcing / guidance, and thought leadership. I served on the leadership team driving overall strategy of the business, as well as a member of the marketing and finance teams.

McLean Design is a brand & packaging agency that crafts category beating design solutions for CPG/FMCG startups to trusted names such as Nestlé, Hormel, Clorox, Pepsi, Mothers Wax, Sunsweet, Oldcastle, Fresh Express, and Chevron, but the firm is most known as the creator of the unruly Monster Energy. As Managing Director, my charge was to oversee the daily operations while partnering with our clients to engage and endear consumers with impactful retail packaging.Responsibilities & Contributions:- Overall firm strategy, direction, and growth- Brand strategy and product innovation- Design solution & creative direction- Consumer insights, research, and trend awareness- Client relations and business development- Project management- Agency operations and long-term financial performance- Staffing & team development- Industry events, speaking, and thought leadership

Provided venture/product launch and brand creation guidance to startup, small, and mid-sized companies. Building on my experience in spearheading new initiatives in both corporate and startup environments, I coached client principals and provided direct solutions such as strategic assessment, business plan development, venture marketing, product concept development, innovation, go-to-market planning, branding & identity, and campaign planning. Industries advised included CPG/FMCG, web & mobile apps, creative services, field sales & training, network marketing, real estate, healthcare, and energy production.

With P&L responsibility, led $800M product group for a $1.3B telecommunications company providing services in North America and Europe. Launched and grew new business unit (CLEC) to $188M annualized revenue in 3 years. Served as product marketing lead on team that completed the acquisition of Excel Communications from Bell Canada.

Evaluated, planned, and executed the opening of new markets in the European Union for a telecommunications carrier based in the United Kingdom. Launched services in the UK, Germany, Ireland, Belgium, and France. Increased operational profitability by 4% and customer acquisition rates by 2x to 5x (by market) by implementing comprehensive financial models to analyze network and product performance.

Directed a team of internal and external software engineers in the development of a premium audit platform for property & casualty insurance companies. Quantified and documented requirements and set development priorities in the software lifecycle process. Played integral role in sales efforts to win new clients. Developed promotion campaigns to extend brand recognition and acquire new customers.