December 21, 2021//Blog, Company news//Morgan Strunsky

Our most read Leff insights and blog posts: 2021

By all accounts, 2021 was a banner year for Leff. Doubling in size is no small feat, even for a small company. And while celebrating growth is important, it’s also invaluable to remember where we came from and what our success is founded on: the ideas and dedication of every member of the Leff team.

As a result of our growth, we’ve added a host of new voices to our company, and they’re all eager to reflect on thought leadership, creativity, and the world at large. To celebrate the writing of our increasingly diverse team, below are this year’s most read blog and insights posts, including pieces on grammar, design, marketing, and moms.

 

10. Our most-read culture blog posts

While it may feel like a low-budget mockery of Inception to have a countdown blog inside of another countdown blog, this post by Tiana looks at our most popular culture blogs through August of this year. It’s pretty much blogs all the way down.

9. Over the river and through the woods: A practical guide to prepositions

I wrote this post in March after realizing how often a particularly pesky part of speech popped up as pertinent to my proofing: the preposition. Alliteration aside (oops), prepositions are vital to colorful sentences, and this guide is a great first stop for anyone wishing to learn more about them.

8. The macro trends that will shape content in 2021

In this insights post, we predicted which trends would most affect content in 2021, including environmental, social, and governance (ESG) actions; diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI); and artificial intelligence. All of the topics on the list played an important role in thought leadership throughout the year, demonstrating how vital it is to keep one’s finger on the pulse of content.

7. The data viz editor rises: An origin story

Though she may not keep the streets of Gotham free of crime, Mary is our own data viz superhero. In this post, she outlines her synesthetic journey from crayon drawings to dictionary discoveries and higher-level mathematics—all converging to make her the data viz star we’re so lucky to have as a member of the team.

6. Sponsored content: Why it should be part of B2B content strategies

Karen puts on her marketing goggles and addresses a few ways to harness the power of sponsored content—also called native advertising—in a B2B setting. If you weren’t considering using sponsored content before, Karen will change your mind on the matter.

5. Moms of Leff: Balancing kids and work during a pandemic

For a piece accompanied by an adorable graphic that displays Leff’s various mothers and their kids, Brittany interviewed some company moms to get their take on balancing being a mother and working during a global pandemic. Both heartfelt and hilarious, this post offers a peek behind the Zoom backgrounds.

4. A taste of the ‘old normal’: Reflections on returning to the office

Six months ago, a majority of the then-smaller Leff team converged in our downtown Chicago office for a return to prepandemic life—one that many of us had not experienced in some time. Allan reflects on that experience and offers a collection of quotes from the team on the moment of normalcy.

3. The power of timing: Leff welcomes Luke Collins as SVP of thought leadership and content strategy

It may seem self-serving to include a hiring announcement in a top 10 countdown of most read blog posts of the year, but I believe its high standing on the list is indicative of a larger truth: company growth is exciting, and these days, we could all use a reason to be excited. (And also, Luke has a big fan club out there.) He has been an irreplaceable addition to the Leff family because of—among other more relevant reasons—his knowledge of cricket.

2. We don’t get no respect: The scourge of misspelled names

In a post drenched in his trademark wit, Allan muses on the plight of having his name frequently misspelled—including by his own cousin. And he’s not alone: a number of other Leff team members weighed in on the subject and shared their own name-related mishaps. Don’t worry, Alan Allin Allan—I’m sure they’ll get it right eventually.

1. The Leff 2021 midyear trend report

Coming in at number one on the list is the Leff 2021 midyear trend report—and a fitting conclusion it is. A collaboration by more individuals than can be reasonably named here, the trend report is indicative of the team mentality we have at Leff. Beautifully designed and thoughtfully edited, the report focuses on the trends that were shaping the thought-leadership discourse halfway through 2021. Keep an eye out for the 2022 edition of this annual report.

Honorable mentions

We’ve had two late-breaking blockbuster pieces post just this month. Mimi’s interview with Haley Hammond of M1 Finance on the topics of DEI and the types of efforts small firms might consider in that area has been skyrocketing up the standings—as has Annie’s reflection on Leff’s first in-person holiday party in two years and all the unexpected emotions that came with it. You don’t want to miss either of them.

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Senior adviser

Allan elevates thought leadership with a veteran editor’s perspective on distinctive content and a journalist’s eye for trends in world events. He began his career as a writer and editor covering business, economics, and the environment for the Tallahassee Democrat, the Miami Herald, The New York Times, and The International Herald Tribune in Paris. Allan went on to work at McKinsey & Company for more than 20 years in Europe, Asia, and North America, where he specialized in emerging markets and shaped global thought leadership as editor in chief and editorial board member of the McKinsey Quarterly. At LEFF, Allan works with colleagues and clients to launch new projects, and he uses his expertise to support the professional development of LEFF’s team of editors.

 

Director of LEFF Sustainability Group

Katie is passionate about the power of storytelling to motivate audiences to action, particularly related to environmental issues—the throughline of her multifaceted career. She has managed a water project for the World Bank, been one of the UK’s climate security negotiators at NATO, helped design green strategies for several governments as a McKinsey & Company consultant, and taught courses on writing for public policy at the Harvard Kennedy School. Based in Brussels, Katie currently develops sustainable content strategies; edits a wide range of climate content, including infographics and major reports; and oversees LEFF’s Into the Weeds interview series, which shares stories of the people and organizations combating climate change.

 

VP of marketing and business development

Chad has brought brand narratives to life for more than 15 years by developing powerful stories, inspiring stakeholders with unique marketing campaigns, and building communities of enthusiastic audiences. Chad honed his approach to content as a sales and marketing executive for Disney and ESPN Media Networks, where he used storytelling to increase revenue for mobile and linear-channel products. Since then, he has held several senior marketing roles across healthcare, education, and technology companies. Most recently, Chad was the vice president of corporate marketing at Telarus, where he developed comprehensive branding initiatives across multiple technology disciplines, including cloud, cybersecurity, and AI. Chad joined LEFF in 2024, and he’s excited to launch innovative marketing strategies that drive growth and deliver transformative results.

Senior adviser

Mary is a data visualization expert with a rare combination of talents. Trained as a fine artist, she also enjoys writing, advanced math, and learning new skills; she taught herself coding and UX, and she’s continued to build valuable proficiencies that keep her on the cutting edge of content. Prior to joining LEFF, Mary worked at McKinsey & Company, developing the precise, engaging charts that have become a hallmark of the firm’s widely read publications. Today, she collaborates with LEFF editors and clients to distill even the most complex ideas into compelling, intuitive data visualizations. By asking the right questions and determining the best formats, she ensures data visuals amplify key insights.

Senior adviser

Peter is an expert at developing clear, compelling stories about complex subjects—a skill that’s served him well as an award-winning journalist, editor, and book author. A former reporter for The Wall Street Journal and writer for Fortune magazine, Peter also spent seven years at the McKinsey Global Institute, where he stayed at the forefront of major trends in business and technology as a senior editor and editorial director. Peter has also written five nonfiction books, including a bestseller in France, where he currently resides. He brings his unique perspective as a collaborative, tactical thought partner to his work at LEFF by uniting stakeholders, upholding a high standard of quality, and ensuring content is well-structured and aligned with client needs.

People director

Tracy built her career in people operations by developing a wide range of skills; because of her many capabilities, she refers to herself as the “Swiss army knife of HR.” But Tracy’s work goes beyond typical human resources functions: She’s committed to elevating the complete employee experience. She draws on her work across industries—including roles at Rockwell Automation, Harley-Davidson, and the American Medical Association—to promote a workplace culture of openness and acceptance, and she’s guided by her empathic nature and willingness to embrace a challenge. In everything from implementing new processes for feedback and evaluation and supporting employees through times of great change, Tracy makes LEFF a special place to work by ensuring that everyone feels welcome, valued, and seen.

 

Design director

Christa was always drawn to art and design, and over time, she also discovered a passion for progress: She’s motivated by meeting goals, building teams, and refining the many small steps between concept and content. Christa built the foundation of her design career at an advertising agency before moving on to the marketing department of a healthcare university, where she oversaw print and digital projects as a graphic designer, senior creative and brand specialist, and creative services manager. Today, Christa is excited to explore the possibilities of LEFF’s ever-growing content offerings, lead a group of creative designers, and use her experience and strategic design thinking to deliver outstanding results for clients. 

 

Production director

Jen approaches copy with a clear philosophy: Edit in service of the reader. She began her career in journalism, where editing newspaper copy on the second shift meant meeting tight daily deadlines and making quick decisions. Roles as a senior editor, executive editor, and director of editorial production followed, and Jen used her good judgment and love for the written word to elevate copy for entertainment news and B2B publications. Whether navigating the intricacies of highly specialized style guides or constructing crosswords in her free time, Jen is at home in the possibilities of language. At LEFF, she leads the production department: a collaborative, adaptable team that maintains our—and Jen’s—deep commitment to quality and clarity.

 

Group account director

Joe values preparation, but an early career experience taught him to troubleshoot in unfamiliar situations. One of his first roles in marketing required him to travel suddenly to Toronto to help a multinational restaurant business build its presence in Canada. Two years later, Joe had worked through regional differences and complex logistics to help the client meet its goals, and he became a more active listener in the process. Whether successfully delivering game-changing outcomes in an agency setting or at a university, where he directed marketing operations across campuses, Joe remains focused on solving problems with well-informed decisions. At LEFF, he’s overseeing the processes that ensure everyone has what they need to do their best work and strengthening the connection between effective operations and exceptional client service.

VP, content marketing

Karianne has a unique history of engaging audiences and telling stories. After studying music, she found new ways to express herself in the world of branding. Her more than 20 years in marketing and strategy are a testament to her ability to bridge business and creative mindsets, and she has developed content to communicate the ethos of global brands such as GE, State Farm, Motorola, and Procter & Gamble. Prior to joining LEFF in 2024, Karianne was vice president of digital at Weber Shandwick, led workshops at General Assembly, founded her own business, became a certified well-being expert, and released an album. As the lead of LEFF’s content marketing team, she looks forward to helping clients discover new opportunities to make an impact with lively, thoughtful content.

SVP, content innovation

Luke has crafted a writing life by pursuing—and creating—fresh opportunities. As a newspaper journalist in his native Australia and then as a foreign correspondent, freelance writer, editor, and management consultant, Luke developed the keen editorial eye and strategic perspective that has led him to the forefront of thought leadership and B2B publishing. Luke has helped leading organizations share transformative insights through print media and emerging digital platforms. Before joining LEFF, he was an executive editor at McKinsey & Company, managing director of Deloitte Insights, and global editor in chief for EY. Always driven to match the medium to the message, Luke collaborates with LEFF’s content marketing, editorial, and design departments to showcase clients’ most important ideas.

Partner

Alia approaches content like a conversation: She listens to clients to learn about their goals and responds with strategies that resonate with their audiences. Alia is an expert at translating ideas into smart, compelling integrated campaigns, and her experience in the agency world honed her abilities as a versatile creative partner and insightful innovator for enterprise clients such as Toyota, Kaiser Permanente, and Allstate. She got her start in publishing after living and working in Ukraine, where she focused on HIV/AIDS education and grant writing. At LEFF, she has assembled a team of multifaceted creatives who tell clients’ exciting, meaningful stories across channels and formats.

Founder and President

Scott started LEFF in 2010 with the drive to make something new, and he’s committed to leading a creative team that says “yes” to a challenge. Scott’s early experiences playing music and managing a band gave him a chance to harness the power of promotion, cultivate strong professional relationships, and address problems with original solutions. As a managing editor of the McKinsey Quarterly and director of publications for Chicago 2016, the city’s Olympic bid organization, he continued to make bold decisions and explore ways to create distinct, powerful content. Now, Scott is helping clients achieve their goals with content that meets today’s complex business needs and strategies that position them for future success.