July 9, 2025//Company news//Scott Leff

How 15 years in business prepares us for what lies ahead

LEFF is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, an important milestone if you attach outsize meaning to numbers in multiples of five or ten. But we shouldn’t let a good milestone go to waste; it warrants reflection—something that’s all too easy to avoid in the head-down grind of work and life.

When I think about our company’s journey so far and what’s ahead, I’m struck by how vastly different the world is now compared with 2010. Consumers were making sense of Steve Jobs and the introduction of the iPad. On a personal level, I was trying to figure out my next move after Chicago lost its bid for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games. That seems like a long time ago.

The pace of change and emergence of new challenges require companies to adapt or perish. For content marketing agencies, there are two big ones:

The tech scythe of generative AI

The business world has been in a swirl for the past several years thanks to gen AI: new applications, breakneck technological advances, intense pressure on companies (and their vendors) to integrate these tools or risk being left behind—all without having a clear road map on how to capture value. Throw in a hefty dose of privacy and IP risk and you understand why everyone is feeling their way through the fog together.

The whiplash since ChatGPT launched in November 2022 just adds another layer: We went from “Gen AI will put every knowledge worker out of business” to “How much energy does it take to train and run gen AI models?” to “Wait, it’s really bad at some things” in a compressed period. Meanwhile, OpenAI, Meta, Microsoft, and other tech giants are locked in a race to achieve AI dominance.

Our company’s approach is to explore these platforms, determine how they play a role in accelerating high-value work, and serve as a thought partner and advisor to our clients. If gen AI can help us reimagine what we do, all the better. We’ve also started talking about being vigilantly curious—when any assumption can be obsolete in months or even weeks, research and experimentation need to be ongoing efforts.

Changing client needs

Client priorities and expectations continue to evolve, and that requires us to constantly reassess what we do and how we do it. A couple of examples: Six years ago, companies commonly accepted that quality video productions required large crews and expensive equipment—and were willing to pay for it. The ubiquity of video calls during the pandemic, advancements in video quality produced by smartphones, and the importance of authenticity to audiences have vastly expanded acceptable production options. Similarly, podcasts continue to enjoy widespread popularity, but the video component has quickly gone from nonexistent, to nice to have, to an audience expectation—and, most important, an additional distribution channel.

Over the past 15 years, we’ve focused on understanding how we can extend our subject matter expertise and storytelling acumen into adjacent areas. This intention has taken us from an editorial and design shop to an end-to-end content marketing agency that produces all forms of content. We did our first video production in 2014 and first podcast in 2019. Along the way, we built out our data visualization capabilities, including online interactives, to keep up with client interest and demand.

One of our biggest lessons: Innovation is valuable only if it directly addresses challenges that clients have. For example, AI-generated videos featuring a lifelike avatar of the CEO can be produced for little time and cost and offer a “wow!” factor. But if your target audience craves a genuine connection with the leader, this technology could actually be counterproductive (at least until the difference between human and AI-generated videos is imperceptible).

To take it back to 2010, Steve Jobs envisioned the iPad as an eventual replacement for the PC, which he compared to a clunky truck that consumers would eventually find cumbersome in comparison. Today, the PC continues to maintain its dominance and prove its utility. (Incidentally, the top-selling vehicles in the United States in 2024: the Ford F-150 and Chevy Silverado. Americans love their trucks.)

We’re already inundated with more content than we can possibly digest, and the coming years are likely to see communications channels awash in it. I believe distinctive viewpoints, marked by novel, authentic perspectives, will cut through—if they are expertly tailored to consumer preferences.

Despite the uncertainty and unpredictability ahead, I’m optimistic and excited. New and different don’t automatically translate into progress; it’s up to us to figure out how to make them so. Here’s to the next 15.

Privacy Policy:

1. Introduction
LEFF is committed to protecting your personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and share your information when you interact with our website, services, and communication channels.

2. Information We Collect
We collect personal data that you provide to us, such as:
// Contact Details: Name, email address, phone number
// Business Information: Company name, job title, industry
// Message Content: Information included in messages you send us

3. How We Use Your Information
We process your data for the following purposes:
// To respond to inquiries and provide requested services
// To improve our services based on user feedback
// With consent, to send marketing communications related to our products, services, and industry insights

4. Legal Basis for Processing
We process your data based on:
// Consent: Where you’ve opted into marketing communications
// Legitimate Interest: When processing is necessary to respond to inquiries or improve services

5. Data Sharing
We do not share your personal data with third parties unless required by law or necessary to fulfill your request.

6. Data Retention
Your data will be stored securely and retained only as long as needed to fulfill your request or comply with legal obligations.

7. Your Rights
You have the right to:
// Access your personal data
// Rectify inaccuracies
// Request deletion of your data (under certain conditions)
// Withdraw consent for marketing at any time

8. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to safeguard your data.

9. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page.

Contact Us
If you have questions or requests regarding your data, please contact us at wordpress@leffcommunications.com.

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.

 

VP, sustainability group

Katie is passionate about the power of storytelling to motivate audiences to action, particularly concerning environmental and public sector issues, which have been the throughline of her multifaceted career. She has managed a water project for the World Bank, been one of the United Kingdom’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 leads the LEFF Sustainability Group and is LEFF’’s resident expert on the fast-evolving world of sustainability and ESG regulations (including the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive). She is happiest when working with clients—and the rest of the LEFF team—–on anything from videos and infographics to marquee reports.

 

VP, 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.

 

VP, client strategy and operations

Joe has more than 20 years of experience at the intersection of marketing and operations, having honed his skills working with global brands such as The Home Depot, Kraft, McDonald’s, and Pepsico. Joe’s passion for this work was ignited when he had the opportunity to open and lead a Canadian office for a marketing agency. His understanding of the relationship between effective operations and exceptional service led to superior client outcomes and the location quadrupling in size over five years. At LEFF, Joe is dedicated to strengthening this relationship, ensuring that the company’s clients receive not just outstanding content but also an unparalleled experience. He sees LEFF’s employees as the key to that experience and is committed to ensuring the team has the tools, processes, and resources needed to do their best work.

Controller

Boris oversees the financial processes that power LEFF’s daily business operations and ongoing growth. He began his professional career doing personal and corporate tax accounting, followed by accounting and controller roles in the banking, communications, and public relations industries. His work at LEFF elevates every aspect of finance from payments and invoicing to compensation and payroll. Boris uses his forward-thinking approach to financial trends to drive the accounting, oversight, and planning that are essential to LEFF’s work with clients and colleagues.

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.