From Marketer to CEO: How Leslie Vickrey Built a Thriving Agency, a Strong Brand, and an Unstoppable Culture

Leslie Vickrey on Building a Standout Agency, Personal Brand, and Inclusive Culture

Building a successful marketing agency, cultivating a personal brand, and fostering an inclusive company culture are no small feats—but Leslie Vickrey has managed to do all three with remarkable impact. As the founder of ClearEdge Marketing and a champion for women in leadership, Leslie has built a company that not only delivers exceptional results but also prioritizes people, relationships, and long-term success.

In this blog, we’ll dive into Leslie’s journey—how she built ClearEdge, the power of personal branding, and the leadership lessons that have shaped her approach to business and culture. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a marketing executive, or a business leader looking for inspiration, these insights will help you take your career and company to the next level.

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From In-House to Agency: Leslie’s Entrepreneurial Journey

Leslie’s path to founding ClearEdge Marketing wasn’t traditional. With a background in journalism and internal communications, she transitioned through various industries before recognizing the need for a specialized, high-performing marketing agency tailored to staffing, talent, and technology firms.

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Key Takeaways for Aspiring Agency Founders:

• Start with a Need: Leslie identified a gap—smaller companies needed top-tier marketing support without the overhead of a full-time team.
• Leverage Your Network: "Your network is your net worth," Leslie emphasizes. Her first client came from her professional connections, underscoring the value of strong relationships.
• Learn on the Fly: "I didn’t have a business plan or sales experience, but I knew I could figure it out," Leslie recalls. Adaptability and mentorship played a crucial role in her success.

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Advice for Those Considering an Agency Model:

• Know Your Why: "Entrepreneurship isn’t easy, so having a clear purpose helps keep you grounded."
• Build a Strong Support System: "I leaned heavily on mentors and my team. Surround yourself with people who believe in your vision."
• Transition from Doer to Leader: "One of the hardest but most important shifts is moving from executing work to leading a business."

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The Power of Personal Branding in Leadership

In this episode, Leslie shared how personal branding played a pivotal role in her success. She discussed why branding isn’t just for founders—it’s for anyone looking to amplify their impact.

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‍Key Takeaways:

• Credibility & Influence: "A strong personal brand builds trust. People want to work with those they know and respect."
• Industry Recognition: "We started sponsoring industry events, speaking on panels, and creating content. Those efforts reinforced our credibility."
• Talent Attraction: "When you’re visible and share your expertise, you attract like-minded people."
• Business Growth: "When people recognize your name, opportunities come to you instead of you always chasing them."

‍Interested in how marketing leaders can future-proof their careers? Check out our blog on Finding Your Next Career Move in B2B Marketing Leadership.

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Outsourced vs. In-House Marketing: Making the Right Call

‍Leslie provided valuable insights into the “build vs. buy” dilemma when deciding between in-house marketing teams and agency partnerships.

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‍Key Takeaways:

• Outsource for Specialized Needs: "Bringing in outside experts for fresh perspectives can be game-changing."
• In-House for Core Brand Storytelling: "Your internal team should own your brand’s voice and story."
• Scalability & Speed: "If you need to move fast, an agency can provide the resources without long-term commitment."
• Regular Check-Ins: "A strong partnership requires continuous communication and feedback to ensure alignment."

For more insights on aligning sales and marketing for business growth, read 5 Pillars for Sales and Marketing Alignment.

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Building a High-Performance Culture

A key differentiator of ClearEdge Marketing is its award-winning culture. Leslie shared how she built a workplace that prioritizes flexibility, inclusivity, and empowerment.

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‍Key Takeaways:

• Lead with Trust & Transparency: "People thrive when they feel valued and informed."
• Support Work-Life Integration: "Flexibility isn’t just a perk—it’s a fundamental part of how we operate."
• Commit to Inclusivity: "Diversity makes teams stronger. We’ve seen firsthand how investing in DEI leads to innovation."
• Empower Employees: "When employees feel supported and valued, they do their best work."

‍If you're looking to build a strategic marketing plan that supports company culture, don't miss How to Build an Annual Marketing Plan.

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Final Thoughts & Takeaways

‍Leslie’s journey offers invaluable lessons for marketing leaders, agency founders, and executives alike. Whether you're looking to build a thriving agency, enhance your personal brand, or foster a strong company culture, her insights provide a roadmap for success.

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‍Key Takeaways:

• Bet on Yourself: "You don’t need all the answers—just the willingness to learn and adapt."
• Invest in Relationships: "The people around you will be instrumental in your success."
• Stay True to Your Values: "Whether in branding, leadership, or culture-building, authenticity wins."

For those looking to connect with Leslie or learn more about her work, she’s active on LinkedIn and has exciting projects in the pipeline, including a new book in the Together We Rise series.