The Delegate Without a Podium: A Model UN Reflection on Quiet Leadership
I didn’t need a podium at 18. At 37, I still don’t. I’ve always been here to build.
✨ Welcome to My Blog
I'm Lisa Steele. The sparks that change everything often start small — a lesson, a chance connection, a moment of courage. I write to capture those sparks and show how they can grow into momentum, community, and lasting impact. My hope is simple: that these stories inspire you to notice your own sparks of joy and lean into them fully.
What Loyola University Chicago Gave Me
This is Part 1 of a multi-part reflection on the moments that shaped me at Loyola University Chicago — across classrooms, student orgs, and the people who met me where I was. In this chapter, I return to AKPsi: where I tested everything I was learning, chased a title too early, and eventually found my way back — not through ambition, but through quiet accountability, old connections, and the grace of being needed just when I needed it most.
Building Bridges, Fueling Brands: A True Story About Growth at Adstra
What started as a guest lecture invitation turned into a multi-layered growth strategy for Adstra—spanning mentorship, brand-building, and lasting client partnerships. This is the true story of how one bridge led to many, and how community became the catalyst for business growth.
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Inside the Data Lake: Building the Retail Edge
How retailers and D2C brands can navigate tariffs and uncertainty with identity resolution—anticipating customer needs, personalizing at scale, and staying ahead
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DTC's Evolution
A brief history lesson in D2C and where I predict it's heading next
The Leap into 4C Insights: A New Chapter in Ad Tech
Taking a leap into a new industry after years away can be daunting. Join me as I navigate the exciting and challenging world of 4C Insights, from my first day filled with imposter syndrome to the strategic moves that set the stage for success. Discover how belief and preparation can fuel incredible career transformations!
Navigating Challenges: The First Weeks at 4C Insights
The first weeks at a new job are critical. Read about my initial challenges at 4C Insights, including a disastrous sales call that revealed product gaps and the relentless pursuit of understanding that followed. Discover how turning failures into learning opportunities paved the way for strategic adjustments.
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One of My Core Business Beliefs: Mastering the Ideal Customer Profile to Fuel Company-Wide Success
Dive into one of my fundamental beliefs about business success: the power of a well-crafted Ideal Customer Profile. I'll share why I think it's crucial, not just a nice-to-have, and how it can transform every area of your company, from product development to sales. Understand how getting this right from the start helps everyone in your team make smarter, sharper decisions that directly connect with your best customers.
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Sales Hack: Work Your Network to Get Into a Prospective Customer's Tribe
In the crowded world of sales, cold emails often fall flat. Discover powerful techniques to warm up your outreach by leveraging your LinkedIn connections and getting strategic introductions. This blog post provides a detailed guide on filtering searches by client persona industries and effectively connecting with the trusted network of your prospective customers. Transform your sales approach and achieve better results with these actionable tips. Stay tuned for more expert strategies to help you close deals faster!
The Journey Forward: From Video to Social Advertising
Shifting focus from video to social advertising at 4C Insights brought new challenges and opportunities. Read about how I built client relationships, adapted strategies, and contributed to the company’s growth. Join me on this journey of continuous learning and embracing new challenges with enthusiasm.
Creating a Fresh Start: Establishing My Brand at 4C Insights
First impressions matter. Explore how I established my personal brand at 4C Insights, connecting with colleagues across departments and positioning myself as a valuable team member. This is a story of proactive introductions, strategic learning, and building a reputation from day one.
From Video to Social: Building Relationships and Driving Sales
Building strong relationships is key to driving sales. Follow my journey as I transition from focusing on video to social advertising at 4C Insights, leveraging my network and learning from top sellers. This post is about adaptation, strategic networking, and finding success in unexpected places.
Preparing for Success: Lessons from Innovid and Beyond
Transitioning back into ad tech after a five-year hiatus in consumer research, I had to hit the ground running. Learn how I leveraged past experiences and dove into the complex world of AI to prepare for my new role at 4C Insights. This is a story of proactive learning, strategic networking, and relentless curiosity.
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Let's Talk About Purpose
Noticing what lights you up can reveal more than joy — it can point you toward your purpose. Here’s how I’ve learned to follow those sparks in life and career.
