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Lisa M.
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Lisa M.

Brand & Messaging Strategist for Fortune 500 and Scaling Companies

I help companies define, position, and communicate their brands in ways that drive measurable business results—whether that’s launching something new, clarifying complex offerings, or strengthening market perception. I bring 15+ years of experience as a brand strategist, messaging expert, and content leader, working with Fortune 500 companies, top-tier consultancies, and high-growth businesses. My clients include organizations like Johnson & Johnson, Canon, ADP, and UPS, as well as work with Deloitte and McKinsey. I’ve also partnered with leading agencies including McCann/FutureBrand, Ogilvy, and FCB to support brand transformation, product launches, and global marketing initiatives. What I Do I focus on the intersection of brand strategy, messaging, and execution for strategies that have a real-world impact in building your business reputation and revenue. Brand Strategy & Positioning: Clarifying what you stand for, how you differentiate, and where you win Messaging & Verbal Identity: Turning complex ideas into clear, compelling narratives that resonate with customers and stakeholders Naming & Brand Architecture: Developing names and systems that are strategically grounded and market-ready Content & Thought Leadership: Creating high-value content that builds authority, drives engagement, and supports sales Sales Enablement & Campaign Development: Equipping teams with the tools and messaging needed to convert opportunities into revenue How I Help Clients Clients typically bring me in when they need to: Launch a new brand, product, or initiative Reposition or modernize an existing brand Align internal teams around a clear, consistent story Translate technical or complex offerings into market-facing clarity Build thought leadership that supports growth and credibility Selected Experience Former Director, Brand Strategy at McCann’s FutureBrand consultancy Four years as brand strategist and copywriter for Johnson & Johnson's internal agency Marketing leadership roles in both startup and enterprise environments, including early-stage work with E Ink (technology behind the Amazon Kindle) Experience spanning industries including healthcare, technology, financial services, manufacturing, and consumer brands I’ve also taught digital marketing in the Columbia University EMBA program and hold certifications from the Search Engine Academy, eMarketing Institute, and HubSpot. Writing & Thought Leadership Contributor to major media outlets including NPR, CNN, BBC, and Forbes. Author of Merriam’s Guide to Naming and co-author of multiple books, including a New York Times bestseller. Engagement Approach I operate as a strategic partner—whether leading projects independently or collaborating with internal teams and agency partners. Typical engagements include: Brand positioning and messaging development Naming projects Brand and communications audits Thought leadership and content strategy Who I’m Best For: Fortune 500 and enterprise organizations navigating change or growth Mid-sized companies preparing to scale or reposition Founders and leadership teams who need clarity, alignment, and market impact

🇺🇸New York, United States$125/hr100% JSS4.97 (71)Since Jun 2016

Earnings and projects

MRR
$558

Last 6 months ÷ 6

World#73,409 / 412k
🇺🇸Country#11,041 / 62.1k
Revenue, last 30 days
$1.2k

Last 6 months: $3.3k

World#36,607 / 412k
🇺🇸Country#5,797 / 62.1k
Total earnings
$394k

Billed in all: $431k

World#4,578 / 412k
🇺🇸Country#1,385 / 62.1k
Per project
$2.7k

$176 in the last 6 months

World#60,775 / 412k
🇺🇸Country#10,150 / 62.1k
Projects, last 6 months
19

Across 20 contracts

60% fixed40% hourly
World#6,608 / 412k
🇺🇸Country#1,138 / 62.1k
Projects in all
146

Across 159 contracts

62% fixed38% hourly
World#16,420 / 412k
🇺🇸Country#2,757 / 62.1k

Earnings, last 30 days

$431k+$1.2k earned in the last 30 daysBilled in all, before Upwork's fee · drag across the chart to see what was earned in any stretch
$430k$431k$432kOct 8Oct 23Nov 7

Skill rankings: Top 11% in Sony Vegas

Ranked by MRR among everyone on Upwork with the skill.

  1. #26Sony Vegas243 freelancers · 🇺🇸 #3Top 11%
  2. #200Brand Marketing1,198 freelancers · 🇺🇸 #61Top 17%
  3. #337Corporate Brand Identity2,351 freelancers · 🇺🇸 #77Top 14%
  4. #488Brand Consulting2,336 freelancers · 🇺🇸 #193Top 21%
  5. #584Content Marketing3,405 freelancers · 🇺🇸 #139Top 17%
  6. #1,312Adobe InDesign8,231 freelancers · 🇺🇸 #353Top 16%
  7. #2,054Microsoft Word12,572 freelancers · 🇺🇸 #295Top 16%
  8. #2,742Copywriting21,052 freelancers · 🇺🇸 #758Top 13%