We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Laura Lee. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Laura below.

Laura, appreciate you joining us today. Alright, so we’d love to hear about how you got your first client or customer. What’s the story?

Stepping away from the corporate grind to start my own venture felt like a pipe dream. As a Korean-American woman, I was often one of the few in the room, wrestling with self-doubt that whispered I didn’t belong and an upbringing that nudged me to stay quiet and blend in.

But when I reached out to my network, I discovered a goldmine of support I hadn’t fully appreciated. Those ties opened doors for my business immediately. Those bonds didn’t just cheer me on; they landed me Virgin Galactic as my first client straight out of the gate. This flipped a switch in me. It hit me: I’d built something real—connections worth celebrating and opportunities I could own with pride.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I bring over 15 years of expertise as a Growth Marketing leader, with a proven track record across consumer tech, entertainment, and gaming sectors, driving success for iconic brands like HBO Max, Live Nation, Warner Bros, Universal Music, The CW, and Hasbro, among others.

My career launched in the agency realm, where I learned the ropes through digital media planning and buying strategies. Driven to influence outcomes more directly, I shifted to in-house brand leadership, capitalizing on the opportunity to architect and execute consumer strategies from the core. Today, as the Founder and CEO of LL Consulting, I spearhead transformative marketing strategies for B2C and DTC brands, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to optimize and deliver results that craft resonant audience experiences. My approach fuses innovation with impact to accelerate performance marketing and growth.

I’m a forward-thinking architect of change, committed to redefining marketing through thought leadership and next-gen solutions. Beyond strategy, I champion collaboration and inclusivity, actively advocating for diverse perspectives in tech and media. This led me to opportunities as a Board Member of Asians in Advertising, an Advisory Council member for the Harvard Business Review, and as a Strategic AI Program Advisory Board member for Southwestern Law School. My drive to harness emerging media and technology for compelling consumer engagement is equaled only by my dedication to uplifting the voices shaping our industry’s future.

Any advice for managing a team?

Leadership, to me, is a standout element of team culture that I truly enjoy. I’m convinced that the most effective leaders are those who tap into their innate, unpolished ability to inspire and guide.

Managing a team and keeping morale high starts with genuinely understanding the people you’re leading. My advice is to prioritize thoughtful engagement—take the time to check in with your team, not just on tasks but on how they’re feeling about their work and their environment. Listening is key here; it’s not about having all the answers upfront but creating space for their ideas, concerns, and aspirations to surface. I’ve found that when people feel heard, they’re more invested in the collective goal.

Building connection is just as critical. Foster a culture where team members feel tied to each other and the mission—whether through regular one-on-ones, team huddles, or even casual moments that humanize the workday. Celebrate wins, big and small, and acknowledge individual contributions in ways that resonate with them personally. It’s about showing up consistently with empathy and intention. When a team knows you’ve got their back and value their voice, morale doesn’t just hold steady—it thrives.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One lesson I had to unlearn was the idea that relentless hustle—pouring every ounce of myself into work—was the only path to success. I absorbed this mindset early on, telling myself to keep pushing, stay quiet, and let the results speak. It carried me through all of my corporate roles, where I’d burn the midnight oil chasing every opportunity. But over time, I hit a wall—exhausted, stretched thin, and questioning if the grind was even worth it.

As I climbed the corporate ladder, I realized I’d been chasing a version of achievement that didn’t leave room for me to breathe or figure out what I actually cared about. Unlearning that meant stepping back to rethink work-life balance—not as a buzzword, but as a real shift in how I operate. I started asking myself what passions deserved my energy, not just what demanded it. That’s when I pivoted toward building my own business, focusing on growth marketing and AI-driven innovation—areas I love—while carving out space for life outside the hustle. It’s been an ongoing process, but it taught me that success isn’t about doing everything; it’s about doing what matters, with intention.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @teamllconsulting
• Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/llee01

Image Credits

Hannah Arista Photography
Artistique Imagery
Lawrence Q Hu / Picture North