Emily Shane

What is your role at Brand Federation?

I am a senior brand strategist and engagement lead.

What work are you doing now and what about it inspires you?

I’m leading the research phase on a branding project for a regional nonprofit that ensures every child, regardless of race, geography, or socioeconomics, has access to a quality preschool experience that prepares them for elementary school.

As a parent, I understand the developmental importance of this stage. I leaned heavily on community resources to prepare my deaf son for kindergarten. This season of parenting was a true trial by fire for my husband and me as we learned how to advocate for what he needed. It's gratifying to know there’s a regional program that ensures access and sets parents and educators up for success.

What superpower do you bring your clients and colleagues?

I’m an atypical strategist because I don’t come from an advertising background. I got my start in PR and internal communications, and I love to write, so it's fun to work on a team like this one where my varied skillset works alongside more traditional strategists.

Why did you join the Brand Federation team?

I recently left a leadership role at a local agency and was looking for a place to continue exercising my brand strategy muscle in a flexible work environment. Playing the senior strategist and engagement lead roles enables me to serve my community through the nonprofit we’re supporting while continuing to grow as a strategist and learning new tools and processes for developing a bespoke brand strategy.

Have you seen a movie or show lately that you’d recommend?

I recently listened to a new podcast from Imperfect Paradise called “The Queen of Conspiracy Theories,” which looks at Guru Jagat, her pandemic experience, and the role of conspiracies in the world of yoga and wellness. My takeaway from the first episode was the importance of collecting multiple perspectives to inform your view, but it can become a slippery slope to fringe thinking. The producers did a great job summarizing QAnon, which is widely described as difficult to define.

What gets your energy and time outside of work?

This may feel cliche at the start of the year, but I love a good sweat! I’m an avid runner. You’ll often find Leah Muhlenfeld and me running our hilly neighborhood in the wee hours of the morning. I love a splat-filled Orange Theory Fitness workout, too.  I’m also a mother of two who carpools my soccer players around town in the afternoons.

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