How a Business Strategist, Brand Expert, and Dynamic Speaker is Transforming Industries Worldwide
In the ever-evolving world of business, standing out requires more than just a great product or service—it demands a strong brand identity, an effective strategy, and an authentic connection with your audience. Few understand this better than Maresa Friedman, a powerhouse in business strategy, branding, and storytelling. With over 25 years of experience working with Fortune 500 companies, industry leaders, and innovative entrepreneurs, Maresa has helped businesses generate millions in revenue while crafting sustainable, long-term strategies for success.
She has collaborated with major brands such as the NFL, Walmart Foundation, City of San Diego, Better Business Bureau, and Tory Burch Foundation. Her expertise spans multiple industries, from consumer packaged goods to e-commerce, energy, and sports, and she has spoken at prestigious events like CES, the International Franchise Association, Google’s Brand Summit, and FindLaw.
In this exclusive interview, Maresa Friedman shares her insights on branding, social media, business mindset, collaboration, and the importance of prioritizing health as a leader.
The Interview
Q: Maresa, your career spans over 25 years in business strategy and branding. What initially inspired you to step into this field?
Maresa Friedman:
My journey into business strategy and branding began with a passion for problem-solving and storytelling. Early in my career, I realized that most businesses struggled with articulating their value proposition in a way that resonated with their audience. That’s when I understood the power of brand narrative—it’s not just about what you sell; it’s about how you connect with your customers and make them feel.
I’ve always been someone who enjoys bringing clarity to complex situations, and I saw an opportunity to help businesses align their goals with strategic branding and positioning. Over the years, I’ve worked with top brands across industries, and it’s been an exciting challenge to craft messages that inspire, engage, and drive sustainable growth.
Q: You emphasize branding with purpose. What does that mean, and why is it so important?
Maresa Friedman:
Branding with purpose means ensuring that your story, mission, and values are not just a marketing tool but an integral part of your business model. In today’s world, consumers are more conscious and selective than ever. They don’t just buy products; they invest in brands they trust and align with.
A brand should be more than just a logo or tagline—it should reflect the company’s authenticity, values, and impact. Whether it’s a Fortune 500 company or a startup, businesses that build a strong, authentic narrative stand out and create lasting relationships with their audience.
Some of the most successful companies today are the ones that humanize their brand, show vulnerability, and foster a genuine connection with their customers. That’s what branding with purpose is all about.
Q: Social media has drastically changed how businesses interact with customers. How should businesses approach social media for sustainable growth?
Maresa Friedman:
Social media is a powerful tool, but many businesses focus too much on vanity metrics—likes, shares, and follower counts—without looking at real engagement and impact. A strong social media strategy should be:
1. Authentic – Speak to your audience in a way that feels real and relatable.
2. Consistent – Stay true to your brand voice across all platforms.
3. Community-Driven – Engage with your followers, listen to their feedback, and build a loyal community.
4. Long-Term Focused – Trends change, but your brand identity should remain strong and adaptable.
Predictions for 2025? Expect even more AI-driven personalization, short-form video dominance, and community-led growth. Businesses that embrace innovation while staying true to their brand story will thrive.
Q: You often speak about the importance of mindset and business strategy. How do these two elements work together?
Maresa Friedman:
Mindset is the foundation of business success. You can have the best strategy in the world, but if you don’t have the right mindset, you won’t execute it effectively.
Many entrepreneurs spend too much time working in their business instead of working on their business. They get caught up in the daily grind and lose sight of the bigger picture. Having a growth-oriented mindset allows you to:
• See challenges as opportunities rather than roadblocks.
• Make decisions based on long-term vision instead of short-term fear.
• Build resilience in the face of setbacks.
I always tell my clients: “If you want to unlock your full business potential, you need to align your strategy with the right mindset.”
Q: Collaboration is a major theme in your work. Why do you believe it’s essential for business growth?
Maresa Friedman:
No one succeeds alone. The most successful businesses create ecosystems of collaboration where innovation, growth, and learning happen organically.
Here’s what makes collaboration powerful:
• It fosters creativity – Great ideas come from diverse perspectives.
• It strengthens networks – The more meaningful connections you have, the greater your impact.
• It accelerates success – Learning from others can help you avoid costly mistakes and fast-track your progress.
In high-performing teams, trust and vulnerability play a huge role. If you create an environment where everyone feels valued and heard, your business will thrive.
Q: You also advocate for prioritizing health in business. Why is this so important?
Maresa Friedman:
Entrepreneurs and executives often glorify hustle culture, but burnout isn’t a badge of honor. The reality is, your business can only grow if you are functioning at your best—physically, mentally, and emotionally.
I’ve worked with executives who were so focused on work that they neglected their health. Over time, their performance suffered, decision-making became cloudy, and their stress levels impacted their leadership.
My advice? Take a holistic approach to success:
• Exercise and nutrition fuel productivity.
• Mental clarity enhances decision-making.
• Emotional health strengthens leadership and relationships.
Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s one of the smartest business strategies you can implement.
Q: You’ve spoken at over 277 events as a Google-certified speaker. What has been the most memorable experience?
Maresa Friedman:
Every event is special, but one of my most memorable moments was speaking at the International Franchise Association alongside Gary Vaynerchuk. It was an incredible experience to share the stage with someone who has shaped modern digital marketing and branding.
Another highlight was the Illuminating Women Conference in Seattle—an event that celebrated women in leadership and business. Seeing women come together to uplift each other was truly inspiring.
Public speaking isn’t just about delivering information—it’s about sparking transformation. That’s what drives me.
Q: Lastly, what advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders?
Maresa Friedman:
1. Define Your Brand Story – Know who you are, what you stand for, and how you serve your audience.
2. Build Real Relationships – Success isn’t just about money; it’s about meaningful connections.
3. Embrace Adaptability – Business is always evolving—be willing to pivot and innovate.
4. Invest in Yourself – Your mindset, health, and skills are the most valuable assets in your business.
5. Stay Consistent – Success isn’t built overnight. Show up, do the work, and trust the process.
Final Thoughts
Maresa Friedman is a force of transformation in the business world. Her expertise in branding, strategy, and leadership has reshaped industries and empowered businesses to reach their next level of success.
With a visionary mindset, passion for storytelling, and commitment to collaboration, Maresa continues to inspire, educate, and revolutionize the way businesses approach branding and growth.
Follow her journey, implement her insights, and get ready to elevate your business like never before.
