Kathy McAfee

Founder and facilitator of The Fearless Leader 8-week group mentoring program, and the Fearless Accountability monthly support group. Learn more at www.TheFearlessLeader.com and also www.FearlessAccountability.com. Co-creator of The Fearless Leader book series. First release in this series is scheduled for February 2024 under the title, Fearless Female Leader: Stories and Strategies to Empower More Women to Leader (published by Publish Your Purpose).

As America's Marketing Motivator, Kathy McAfee works with corporate professionals, organizational leaders and ambitious entrepreneurs to become the recognized leaders in their fields by mastering the arts of high engagement presentations, more effective networking, authentic personal branding and fearless leadership. Her services include executive coaching, group mentoring, professional development skills training in presentation and communication influence, networking skills training for career and business advancement, and motivational keynote speaking for your next virtual or in-person conference or event. Check out her web site: www.AmericasMarketingMotivator.com

As a member of the YWCA board of directors for six years , I worked with a group of remarkable, talented and passionate people who are committed to fulfilling the mission of the YWCA - to eliminate racism and to empower women and to promote peace, dignity and freedom for all people. I served as a Table Captain for the annual YWCA fund raiser luncheon, In the Company of Women - an event that attracts over 1,500 people of influence in Connecticut. Using my professional speaking skills, I have delivered "The Ask" for donation appeal at the luncheon in 2009 and 2012.

Drove strategy in Communications, Research and Targeting for this $1.2 billion direct mail company specializing in print advertising for national retailers. Led staff of 75, PR agency and $13 million budget. Responsible for company positioning, marketing communications, market research, database marketing group, public service program, tradeshows, web site initiatives, media relations, sales support, crisis management and supporting strategic development team (launch of newspaper alliances).

Reporting to the CEO and member of the executive management team, turned around company image from low-price/low-quality producer to well-recognized quality producer with premium portfolio within 2½ years. Responsibilities included new product development, repositioning, public relations, international expansion, marketing communications, sales support, web initiatives and event marketing.

Directed this global wine company’s $50 million flagship brand for North America, Lindemans. Managed $3.8M budget, 2 direct reports and advertising agency. Key accomplishments included doubling case volume from 700K to 1.4M in 3 years. Earned the claim #1 selling imported wine brand in America.

Directed marketing operations for $40M European division of this global contact lens business. Developed integrated professional/trade and consumer marketing programs. Managed staff of 4 plus 4 agencies. Launched advertising test campaigns on London TV and French cinema.

Managed the flagship brand, CSI contact lenses.Two years managing the USA business, then promoted and moved to UK/Europe to manage international business for the whole portfolio, where I lived and worked as an ex-pat in England for 3 years. Company sold to Wesley Jesson in 1996/7; later bought by CibaVision

Managed company’s #2 priority, $60 million cosmetic line of eyeliners and beauty aids. Renewed brand growth via repositioning, reformulation and repackaging across the entire portfolio. Generated $500K in incremental profit by repackaging obsolete merchandise into holiday kits. As Associate Marketing Manager, managed $40 million teen-targeted cosmetic line, Shine Free. Created company’s first loyalty program.

Developed and executed marketing programs for Men’s Jeans Division, including sales promotion activity for Levi’s flagship business, 501® jeans, Levi’s Westernwear and Silver Tab, fashion jeans for young men.

Worked with Clorox Bleach and Pacific Bell Telecommunications account teams for this top Advertising Agency. Media planning experience included TV, radio, print, outdoor and ethnic media.