For Linda Derks, marketing has always been about creating clarity, building trust, and sparking genuine connections. As the founder of Linda Derks Strategy Group in Chicago, she helps businesses uncover their authentic voice and translate it into strategies that inspire both loyalty and measurable growth.
Over the past 15 years, Linda has guided organizations across industries including healthcare, technology, consumer goods, and financial services. Her expertise lies in simplifying complex market insights into actionable strategies and crafting brand narratives that resonate with diverse audiences. Known for her precision and creativity, she approaches every campaign as both an architect and a storyteller, balancing analytical rigor with fresh, engaging ideas.
Linda’s leadership extends into the broader marketing community. She is a frequent keynote speaker at industry events, a contributor to respected publications, and a mentor who invests her time in developing the next generation of marketing leaders. She is particularly passionate about helping women and young professionals carve their path in an industry that demands both resilience and innovation.
Her colleagues describe her as visionary yet grounded, someone who can see the big picture without losing sight of details that matter. Whether working with a startup building its first brand identity or a global company redefining its market presence, Linda brings energy, focus, and a commitment to lasting results.
Her guiding philosophy is clear: marketing that connects people to purpose will always stand the test of time.
Linda, your philosophy centers on “marketing that connects people to purpose.” What does that mean to you?
To me, marketing is about serving. When a brand understands its deeper purpose and communicates it authentically, everything else aligns: strategy, messaging, and customer trust. Purpose-driven marketing creates emotional connection and loyalty that no discount or gimmick ever could. It’s about asking, “Why do we exist beyond profit?” Once a company defines that, it can speak with honesty and inspire meaningful relationships. In a noisy digital world, clarity and authenticity are the strongest currencies a brand can have, and that’s what I help clients uncover.
You’ve worked across many industries from healthcare to technology. How do you adapt your approach for different markets?
Every industry has its own language, but people everywhere respond to the same fundamentals: trust, relevance, and value. I start by listening deeply to the audience, the market, and the client’s internal culture. Once I understand the emotional drivers and pain points, I translate complex insights into simple, actionable strategies. Whether it’s simplifying medical jargon or humanizing a tech brand, the goal remains the same: clarity and connection. My adaptability comes from curiosity. I never assume; I ask, learn, and tailor every solution to resonate authentically within that specific context.
What inspired you to launch the Linda Derks Strategy Group?
After years of working in corporate marketing, I saw how often great ideas got buried under bureaucracy or disconnected from the customer experience. I wanted to create a consultancy that combined strategic precision with creative freedom where clarity and collaboration drive results. My vision was to bridge the gap between analytics and emotion, data and storytelling. Founding my firm gave me the flexibility to partner closely with clients, truly understand their goals, and build strategies that not only perform but also inspire pride and purpose within their teams.
How do you define success in marketing today?
Success is no longer just about numbers, it’s about meaningful impact. Of course, metrics matter, but I measure success by how well a brand’s message resonates and how deeply it earns trust. A successful campaign builds long-term relationships, not just short-term spikes. When customers feel seen, understood, and valued, they become advocates. That’s the real victory. Today’s most successful brands are those that stay consistent, transparent, and human in their storytelling. When you build trust, the numbers follow naturally because people believe in your purpose.
You’re known for mentoring young professionals. What advice do you give to those starting in marketing?
Be endlessly curious. Learn how to think, not just what to do. Marketing is a dynamic blend of psychology, communication, and analytics. It’s never static. Build a strong foundation in critical thinking, and never stop asking why. Also, don’t rush to find your niche. Explore different roles and industries to understand what excites you. And most importantly, lead with integrity. Authenticity and empathy aren’t optional skills; they are your greatest assets. If you stay grounded, keep learning, and care about people, your work will always stand out.
How do you balance creativity and data in your strategies?
It’s a constant dance. Data provides insight, but creativity provides meaning. I start with data. It tells me what’s happening but creativity tells me why it matters. The two are inseparable. Data without emotion falls flat, and creativity without insight risks missing the mark. I view data as the foundation and creativity as the bridge to human connection. The best campaigns use both to tell a story that feels intuitive and inspiring while still being strategically precise. Balance comes from respecting both sides equally.
What do you think is the biggest challenge marketers face today?
Noise. Consumers are bombarded with thousands of messages daily, and attention spans are shrinking. The challenge is breaking through that clutter with authenticity, not volume. Many brands still mistake visibility for connection. To truly stand out, you must understand your audience deeply what they value, what they fear, and what they aspire to. Another major challenge is staying adaptable. Technology and culture shift constantly, so marketers must be agile without losing their core message. Consistency in purpose is what sustains relevance amid all the noise.
How has mentoring women in marketing shaped your own leadership?
It’s been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey. Mentoring has made me more self-aware and intentional about how I lead. When you mentor, you don’t just give advice, you listen, empathize, and learn. It reminds me of how important representation and encouragement are in this industry. I’ve seen talented women doubt their voices, so I focus on helping them own their confidence and creativity. Mentorship also keeps me humble because it’s a two-way exchange that continually refuels my passion for the work.
What role does storytelling play in your marketing philosophy?
Storytelling is the heartbeat of everything I do. Facts inform, but stories transform. People remember narratives that make them feel something. A well-told story humanizes a brand, builds emotional connection, and turns customers into believers. It’s not about manufacturing emotion, it’s about revealing truth in a way that resonates. Every brand has a story worth telling; my job is to uncover it and bring it to life with honesty and clarity. When done right, storytelling is what turns marketing into meaning.
What’s next for you and the Linda Derks Strategy Group?
We’re continuing to grow with purpose. My goal is to deepen our impact by partnering with mission-driven organizations that value authenticity over flash. I’m also investing more time in mentoring programs and speaking engagements focused on ethical leadership and women in marketing. Long-term, I’d like to expand internationally, helping global teams bridge cultural nuances through purposeful communication. No matter how we grow, the mission stays the same: to help brands build trust, inspire connection, and communicate with clarity that stands the test of time.