Developed and launched a new content initiative related to GTM strategy, business research, and teamwork. see ellevara.substack.com

Provided fractional research-based consulting to select clients, including sales process design, GTM strategy, and productization advisory.

Facilitated B2B partnership relationship development on behalf of US NBA team, resulting in a multi-year, 6-figure deal with a consumer B-corp.

Developed, owned and executed planning, delivery and scale of function, engaging and leading a team of six, resulting in the establishment of work product as a trusted internal resource, elevating our influence and reputation, increasing the demand for the team’s services, and achieving 95% approval

Hired, onboarded and managed a diverse and multi-disciplinary team of 6+ , in addition to coaching and mentoring a wide-range of cross-functional junior team members, supporting their professional development and fostering a community of collaboration

Provided strategic guidance and recommendations to senior leaders on key business decisions, ensuring OKRs and KPIs linked to broader corporate strategy, resulting in effective resource management and program execution

Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and successful execution of strategic initiatives, monitoring and assessing our progress, identifying potential risks and recommending adjustments as needed, resulting in the scale and implementation of our programming in support of our frontline employees and business development priorities

Lead the discovery and identification of user concepts and needs, prioritizing the most promising topics for content development and new programmatic offerings

Engaged stakeholder and senior leaders, establishing and maintaining strong networks to support all elements of our initiatives, resulting in influencing leadership buy-in across the breadth of our offering and the growth of our team from 3 to 20+ team members

Confidently led in fast-paced two major crisis situations (COVID & bank-failure of March 2023), designing and implementing cross-functional collaborative processes to provide employees with critical information and motivation in a volatile environment, resulting in 100% adoption of our services and resources

Lead the identification, evaluation and management of new local partnership opportunities to support the building of a strong regional network of 1000+ professionals, ~50 member client relationships, and selective sponsorships

Facilitated a successful international partnership between the City of Austin, Texas, USA and Adelaide, Australia, resulting in two international fashion events

Designed and executed events, projects and programs to connect professionals within the consumer goods and fashion-tech space resulting in participation by over 1000+ individuals and businesses in the local ecosystem

Supported existing businesses within the local ecosystem via network connections and a membership platform, resulting in influential introductions to potential hires, investors, customers, service providers and other key stakeholders and potential collaborators

Took the initiative to create ownership of the market for business development within the local fashion industry by building relationships across sectors, government departments and organizations within the ecosystem, gathering market intelligence and resulting in a deep understanding of the local consumer economy

Formed and maintained meaningful relationships across a network of investors, startups, executives, market influencers and other stakeholders and organizations relevant to the industry ecosystem locally, nationally and internationally

Provided leadership and support in the evaluation of companies in need of investment and acceleration services within the consumer goods, retail and technology sectors, developing an understanding of prospects’ needs and market trends within the fashion industry

Representative of creative industries’ innovation at various events including serving as a US State Department sponsored YTILI and YLAI mentor, and host for other international delegations to Austin