Anna Marie Murphy,
Founder-Focused Marketing Leader

With over 15 years of experience, I’ve built and launched successful marketing programs from scratch for startups and organizations without dedicated marketing resources. My focus is on creating sustainable, strategic foundations that drive real growth and adapt as businesses scale. Here are three things I love about the work I do:

1. Building Things from the Ground Up

Walking into a company without an established marketing foundation is a challenge, but it’s one I love taking on. There’s something incredibly rewarding about bringing clarity to an executive’s vision, taking jumbled ideas from a busy founder’s mind, and turning them into reality. Through my StartSmart framework—a structured path to success that’s also infused with bold, personalized strategies—I work with each business to create a foundation that truly moves the needle. The best part? Looking back after six months to see just how far we’ve come.

2. Coaching and Mentoring

Marketing is something many people think they “know,” but few truly understand how to leverage for impactful growth. I work closely with executives, taking the time to truly listen, understand their goals, and bring their vision to life through strategies that not only deliver but also push the needle. My StartSmart program empowers leaders to recognize marketing as a core driver of growth, integrating it throughout the organization and establishing a marketing culture that aligns with long-term success.

Beyond guiding strategy, I’m passionate about coaching and mentoring the next generation of marketers. Whether working with existing talent at your company or helping you hire fresh talent, I’m dedicated to developing their skills, confidence, and alignment with your company’s vision. With StartSmart, I collaborate with all parties involved, creating a unified approach to marketing that supports and accelerates your goals from the inside out.

3. Telling Stories

A clear, compelling brand story is essential for any business. But a company’s story goes beyond just what it offers—it’s also about the founder’s journey and purpose. Finding creative ways to tell both the company’s story and the founder’s “why” is one of my true passions. Crafting messaging that resonates with audiences and brings authenticity to your brand is one of the most powerful ways to drive growth, and I’m here to help bring those stories to life.