Introducing Lindsey Gamble, the Associate Director of Influencer Innovation at Mavrck, an influential figure shaping the dynamic landscape of the creator economy.
With a wealth of experience in crafting impactful influencer marketing strategies for enterprise consumer brands, Lindsey is at the forefront of ushering brands into new trends within this ever-evolving space.
Beyond his role, he curates a weekly newsletter dissecting the latest in the creator economy, offering expert insights and navigating industry trends.
His contributions and expertise have earned recognition from LinkedIn, Business Insider, Hello Partner, and prominent digital publications like Business Insider, Vogue Business, and AdWeek. Lindsey stands as one of the top experts shaping the future of influencer marketing and the creator economy.
In this interview, we will explore Lindsey’s remarkable journey and unveil the secrets behind his extraordinary success.
Can you tell us a little bit about your background and how you got started in your field?
I actually worked in cancer clinical research out of school for a little over six years at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. I knew I wanted to work in social media but wasn’t able to get a job in this field for a while due to a lack of internship experience, which many of these companies wanted.
While I worked at DFCI, on the side, I ran a hip-hop blog, covering the local music scene in Boston, eventually expanding to the national music scene, which ended up being my version of an internship. In addition to writing about music, I interviewed artists, organized shows and events, worked with brands like Converse and Skype, and even managed artists.
Eventually, I used this experience on my resume and during interviews to get a role at an influencer marketing agency. I worked there for six months but unfortunately got laid off. After about five months of being unemployed, I came across Mavrck, an influencer marketing platform, where I work now. Over the five years of working here, my roles have evolved. For the first half, I worked with consumer brands like PayPal, SharkNinja, Tyson Foods, HotelTonight, Weber Grills, Fanatics, and more, helping them develop their influencer marketing practice – from campaign strategy to execution and management.
Today, my role as the Associate Director of Influencer Innovation is focused on helping our customers enter new trends in the creator economy – assisting them in experimenting with creators on new and emerging platforms and formats, partnering with creators for new use cases, and more. Ultimately, it’s staying attuned to the trends and shifts in the creator economy to bring marketers and creators together and help drive business and marketing goals.
I also create content around the creator economy including writing a weekly newsletter, delving into news, trends, and insights to help marketers and creators make sense of the evolving landscape and prepare for what’s coming next. Plus, I speak at different events and conferences about the creator economy, influencer marketing, and social media.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your career, and how did you overcome them?
Working in the creator economy itself is a challenge. There’s no real playbook – you’re learning as you go. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities. Sometimes, I have the answers, but other times, I’m figuring it out in real-time, using past experiences, but also looking at the bigger picture to make the most informed decisions, especially when working with customers or colleagues who are coming to me for expertise.
There can be times when you might guide a customer down a path, and things don’t play out like you think. I’ve learned to see those moments as golden opportunities to learn. You’re going to make mistakes, and a lot of the time, you need to in the short term to win in the long run. That can be hard to embrace. It’s all about finding that sweet spot between being sure of your work and staying humble enough to keep learning. Striking that balance has been key for me.
What are some of the most important lessons you’ve learned throughout your career, and how have they influenced your approach to leadership?
I think the biggest lesson I’ve learned is focusing on what you can control. There are so many different things that you go through in your career and life in general that you don’t have control over. I’ve found that when I focus on the things that I can control, it not only helps keep me focused but also accountable and responsible and gives me the power to be able to drive the outcomes that I want. When you put too much energy into things that are beyond your control, you inadvertently dilute your impact on the areas where you can make a difference.
Another valuable lesson I’ve learned is the significance of empowering people. In the fast-paced world we live in, it’s often tempting to provide colleagues with immediate answers or take on tasks for them. However, the true objective should be to empower others to succeed in their roles. By teaching and pushing them to find solutions while simultaneously guiding them, you can contribute to their growth and foster self-reliance. I’m a big believer in “teaching someone to fish versus giving them a fish.” I think you can have a bigger impact by doing the former.
One thing that people don’t know about you?
I’m a pretty good drawer. Art was a big passion of mine in my youth. My first job ever as a teen was actually working for an art non-profit. Unfortunately, I shifted away from drawing as I pursued football in high school and college. Occasionally, I’ll pick up a pencil and pad, but I would love to get back into it.
What advice would you give to young professionals or entrepreneurs who are just starting out in your field?
I would encourage them to embrace discomfort. Based on my own personal experience, the most growth and progression happen when you step outside of your comfort zone. It can be really easy to stick to what’s familiar or do things that you’re comfortable with, but putting yourself in situations where you’re always being challenged and uncomfortable not only brings growth and learning opportunities but can also open doors that may not be possible without taking those risks. It can be as simple as sharing your thoughts about your industry on LinkedIn, taking on a new project at work, or public speaking for the first time. Marketing is full of constant change, making it even more important to adopt a mindset that continually faces the unknown.
Thank you for sharing your incredible journey with us, Lindsey. Your insights into navigating the Creator Economy and embracing discomfort as a catalyst for growth are truly invaluable.
Embracing what we can control while empowering others defines impactful leadership. Your story inspires us to venture beyond our comfort zones in the ever-evolving realm of marketing.
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