When NextLevel Thinking was created, we established a core competency that remains steadfast after 25 years: combining the disciplines of marketing strategy and creative thinking. But what is the true secret behind our ability to sustain this high-level thinking through two and a half decades of relentless change?
There is no question in our mind that it is the power, dedication, and collaborative spirit of our Client Experience Team.
The Culture That Drives Strategy
From the very beginning, NLT was founded with a philosophical commitment to building a virtual firm—long before widespread technology made it common. This was never a purely operational decision; it was about creating a work environment that is fun, collaborative, positive, passionate, and creative, allowing our team members to be fully present in their lives.
In our recruiting efforts, this means we look for people that the firm can bless, and who, in turn, bless NLT. We willingly invite each other into our personal lives and embrace the day-to-day chaos. We celebrate when we get a glimpse of a dog stretching in the background or the curiosity of a toddler asking a question. As we mentioned in previous posts, we’re truly doing life together! This supportive atmosphere ensures the best thinking happens.
The Team Evolution
Our team has proven that embracing life’s chaos doesn’t compromise excellence; it fuels it. This human-centered approach is the foundation that allowed NLT to successfully evolve from a firm that simply crafted a strategy and handed it over, to one that now serves as an integrated, ongoing marketing partner, handling both development and execution.
Key individuals have been pivotal in shaping this journey:
- Tara Lockhart brought a softer, foundational perspective and helped lead the hiring process that attracted our wonderful team.
- Kristen Dyson sharpened our creative process, moving us from broad ideas to the precise power of words.
- Kate Buchanan brought structure and disciplined execution, formalizing “the NLT Way” with deep care.
Newer members continue to propel us forward, from Kyle Poerschke’s amazing video storytelling and Amir Gooden’s fresh ideas, to Maegan Meynig’s dedication and Angie De La Cruz’s tenacity and kind, client-focused presence. We celebrate each other’s strengths and realize that the team is truly greater than the sum of its parts.
The Next Chapter: Measured Growth
As we look toward NLT 3.0, the goal is not aggressive expansion but measured growth and a stronger client pipeline to ensure stability and flexibility. While technology—from sophisticated platforms to the latest frontier, AI—will continue to evolve our methods, Eric is clear that human insight and empathy are necessary to truly unlock its power.
The magic happens because we are in the thinking business, and the best thinking is delivered by a cohesive team that enjoys doing life together while pushing for excellence. Our 25-year journey is a testament to this fact: the team is the secret, and they are the key to unlocking the next level of success for our firm and our clients.