Kelly Linstroth
Kelly Linstroth is a senior marketing executive and Independent Marketing Consulting professional with more than 20 years of experience driving business growth through lifecycle marketing, omnichannel strategy, and creative content development. Two of her most significant career experiences were with Walgreens and the Chicago Cubs, where she led large-scale initiatives that transformed how brands captured, enriched, and activated customer data to build personalized marketing experiences from acquisition through long-term retention. Her approach centers on creating integrated data ecosystems and using predictive insights, AI, and behavioral intelligence to deliver marketing programs that increase customer lifetime value while strengthening brand connection through storytelling and meaningful creative execution. What initially drew her to marketing was creativity and storytelling, which she views as a way to bring warmth and humanity into the business world.
Kelly earned her MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, selecting Booth specifically to develop the analytical and strategic rigor needed to elevate her creative marketing vision with advanced data and business insights. Throughout her career, she has frequently been brought into newly created or transformation-focused roles to help organizations move from concept to launch by building marketing infrastructure, defining KPIs, and establishing scalable operating models. She thrives in ambiguous environments where she can design solutions from the ground up, align cross-functional teams, and create clarity through strategy and execution. Her leadership style is rooted in empathy and servant leadership, focusing on empowering teams, mentoring high-potential talent, and building inclusive, high-performance cultures.
Currently, Kelly works as an independent marketing consultant, where she continues to help organizations develop growth strategies, rebrand programs, and build end-to-end marketing systems that drive measurable outcomes. She is also committed to giving back to the community, dedicating approximately half of her consulting work to pro bono projects that support organizations and causes where she can create meaningful social impact. Outside of her professional work, Kelly remains passionate about advancing the future of marketing through the intersection of creativity, technology, and data science, helping brands build lasting relationships with their customers while delivering sustainable, long-term value.
• The University of Chicago Booth School of Business - MBA, Marketing, Entrepreneurship
• Wisconsin School of Business - BBA
• Pro Bono Marketing Consulting
• Chicago Scholars Mentorship Program
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the people who have supported, encouraged, and mentored me throughout my career, as I would not have achieved what I have on my own. One of the most influential leaders I worked with shaped my leadership philosophy by emphasizing the human side of work and the importance of treating others with empathy, respect, and integrity, values I carry into how I manage and lead others today. I deeply value anyone who is willing to listen, offer guidance, or provide encouragement during moments of self-doubt, as those connections and relationships have played a critical role in my growth. As the saying goes, it takes a village, and I believe strong support systems are essential to both personal and professional success.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Trust your intuition, as it will guide you toward opportunities and environments where your skills and contributions are truly valued. Do not remain in places that fail to recognize your potential or encourage your professional growth. Early in your career, take risks and explore roles you may never have initially considered, since this is the best time to learn, experiment, and discover what you are truly passionate about. I have personally found unexpected strengths in areas like change management and working in ambiguous environments, often being brought into newly created roles to help organizations move from concept to launch. Challenge yourself, believe in your abilities, and hold yourself to the same high standards you would expect from others.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I work daily to maintain emotional balance, as I am naturally a highly empathetic and passionate person. I believe that long-term professional success comes from being able to care deeply about your work and your team while also recognizing when to step back and remember that work does not define who you are as a person. Not every challenge needs to be a conflict to be won; instead, I focus on mutual respect, self-respect, and conserving energy for what truly matters. I also approach leadership with the understanding that everyone is navigating their own experiences, and bringing that awareness into collaboration and decision-making is essential. My leadership style is rooted in empathetic and servant leadership, prioritizing people, connection, and sustainable performance.
Locations
Independent Marketing Consulting
Deerfield, IL 60015