Influential Woman · Entertainment, Sports, Media & Branding
Markisha Steele
Head of Creative, Content & Production, Athletic Gaines Media
Atlanta, GA 30328
Her Story
About Markisha
Markisha Steele is a strategic creative leader with experience spanning entertainment, sports, television, live events, branding, and consumer-focused content. She currently serves as Head of Creative, Content & Production at Athletic Gaines Media, where she leads creative operations, production, and content development while building systems, workflows, and cross-functional partnerships that help transform ideas into impactful content and experiences. Her expertise encompasses creative strategy, creative direction, content development, production management, project management, business process improvement, and experiential strategy. Steele began her career in entertainment in 2014 and has built a diverse production background across television, sports, and film. Her experience includes senior and leadership roles with NFL Network, The Walt Disney Company, and Fox Corporation, as well as creative experiential strategy work with digital agencies. Her professional development includes a Bachelor of Arts from Clark Atlanta University, along with continuous training in leadership and creativity. Throughout her career, she has emphasized continuous improvement, cross-functional collaboration, operational efficiency, storytelling, and the integration of emerging technology such as AI into creative workflows. Beyond her professional career, Steele is committed to service, mentorship, and community development. She serves as Executive Director of Momentum Enrichment and Momentum Enriched Youth Group Home, initiatives focused on addressing Atlanta's affordable housing challenges for veterans, seniors, and returning citizens and providing around the clock residential care for youth boys in the juvenile/foster system, and serves as Vice President of Media Productions for the Big Sister Little Sister Mentoring Program. She has also volunteered with First Presbyterian Church and is a member of H.O.M.E (House of Miracles & Empowerment), supporting efforts to provide food and care packages to people experiencing homelessness. Steele's approach to her success and leadership is grounded in self-belief, authenticity, service, curiosity, adaptability, and creating environments where people feel seen, heard, supported, valued and empowered to contribute their best work.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Markisha
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to believing in myself and being willing to bet on me, take risks, and step into opportunities even when the outcome is uncertain. My spiritual foundation and commitment to being of service have also played an important role in my journey. I believe in taking a transformational rather than transactional approach to my work and relationships—making people feel seen, heard, and valued. These principles have helped me build meaningful relationships while continuing to grow creatively and professionally.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I would give is to learn from your mistakes and understand that failure does not have to be the end of the road. Sometimes what appears to be failure is actually an opportunity to reposition, pivot, relearn, and reroute. I believe you should never be afraid to try, and you should always remain curious. Every experience can teach you something valuable and help you determine the next direction you want to take.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women entering this industry to never be afraid to ask questions and to learn as much as possible. Stay flexible, develop the ability to pivot, and remember that everything is figureoutable! Do not be afraid to take up space, be curious, sparkle and shine. Most importantly, stand firmly in your purpose, your power, and your authenticity. Your perspective and individuality are strengths, so bring them with you into every opportunity.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Transparency, authenticity, being of service and self-awareness are the values that I hold of high importance to me. I believe in being honest about both my wins and my challenges, remaining true to who I am, and taking ownership of both my strengths and the areas where I still have room to grow. These values influence how I collaborate with others, lead teams, approach creative work, and continue developing personally and professionally.
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