Thought Leader Spotlight: Lily Harder
Behind the data are our world-class thought leaders. Over the next few months, we will be introducing you to the people responsible for Comperemedia’s industry expertise.
Lily Harder is Senior Director of Marketing Strategy at Comperemedia. She specializes in industry trends, marketing strategy, and competitive intelligence within the financial services sector.
Q: What topics do you specialize in?
A: Financial services, with a specialty in retail banking, investments, lending and fintech.
Q: How did you get to where you are now?
A: I started my career working with a mutual fund firm in Chicago, followed by two years studying abroad in Barcelona where I got my MBA. But, Chicago was calling me back so I brought my experience in the financial services industry to Compermedia, writing research reports and presenting our findings to clients. After many years of developing my voice and expertise in the industry, I began to increase my presence in front of clients and at industry events and conferences, which is where I spend the majority of my time now.
Q: If you could have lunch with anyone in your industry, who would it be and why?
A: I would be ecstatic to have lunch with Sallie Krawcheck, the CEO and Co-Founder of Ellevest, a digital financial advice platform for women. Not only has she successfully navigated the male-dominated investment world, but she has made it her mission to help women achieve their financial goals. I would love to pick Sallie’s brain on the challenges she has faced throughout her career as well as what she thinks the future looks like for women in financial services.
Q: Tell us about a brand campaign or shift in strategy that has recently caught your eye?
A: I love what Ally Bank is doing across their digital and traditional marketing. This is a brand that is actively trying to redefine the rules of banking, but doing so in a way that consistently keeps pace with our modern lifestyles, culture, and genuine needs as a consumer. Ally has a strong creative team behind its marketing, but it continues to build on its strong identity as a customer-first financial provider.
Q: What is your favorite part about your job?
A: The best part about my job is that I get to write and talk about what excites me. I am in a constant state of learning and I love bringing all of my new knowledge to our clients in a way that will help them make strategic business decisions that lead to progress and growth.
Q: Last but not least- tell a fun fact about yourself.
A: I have hiked the tallest mountains in Maine and New Hampshire, one of which I did in the middle of a lightning storm.
