Core Team

emily gold

is a veteran marketer and entrepreneur in the beauty, fashion, and retail industries. Born in Rochester, Minnesota, she first made headlines as a top fashion model, serving as the international face of Clinique, Donna Karan, Versace, Fendi, and The Gap. Her success in building her personal brand through social marketing inspired her agency Gold Brand Consultants, which provides strategic marketing services to top clients in fashion, skincare, health care, entertainment, nonprofit, and online learning. A current resident of New York and Nashville, she is the proud mother of two, wife to one, and a former mime who is well versed in facepaint—or, as her troupe called it, their war masks.

thomas lakeman

brings to the team his wide-ranging experience in brand storytelling, product marketing, and digital user experience for major brands. Lakeman began his professional career at Universal Pictures, developing brand positioning and consumer copy for Jurassic Park, Schindler’s List, and Apollo 13. In 1994 he co-founded Digital Planet, a pioneer in digital marketing. Following a merger with global Internet consulting firm iXL, Inc., he joined the company as Chief Creative Officer. A published author, playwright, and Jeopardy! champion, his clients include major campaigns for Universal Pictures, Disney, Hallmark Cards, Singer Sewing Machines, the United States Postal Service, Intel, and Mattel.