Insights
Driven Creative

My name is Cali Zumdahl and I enhance customer experiences. I am an audience-obsessed creative leader with over two decades of experience bettering tech, ecommerce and retail brands. My industry knowledge spans home improvement, financial, luxury goods, beauty, health and wellness. I go straight to strategy to help meaningful brands mean everything.

What I Do

I believe the smartest thing to do is to go straight to strategy. I’m curious, I approach any challenge by starting with the "think work" to unearth aha-worthy insights surrounding people and cultural before diving into execution and tactics.

This Includes
Consumer Research
Market Analysis
Brand Strategy
Brand Positioning
Brief Writing
Creative Strategy
Content Strategy
Innovation
I craft thoughtful creative solutions that communicate clearly and stand out from the content chaos.
This Includes
Big Ideas/Campaigns
Copywriting
Video/Photography
Digital Experience
Social
Out-of-home
Packaging
Print Design
I am a servant leader who builds teams to support the strategies of an organization while fostering an inclusive environment where talent can grow and feel valued.
This Includes
Team Building
Large Team Management
Small Team Management
Mentorship
Career Pathing
Performance Management
Org Design
Executive Leadership
Fun fact: In my last role, I improved my team's engagement scores by 41 points!
Sometimes you need someone by your side to help guide your business. As a business advisor and brand consultant—I help the startups, the stagnant, the strugglers and even the superstars stand out even more.
Learn more at brandbutter.co

I enjoy mentoring creative people in all stages of their careers. I have been an executive mentor at AdWeek, MPLS MadWomen, Walgreens, Post Consumer Brands and Asset Marketing Services. I am here to help people navigate their careers, polish their portfolios and level-up their potential.
From 2012 to 2013 I was an Adjunct Professor of Graphic Design at Harper College in Palatine, IL

I have also been a Portfolio Reviewer at employment fairs since 2013.
Business Development International, Panelist
2016 to 2020
MN AIGA Design Camp, Panelist
2022
AdFed MN 32 Under 32, Judge
2024
I bring people together to facilitate productive workshops that determine business goals, creative strategies, change management and action steps.
This Includes
Strat Planning
Discovery Sessions
Research/Focus Groups
Growth Hackathons
Agile Training
Integrated Marketing Planning
Content Calendar Planning
Creative Campaign Brainstorms
Pre-Productions
Retrospectives