Hoboken, NJ - January 6, 2026 - Marketing strategist and brand leader Maryam Simpson is calling on her peers across the industry to rethink what effective marketing really means. Drawing from her own journey through agency work and purpose-driven brand building, Simpson is advocating for a renewed focus on empathy, connection, and long-term trust in how we tell brand stories.
“Marketing isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room,” Simpson says. “It’s about knowing your audience well enough to speak in a way that actually matters to them.”
Simpson, currently leading strategy at sustainability-focused brand EverNova, believes that too much modern marketing has become disconnected from the people it’s supposed to serve. The result, she says, is more noise—and less impact.
A Data-Driven Industry That’s Missing the Human Point
According to a 2023 Nielsen report, 73% of consumers say they feel “overwhelmed” by the amount of marketing content they see daily, and 56% actively avoid brands they feel are “out of touch.”
Yet, performance pressure remains high. Many companies prioritize short-term clicks, impressions, and sales metrics, often at the expense of meaningful connection.
Simpson’s approach offers a different path.
“It’s not that data isn’t important,” she explains. “It’s that data without empathy leads to campaigns that miss the point. You can hit your KPIs and still fail to build real trust.”
Real Results Through Purpose and People
Throughout her career, Simpson has combined storytelling with strategy to help brands find their voice. At BrightLeaf Media Group, her rebranding campaign for a hospital network increased online patient engagement by 43%. An influencer-led campaign for a skincare client tripled monthly sales.
But the work that resonates most with her audience is always rooted in real stories, not just polished pitches.
“When you share something people relate to, that’s when it sticks. Not when it’s optimized for the algorithm—but when it’s honest.”
Calling for a Shift Toward Empathy-Led Strategy
Simpson is now urging brands and agencies to shift toward empathy-led marketing. This means spending more time listening, researching human behavior, and shaping messages that speak to values—not just needs.
She also believes in building internal marketing cultures where creativity and purpose are encouraged.
“Too many teams are burned out trying to do more, faster,” she says. “But marketing that actually works long-term comes from slowing down, asking better questions, and creating with intention.”
What Individuals Can Do Right Now
Simpson’s message is not just for big companies. She says solo marketers, freelancers, and creators can take steps toward more meaningful work starting today.
Here are her suggestions:
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Talk to your audience instead of just posting at them
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Use analytics as a guide, not a rulebook
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Ask “why does this matter?” before launching a campaign
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Share stories, not just features or benefits
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Measure success by connection, not just clicks
“You don’t need a huge budget to build trust,” she says. “You just need to care enough to pay attention.”
About Maryam Simpson
Maryam Simpson is a marketing strategist based in Hoboken, New Jersey. A graduate of Rutgers University with a Digital Marketing Certificate from NYU, she has worked with agencies and brands across healthcare, retail, and sustainability. She has been named one of NJ AdWeek’s Top 30 Under 30, and her work has received several industry awards for campaign performance and creative leadership.
Outside of work, Simpson mentors young marketers, volunteers with Girls Who Code NJ, and runs a travel and photo blog called The Urban Lens.
Call to Action
Whether you lead a brand or post for fun, your voice matters. This week, pause before your next post. Ask yourself: “Does this help someone feel seen, understood, or inspired?” If the answer is yes, you’re already doing marketing that lasts.
Media Contact:
Email: maryamsimpson@emaildn.com
To read the full Interview, click here.
Media Contact
Contact Person: Maryam Simpson
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Country: United States
Website: https://www.maryamsimpson.com/
