A partner to leaders and organizations at inflection points
Turning complexity into clarity. Clarity into a plan. A plan into results.
I get brought in when something needs to exist and doesn't yet. Most calls come from founder-run companies and organizations with a civic benefit as part of their mission.
I specialize in arts and culture, consumer brands, and civic and economic development: work that shapes where and how we live.
Strategy · Brand · Leadership
You are really excellent at reading a room, of bringing a lot of information together.
And just so easy to feel safe around.
Also during the process you kept digging. Which was so important.
So love how careful you were!
Recent Client, Arts Organization Leader
Emily Bruce Plumb is one of the most insightful, strategic and creative leaders I had the pleasure of working with at L.L.Bean.
Emily's ability to assess, define and communicate the core of an issue and work cross functionally to lead creative responses made her a significant asset to strategy development.
As Board Chair of Maine Coast Heritage Trust, I was thrilled when Emily agreed to join the board and lend her many talents to the mission of protecting special places along the coast of Maine.
Tom Armstrong, Former Chief Merchandising Officer at L.L.Bean and former Board Chair at Maine Coast Heritage Trust
This experience was critical to putting me in the proper mindset to make giant, scary changes.
You guided me through the imposter-syndrome roadblocks that have always kept me from doing what I really want in my career.
Recent Coaching Client (Musician/Writer)
It is, in my experience, rare to encounter people who so elegantly provide the context that facilitates meaningful collaboration between internal and external (vendor) teams.
More succinctly: our team, to a person, adores working with Emily. She is a yardstick by which we judge our own capacity for professionalism, a standard for the kind of client partners we aspire to have (indeed, we speak in those terms), and someone who — because she speaks so fluently across organizational silos — we count on to help us bring out the best in our own team when working with L.L.Bean.
Former Agency Partner/Agency Founder
I'm so grateful.
You pushed me to focus on self-validation and self-trust.
This reframe was incredibly helpful both professionally and personally.
Recent Coaching Client (Executive transitioning to entrepreneur)
Emily is an exceptional leader and trusted thought partner who excels at fostering strong relationships while developing talent.
One of the smartest people I’ve worked with, she seamlessly blends financial rigor with creative instincts—advising on budget optimization and design choices with equal fluency.
Energetic and personable, she brings great ideas and practical recommendations to every conversation.
As my manager she was a dedicated coach, mentor, and relentless advocate for my growth.
I highly recommend Emily for any leadership role that requires strategic thinking, creativity, and people development.
Julie Mattei-Benn, Director of Creative, Brand & Customer Experience, L.L.Bean
Emily is community mission-driven, a generous thought partner, and an invaluable connector, bringing insight, perspective, and the right people together exactly when they were needed most.
Her nonprofit board leadership and steady presence were especially critical in helping guide our midsized nonprofit arts venue through the many uncertainties of the 2020 pandemic.
A tireless advocate and true professional, she shows up for the causes she believes in with integrity, intelligence, and heart.
Kelsey Halliday Johnson, Executive Director, SPACE Gallery