This interview is with Jenn Greenleaf, Managing Editor at nDash.

Jenn Greenleaf, Managing Editor, nDash

Jenn, can you tell us a bit about your background in marketing and what ignited your passion for this field?

I didn’t start out in marketing. My career began with writing—first as a freelancer, then I branched out as an editor for trade newspapers and magazines. Research, organization, and storytelling have always been my strengths, and over time, I started to see how those skills connected to something bigger: marketing. Great content isn’t just about words on a page; it’s about strategy, audience engagement, and helping brands tell their stories in a compelling way.

Now, as Managing Editor at nDash, I get to bring all those pieces together—working with brands, clients, and freelance writers to create high-quality content that drives real results. Every day, I see firsthand how strong storytelling can shape a company’s voice, build trust with an audience, and support business goals. That’s what keeps me passionate about this field: the ability to blend creativity with strategy and turn great ideas into content that truly matters.

What pivotal moments or decisions shaped your journey to becoming a successful marketer?

One pivotal decision was saying yes to projects outside my comfort zone. I started with straightforward writing and editing work, but opportunities kept coming—ones that required me to think beyond the words on the page. Taking on content strategy, SEO optimization, and brand messaging weren’t things I initially set out to do, but each challenge expanded my skill set and deepened my understanding of how content shapes a brand’s success. Another turning point was realizing that great content doesn’t exist in isolation—it needs a purpose and a plan.

Managing editorial calendars, optimizing content for different platforms, and developing strategies for audience engagement taught me that writing is just one piece of the puzzle. That mindset carried me into my current role, where I now collaborate with brands, clients, and writers to create content that not only tells a story but also delivers real value. Looking back, my journey wasn’t about chasing a title; it was about recognizing where my skills could have the most impact and following the opportunities that challenged me to grow.

Many marketers struggle with balancing data-driven decisions with intuition. Can you describe a situation where you had to rely on your gut feeling despite what the data seemed to suggest, and what was the outcome?

The data suggested short-form content was the way forward, but I believed our audience wanted more substance. Instead of shifting to quick-hit posts, I focused on long-form content, pairing it with animated social media clips that highlighted key insights. To strengthen engagement, we also conducted interviews with industry thought leaders, integrating their perspectives into our content.

This mix of depth, visual storytelling, and expert insights not only boosted engagement but also positioned our brand as a trusted industry voice—proving that sometimes, instinct leads where data can’t.

You've emphasized the significance of creating high-value content that addresses audience pain points. What process do you use to identify those pain points and tailor your content strategy accordingly? What advice can you offer readers struggling to pinpoint their audience's needs?

Understanding audience pain points starts with listening. My process begins with direct feedback—whether it’s conversations with customers, insights from the sales team, or questions that keep popping up in industry forums. I also analyze search trends, social-media discussions, and competitor gaps to see what problems aren’t being fully addressed.

From there, I map out content ideas that don’t just acknowledge these challenges but offer clear, actionable solutions. For those struggling to pinpoint their audience’s needs, start by paying attention to what they’re already telling you. Dive into customer reviews, support tickets, and LinkedIn comments. Talk to sales and customer-success teams—they have first-hand knowledge of recurring frustrations. And don’t be afraid to test content and refine based on engagement. The best strategies come from a mix of research, observation, and iteration.

You mentioned LinkedIn has been a successful platform for you. What specific strategies have you found most effective for leveraging LinkedIn to reach decision-makers and build meaningful connections?

One of the most effective LinkedIn strategies I’ve used is leading with value—focusing on insightful, conversation-driven content rather than just promoting blog posts or services. Instead of posting links and hoping for engagement, I share key takeaways, industry observations, and discussion prompts that encourage interaction. This approach builds credibility and keeps decision-makers engaged without feeling like they’re being sold to.

Another key strategy is consistency. Regularly engaging with others—commenting on their posts, responding to questions, and sharing relevant insights—helps build relationships over time. I’ve also found that featuring expert voices through interviews or collaborative posts expands reach and adds credibility. Ultimately, LinkedIn works best when you approach it as a space for thought leadership and genuine conversation, not just a distribution channel.

Authenticity is crucial in today's digital landscape. How do you maintain a genuine brand voice and connect with your audience on a personal level, especially when using automation or AI tools?

AI content is popping up everywhere, and I don't foresee that ending anytime soon. One thing that's been bothering me about this content is that it all sounds the same. (For example, the use of phrasing like "digital landscape.") Maintaining a genuine brand voice while simultaneously connecting on a personal level involves creative writing, which a robot is incapable of doing. What do I mean by that? On social media, I try to keep a professional voice--but, more often than not, I write like I talk. Otherwise, it sounds too dry, stuffy, and impersonal.

Yes, maintaining professionalism is important if you want to be taken seriously, BUT injecting your personality as often as possible reminds your audience that real people are behind the screen.

The marketing landscape is constantly evolving. How do you stay updated with the latest trends and adapt your strategies to remain ahead of the curve?

I embrace as many learning opportunities as I can. If I don't know how to do something, how to use a tool, and stuff like that—I teach myself or I ask a lot of questions. I keep up with trends by following industry experts on LinkedIn, subscribing to key newsletters, and analyzing what’s actually working—not just what’s being talked about.

I also pay close attention to data from our own content efforts, using real metrics to guide adjustments rather than chasing every new trend. Adaptation comes from testing and iteration. Instead of overhauling strategies with every shift, I experiment in small ways to see what sticks. The key is balancing innovation with consistency—staying flexible enough to change while keeping the core brand voice and audience needs at the center of everything.

What advice would you give to aspiring marketers just starting their careers in this dynamic industry?

Stay curious, stay adaptable, and don’t wait for permission to start creating. Marketing isn't static, so the best thing you can do is experiment—write blog posts, test different content formats, and analyze what works. Hands-on experience will teach you more than any course ever could. Also, build relationships early. Engage with industry professionals on LinkedIn, ask questions, and learn from those who’ve been in the field. Marketing isn’t just about strategy—it’s about understanding people. The sooner you start listening and engaging, the faster you’ll grow.

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and expertise. Is there anything else you'd like to add?

It's easy to feel like you have to be everywhere, doing everything, but the most effective marketing comes from understanding your audience and delivering value consistently. Focus on what works, stay adaptable, and remember that success in marketing is a long game—it's about building trust, not just grabbing attention.