Leslie Vickrey is a marketing expert, business advisor, and investor who began her career with McDonald’s Corporation and found a niche in technology and talent as the head of marketing for Spherion’s technology division.

She founded ClearEdge Marketing in 2006, which is now a go-to, fully integrated marketing agency for talent and technology firms. Leslie’s impact in the HR, tech, and marketing communities far exceeds her day-to-day work as CEO. Passionate about the importance of diversity, Leslie is a frequent speaker on the topic and even co-founded ARA, an organization that seeks to attract, retain, and advance women in technology — 6,000 people strong.

Most recently, Leslie published a book called Together We Rise with 14 other female executives. She is part of the Women Business Collaborative Staffing Leadership Council; is a member of American Staffing Association’s Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Advocacy Council; is on the Board of Directors for Chicago Innovation, New ERA ADR, and Central Michigan University’s College of Business Administration; was recognized as one of Chicago’s 100 most compelling innovators and entrepreneurs; was named to Staffing Industry Analysts DEI & Influencer list two years running; is part of the UIC Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame; and was named one of the Enterprising Women of the Year.

Leslie is a contributor to industry publications such as Recruiting Daily and Entrepreneur, a frequent industry speaker, and is host of the executive women in recruitment podcast, TheEdge.