My name is Maria Ross, and I’m a speaker, author, podcaster and the founder of brand consultancy Red Slice. I believe cash flow, creativity and compassion are not mutually exclusive. Entrepreneurs and fast-growth businesses come to me to create irresistible brand stories so they can stand out and better connect with customers.

Thousands of fast-growth companies, entrepreneurs, and small business owners have followed my advice to boost their brand and clarify their unique story. My books include The Empathy Edge and Branding Basics for Small Business. And I’m the host of The Empathy Edge podcast.

See, empathy is the key to brand success. And I understand the power of empathy on both the brand and personal levels:
In 2008, shortly after launching my business, a ruptured brain aneurysm almost killed me and inspired my memoir,
Rebooting My Brain.

Audiences ranging from The New York Times to BlogHer to Salesforce have loved my actionable advice and dynamic keynotes. I’ve been featured in and written for numerous media outlets, including MSNBC, NPR, Forbes.com, Newsweek.com, The Huffington Post and Entrepreneur Magazine.

I am all about giving back, so when you sign up for Brand Story Breakthrough, you’re not only investing in your success, you’re helping others: 10% of your fee will go to the International Rescue Committee (IRC) helping refugees from Afghanistan and Ukraine, among other places, find security and support.