Julie Colbrese



My business experience

I am a former advertising/marketing agency owner with 20 years' experience in creative leadership and business development. I managed Fortune 500 clients (Kraft, Kellogg, Microsoft, Disney, Hyundai), with earned revenues ranging from $5-$25 million. I led successful business development and numerous agency acquisition efforts. I also built successful teams of integrated services and facilitated cross-selling among various P&L groups.

When I left advertising in 2005, I decided not to take another job. Instead I would join communities. Vistage is a community of like-minded (and sometimes refreshingly not-so-like-minded) individuals who care passionately about professional and personal growth, family, each other and our communities.

My Vistage experience

I currently lead a Vistage Small Business group and a Vistage Trusted Advisor group.

Members of my Small Business group are leaders of an array of industries, including wealth management, PR/public affairs, architecture, landscaping, construction, marketing and manufacturing. This group is a blend of sole owners, partners and corporate leaders managing significant P&Ls.

Members of my Trusted Advisor group represent professional services, such as law, recruiting, wealth management and marketing.

Both groups are evenly split on gender and there is a broad age range among members. Both groups have a creative, smart, high-energy and laid-back personality. Members reach out and work with each other on their businesses and occasionally socialize as well.

Who is the "ideal" Vistage member?

My ideal Vistage member is a smart and creative problem-solver who is passionate about professional and personal growth. He or she comes to Vistage to give as well as to get.

More about Julie Colbrese

I am a CPCC (Certified Professional Co-Active Coach) through the Coaches Training Institute. I have participated in the Executive Program in Strategic Sales Management, University of Chicago Graduate Studies; the Mastery of Leadership Program, Gabriel Consulting; the Green City Summer Institute, Northwestern University; and creative problem solving and facilitation training, Blair Miller & Associates. I hold a B.A. degree from Northern Illinois University in English/Speech Communications.

My affiliations include:

  • International Academy of Design & Technology (adjunct professor)
  • International Coaching Federation (member)
  • Chicago Area Runners Association (member)
  • YMCA Camp Pinewood (board member)
  • Marketing Executives Networking Group (member)

I enjoy distance running, boutique hotel travel, popular culture and social anthropology. I have two college-aged children and live in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood.