Liz Castelli
University of California Berkeley, Haas School of Business
Age: 41
“Teacher-turned-entrepreneur, turned acquisition CEO, and owner of one too many surfboards.”
Hometown: Sayville, NY
Family Members: My family includes my brilliant husband (Blue), my supportive parents (Joe and Lisa, and MIL Camille), and my awesome sister (Heather). Beyond this, I consider myself fortunate to have many friends who feel like family.
Fun fact about yourself: I’ve been known to wield persuasive powers even in the most unexpected of places—like convincing my classmates to commemorate our microeconomics class with matching tattoos. It seems I have a knack for rallying the troops when it comes to permanent ink.
Undergraduate School and Degree: Columbia University, MSED; George Washington University, BS in Biology and Mineralogy
Where are you currently working? I am the founder and CEO of Tinsel Experiential Design, which is now a part of Constellation Group within Stagwell.
Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles: Women Presidents Organization, Women Who Invest, served as class president for the 2024 cohort of EMBA students at Haas.
Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? One of my proudest academic achievements has been representing the 2024 cohort of EMBA students as co-class president. Being chosen for a leadership role by my classmates was a deeply humbling and honoring experience, especially because of the caliber of leadership qualities they collectively possess.
What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? Last year, I led my company to acquisition and assumed the CEO role post-acquisition. This process presented a significant opportunity to not just grow the business but also to cultivate a culture for individuals to thrive. As we scaled, I made it a priority that our culture would not simply stay intact, but that it would improve through the acquisition process. This meant listening to the concerns and aspirations of our team and evolving our values alongside the acquiring company while remaining true to our brand, and communicating transparently every step of the way.
Who was your favorite MBA professor? Although the entire faculty at Berkeley Haas is incredible, two professors really stood out to me–Douglas Guilbeault and Peter D. Goodson. Both are extraordinary in their own right. They opened my eyes to the profound power of relationships and human connection. They led with expertise and genuine care, making us feel truly valued. At the same time, their high expectations pushed us to exceed our limitations. The classes were dynamic and included multimodal teaching strategies, ensuring the content resonated and remained ingrained in our minds long after classes ended. Their dedication to both the subject matter and developing industry leaders exemplifies true mentorship. They both left a lasting mark on my EMBA journey.
Why did you choose this school’s executive MBA program? During the interview process for the executive MBA program at Berkeley Haas, I had the opportunity to meet other prospective students, and they were exactly the kind of people I wanted to be around. It was obvious to me that these people were not only accomplished professionals, but they also had a genuine desire to learn and grow. Being surrounded by such motivated and inspiring individuals was the biggest reason I chose this program, as I believe that learning from and alongside exceptional peers is essential for a rich and transformative EMBA experience.
What is the biggest lesson you gained during your MBA and how did you apply it at work? Without a doubt, the biggest lesson I gained during my time at Berkeley Haas was the importance of leading through influence rather than power. The EMBA program reinforced the importance of capturing hearts and minds and equipped me with the tools to do so effectively and authentically, in ways that align with my individual values and personality.
An EMBA program like the one at Haas offers a low-risk environment—a sort of petri dish—where you can incubate these skills without negative impact, allowing you to experiment and refine your leadership style. For me, the timing was ideal, coinciding with a pivotal phase of acquisition and scaling within my company. This alignment made the program particularly special as I could directly apply what I learned to our business model as we continue to grow within the corporate infrastructure, ultimately contributing to the success of the business while honing my leadership capabilities.
Give us a story during your time as an executive MBA on how you were able to juggle work, family and education? While participating in a study abroad program in Brazil, I found myself in the Amazon on a riverboat during the final closing negotiations for the sale of my company. With no reliable internet connection onboard, I had to walk through the jungle to find a small school with Wi-Fi to communicate with the lawyers and oversee the deal with my partners. It was a surreal experience, juggling corporate negotiations amid the wilds of the Amazon. This experience underscored the importance of adaptability, resourcefulness, and prioritization, demonstrating how even in the most unconventional circumstances, one can (mostly) navigate the demands of work, family, and education.
What advice would you give to a student looking to enter an executive MBA program? Do it. It’s a rare opportunity in your adult life to cultivate profound connections with exceptionally high-value individuals in an intimate setting. Most of us only ever experience something like that once or twice in our lives. Surrounding yourself with individuals who are equally driven creates a powerful synergy that elevates your own capabilities. Through my program, I essentially gained a board of 75 advisors and experts, each offering invaluable insights that have profoundly impacted many of my strategic and operational decisions at my company over the past few years –especially through our M&A process. So, take the leap and embrace the opportunity.
Which MBA classmate do you most admire? I have a deep admiration for my classmate Michelle Koffler for her exceptional talent in executive-level coaching and navigating difficult conversations with finesse. What truly sets her apart is her remarkable empathy. She leads with compassion while still maintaining high standards. Michelle has a unique ability to always pull people toward her, fostering a sense of camaraderie and collaboration. Witnessing her leadership style and interpersonal skills has been truly inspiring.
What was the main reason you chose an executive MBA program over part-time or online alternatives? I chose an Executive MBA program over part-time or online alternatives because of the immersive, in-person experience. Being able to step away from the daily demands of work and family to fully immerse myself in the program was crucial for my educational journey. This full-on experience allowed for deeper connections with classmates, more engaging discussions, and valuable networking opportunities that can be harder to replicate in a part-time or online format. The intensity of the in-person experience provided a rich learning environment that I believed would better support me with the ongoing challenges of everyday executive leadership.
What is your ultimate long-term professional goal? In the long term, I plan to continue my work guiding change at the organizational level. My strength lies in collaborating with motivated teams to create significant value and impact. I am deeply passionate about the work I do, and I am committed to continuing to serve in this capacity. As CEO, I will continue spearheading the growth and expansion of my organization within our new corporate umbrella, leading the scaling efforts, and collaborating with fellow leaders in the marketing industry.
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