Meet Amy Calfee

I found photography early on as my creative outlet. From portraits, to advertising, to landscapes, to event coverage. You’d be surprised what you can learn from a room full of business leaders in casual conversation while weaving through a crowd.

Looking critically through the lens, I learned to see what’s actually there, notice the patterns, avoid the distractions in the background, then shift my perspective until the composition and lighting captured the moment and the result showed a story. Getting it right and getting the win. I’m sure you’ve experienced plenty of wins in your business.

Over 30 years I’ve applied that same eye to marketing for small businesses, nonprofits, campuses, software companies, associations, and the occasional big room full of people. Events, campaigns, new neighborhoods, startups just getting off the ground. 

The focus shifted to becoming a better listener through teaching. Chief Listening Officer isn’t a title built on getting it right. I adopted it because when the ideas start firing, staying in listening mode is tough. So, the title is an aspirational reminder: to use two eyes, two ears, and one mouth in proportion.

For me, the simplicity of listening, noticing, and observing connects the dots to better questions on the way to meeting people where they are. That’s how I build marketing strategy. It’s not just about the tech. Tools change constantly. It’s not just about the tactics, although we can always improve. It’s about you, innovating and marketing to create and keep customers so you can get what you want from your business.