Max Lenderman
Creative Innovator, Writer, Founder
Throughout my career as CCO, CMO and CEO at global ad agencies and fast-growing brands, I’ve worked at the forefront of advertising and marketing macro-trends that prove my professional thesis that “the experience is the message.”
As such, I’m a relentless thinker and observer of people’s experiences with businesses and brands in culture. An author of two seminal books — Experience the Message, which introduced the term “experiential marketing” into the advertising lexicon, and Brand New World, which has so far been translated into five languages — I am currently a columnist for Adweek and Campaign magazines and publish a ‘zine called The Experientialists.
I’ve successfully founded and exited two creative agencies: Gearwerx, specializing in brand experience, and School, specializing in brand purpose. In early 2021, I launched Platinum Balloon, a modern growth consultancy for brands and agencies under my Mudfarm Ventures umbrella. I’ve since become an expert in “metaverse marketing.”
I’m also represented by Gravity Speakers for speaking engagements, workshops and coaching (in case you’re interested).
“Max Lenderman is the best ‘explainer’ in the business. A strategist, visionary, creative, sure. But the guy just understands and explains the metaverse better than anyone IMO. When in doubt, I ask Max.”
Josh L., Founder, Head of Creative, Honeymoon
“Max delivered an amazing presentation that had the hall entranced. There was a lot of head-nodding. My team came away both inspired and armed with practical information around brand purpose to drive our marketing, talent recruitment and CSR strategies.”
Adam B., Commercial Director, Amazon Web Services
“Max showed our teams how to get to ideas fast. His lessons were immediately applicable and his examples were thought-provoking.”
Maria Y., Senior Manager, Air New Zealand
Max is a pioneer and leading visionary in marketing. His presentations continue to engage our audiences and he has continued to receive rave reviews amongst our attendees.
Christopher N., Founder & Director, The Art Of
Has Brand Purpose Lost Its Luster, Or Just Grown Up?
For Purpose Marketing to Work, Start With “Invertising”
Experiential Marketing Helps to Productize Brand Purpose
Brands Have Learned the Value of Purpose. Now They Must Actually Become Purpose-Led
Cannabis Brands Need to Establish a Purpose That Doesn’t Rely on Puns
How a Chief Purpose Officer Can Bring Internal Alignment to the C-Suite
It’s Time Brands Add Genuine Consciousness Into Their Marketing Mix
The Experientialists
I founded The Experientialists to be the bleeding-edge, rabble-rousing voice of marketing and advertising in the Experience Economy. Over 13 issues so far, the 'PDF ‘zine fearlessly covers and serves industries, brands and organizations that rely on experiential communication and design to inspire people and propel culture. Its purpose: to guide business leaders into the future of brand experience, now.
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Translated into 5 languages
“This isn’t just a mind-blowing book, it’s a cultural adventure,”
Jeremy Gutsche, founder of Trendhunter, author of Exploiting Chaos
“Max Lenderman has seen the future and fortunately he’s shared it all here.”
Marketing Magazine
“Do yourself a favor and read this book before your competition does...you won’t be able to put it down.”
Mitch Joel, founder of Six Pixels Group
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2005 National Business Book Award Finalist
Fast Company Recommended Reading
“Easily the best book on experiential marketing out there.”
Joe Pine, co-author of The Experience Economy
“It’s a cover-to-cover read on the future of marketing.”
David Wolfe, author of Ageless Marketing
“A book you should have if you're serious about navigating the new marketing world.”
David Polinchock, PwC Experience Lab