I’m Lisa Maynard-Atem, a communications strategist, storyteller and founder of STYLISA FoundHers.
For more than two decades, I’ve helped people, brands and ideas find their audience. From luxury retail and corporate communications to entrepreneurship, media and social impact, one question has followed me throughout my career: who gets seen, and why?
What I’ve learned is that visibility is rarely just about marketing. It’s about access, opportunity and influence. It’s about whose voices are heard, whose stories are valued and who gets invited into the rooms where decisions are made.
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That belief led me to create STYLISA FoundHers in 2025.
What began as an interview series has grown into a platform dedicated to spotlighting women building businesses, shaping industries and creating meaningful change. Through STYLISA FoundHers, FoundHer FundHers, FoundHers Boardroom and FoundHers Notes, I explore entrepreneurship, funding, leadership, influence and the systems that shape opportunity.
The platform was born from a simple observation: there are extraordinary women doing remarkable work every day, yet many of their stories remain underrepresented. I wanted to create a space that went beyond headlines and soundbites. A space for honest conversations, deeper thinking and the kind of insights that help people see new possibilities for themselves and the world around them.
Over the years, I’ve become increasingly interested in the relationship between visibility, influence and society. Who gets heard shapes what gets prioritised. Who is represented in leadership influences the decisions that are made. That’s why I am drawn to founders, leaders and changemakers who are building something not only for themselves, but for others too.
Alongside STYLISA FoundHers, I work with purpose-driven founders, leaders and organisations, helping them clarify their message, strengthen their positioning and build brands rooted in substance rather than noise.
Whether I’m interviewing a founder, supporting a client, speaking on a panel or writing an article, my goal remains the same: to amplify voices, challenge assumptions and create conversations that move us forward.
Harrods
Social Media Lead for 7.5 years, taking their following from 30,000 to upwards of 3M.
BURN
Former Managing Director, and one of the founding members of The Black United Representation Network (BURN CIC), an award-wining organisation, driving social and economic empowerment for Black communities in the North of England.
BBC Radio 1Xtra Future Figures Award
Recognised for championing racial equity and social impact
Director at The Blair Project & Verciti
Supporting green tech innovation and skills development through powerful, purpose-led storytelling
STYLISA
A personal brand that started in fashion and evolved into something so much bigger
Media Contributor
Regularly invited to share insights on radio and television, offering commentary on branding, entrepreneurship and equity for underrepresented communities.