ABOUT

Lisa Graves

I’m the person you bring in when you know there’s a better way—but you need someone to figure out what it is and make it happen.

I’ve built my career around asking the questions others sometimes overlook, challenging assumptions, and turning complex challenges into practical, workable solutions.

Across nearly two decades in advertising, marketing, and creative operations, I’ve worked with some of the world’s leading agencies and organizations to strengthen operations, build new programs, improve collaboration, elevate creative excellence, and position exceptional work for recognition. While I’m known throughout the industry for awards strategy, the thread connecting my career has always been broader: I solve problems, build systems, and create the structure organizations need to do their best work.

That might mean identifying an operational gap, developing a program from the ground up, creating a framework where none exists, bringing disconnected teams together, or finding a smarter way to move an initiative from idea to execution. I’m at my best when the path forward isn’t obvious—and when getting there requires both strategic thinking and the willingness to roll up my sleeves and build.

I founded Contender Co. to bring that experience to organizations that are ready to rethink how they work. I partner with leaders and teams to uncover opportunities they may not see from the inside, challenge the status quo, and turn ideas into practical strategies, programs, and processes that move the organization forward.

Awards strategy remains an important part of my work. I’ve led strategy and submissions for many of the industry’s most respected programs, including Cannes Lions, D&AD, The One Show, Clio Awards, London International Awards, and numerous regional and specialty competitions. But I’ve never believed the trophy is the point. Meaningful recognition is often the outcome of something bigger: great work, supported by strong strategy, disciplined execution, and a clear understanding of how to tell its story.

That’s what Contender Co. is about.

Bringing a fresh perspective to complicated challenges. Finding the opportunity inside the problem. Building the systems, strategies, and programs that make good organizations better.

Moving ideas from possibility to reality.

"Great work doesn't happen by accident.

It happens when creativity, strategy, and

the right systems come together."