Lesley Gaudio

If you ask Lesley Gaudio what makes Protiviti’s brand stand out, she won’t point to a logo on a billboard or a perfectly polished commercial. Instead, she’ll talk about cupcakes, resilience, and the power of authentic storytelling. In Lesley’s world, innovation isn’t just an abstract concept—it’s a way of thinking that transforms how connections are built.

"We moved away from simply endorsing excellence. We became part of our ambassadors’ success stories."

The Foundation: From Sports Arenas to Corporate Strategy

Lesley’s path to Protiviti was shaped by a passion for sports and community. Starting her career at Derek Jeter’s Turn 2 Foundation, she learned how sponsorships could go beyond transactions to create meaningful impacts. Later, at Allianz, she managed global partnerships with the Olympics and Formula E, developing a knack for aligning brand strategy with business goals.

When she joined Protiviti as Senior Brand and Sponsorships Programs Manager, Lesley brought this expertise with her—but she wasn’t content to follow the usual playbook. “I wanted to be at the intersection of sports, community, and brand experience,” she shares. Protiviti’s commitment to fostering integrity, inclusion, innovation, and commitment to excellence gave her the freedom to reimagine what sponsorships could achieve.

Innovation in Practice: Telling Stories That Matter

For Lesley, the turning point came when she realised sponsorships could be more than just logos and signage. Protiviti’s golf ambassador program is about strategy, resilience, and connection—values that mirror Protiviti’s own. Rather than relying on traditional advertising, Lesley leaned into storytelling. She created experiences with ambassadors like professional golfers Matt Fitzpatrick and Jen Kupcho that showcased not just their achievements, but how their journeys reflect Protiviti’s values.

“We moved away from simply endorsing excellence,” Lesley explains. “We became part of our ambassadors’ success stories. For Matt, we highlight how Protiviti’s data-driven insights help him prepare for tournaments. With Jen, we celebrate her resilience and accomplishments, which resonate with women in business and leadership.”

This approach has yielded remarkable results. “Cupcakes with Kupcho” and the “Pro Tips Powered by Protiviti” series were recognised for creative excellence in the 2025 American Graphic Design Awards. But more importantly, these initiatives have fostered genuine connections—with clients, employees, and audiences alike.

Data-Driven Decisions, Human-Centered Outcomes

At Protiviti, innovation isn’t just about creativity—it’s also about strategy. Lesley uses data to determine where Protiviti’s brand appears, focusing on markets with high employee concentration and client engagement. Whether it’s a Premier League match, a WNBA game, or Aaron Judge’s historic 300th home run at Chicago’s White Sox stadium, Protiviti ensures its presence is both meaningful and impactful.

The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Clients find the videos and podcasts engaging, gaining deeper insights into Protiviti and its ambassadors. Employees feel a sense of pride when they see their company represented in iconic venues or on Netflix’s “Full Swing.” Even YouTube analytics tell a compelling story: Protiviti’s golf content outperforms traditional consulting videos, attracting longer views and wider audiences.

Looking Ahead: Expanding the Horizon

Lesley envisions a future where Protiviti’s sponsorships extend beyond sports to include arts, culture, and other affinity-based partnerships. Her goal is to connect with people in ways that align with their passions, delivering experiences that inspire and delight.

On a personal note, she’s preparing for her own new adventure—welcoming her first child, a baby girl, this September. An endeavor she’s found has made her curiosity and drive to innovate even stronger.

Why It Matters: We Deliver

Lesley Gaudio’s story is a testament to Protiviti’s commitment to innovation: not just as a value, but as a way of working. And Lesley’s efforts exemplify the firm’s mission to deliver, showing how empowered employees can elevate brand awareness, create authentic connections, and drive meaningful results.

For experienced professionals, Lesley’s journey is proof that Protiviti is a place where bold ideas thrive. For clients, it’s a promise that Protiviti approaches every partnership with creativity and strategy.  

Want to learn more? Explore Protiviti’s innovative programs, reach out to see how we can work together, or connect with Lesley to celebrate her journey. Innovation is alive here—and you could be part of what’s next.

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