An Inspired Chat with Lindsay Marty of Madison, WI

We recently had the chance to connect with Lindsay Marty and have shared our conversation below.

Lindsay, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day are equal parts CEO and mom of three. Before I even think about strategy or client priorities, I’m in the trenches packing lunches, making sure everyone has shoes on the right feet, and herding kids out the door for school. It’s basically a masterclass in logistics and negotiation, which, honestly, isn’t that different from running a company.

Once the house quiets down, I shift gears: coffee in hand, reviewing the day’s priorities, and tackling one big task before the whirlwind of meetings and emails begins. I’ve learned that those early minutes set the tone. If I can anchor my morning with focus — even just a half hour — the whole day feels more intentional. I don’t aim for a perfect routine; I aim for momentum, so when I step into work, I’m playing offense, not defense.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m the CEO of Above the Bar Marketing, a digital marketing agency that helps law firms grow smarter and faster without drowning in the noise of outdated tactics. We work with over 200 firms across the country, and my favorite part of the job is that no two days look the same — one moment I’m in strategy mode with a managing partner, the next I’m brainstorming creative campaigns with my team of 45 brilliant marketers.

What makes Above the Bar unique is that we don’t just market law firms; we understand them. We know the pressures attorneys face, and we translate that into strategies that actually bring in clients rather than just clicks. Our goal is to be the partner law firms didn’t know they needed — equal parts strategist, creative team, and trusted advisor.

On a personal level, my story is very much about building something that balances ambition with humanity. I’m a mom of three, so I’ve had to master the art of juggling school drop-offs and leadership meetings without losing my sense of humor. I want people to see that you can run a high-performing company, raise a family, and still enjoy the ride. Right now, we’re focused on scaling sustainably, investing in our people, and making sure Above the Bar continues to set the standard for legal marketing done right.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was a fiercely curious kid who asked way too many questions and had big plans that didn’t always make sense on paper. I wasn’t afraid to take up space, to challenge ideas, or to imagine possibilities that felt a little too ambitious for the moment. That spirit hasn’t really gone away — it’s just evolved into how I lead today.

I think the biggest difference is that as adults, we’re trained to color inside the lines, follow the rules, and play it safe. But some of the best parts of my career have come from remembering that younger version of myself — the one who didn’t buy into limits or labels. She’s still the one steering the ship, reminding me that growth often comes from pushing boundaries, asking hard questions, and not being afraid to stand out.

What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
The defining wounds of my life are deeply personal. Eleven years ago, I lost my son, Mason Michael, to stillbirth. That kind of loss never fully leaves you — it reshapes you. More recently, I lost my mother after her courageous fight with blood cancer. Both experiences broke me open in ways I couldn’t have anticipated, but they also gave me a new lens on life, leadership, and resilience.

Healing, for me, hasn’t meant ‘moving on.’ It’s meant carrying their memories forward and letting those experiences deepen my empathy and my perspective. I’ve learned to lead with more compassion, to create space for others’ humanity, and to recognize that everyone is carrying something invisible. The wounds are part of my story, but they’ve also been the source of my strength, my gratitude, and my determination to live fully in the time we’re given.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes — the public version of me is the real me. What you see is what you get. I don’t have the time or the energy to keep up with different personas. Whether I’m leading my team, meeting with clients, or talking with friends, I try to show up the same way: honest, direct, and hopefully a little bit fun.

I think people can sense when someone’s being inauthentic, and in leadership, that disconnect can erode trust quickly. So I’d rather be consistent — flaws, quirks, humor, and all. It makes life simpler, and it makes relationships, both personal and professional, a lot stronger.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
What I understand deeply is that growth — whether in business or in life — rarely comes from comfort. Most people want the reward without the discomfort of change, but you can’t have one without the other. Running a company, raising kids, or just trying to become a better version of yourself all require stretching beyond what feels easy.

I’ve also learned that success isn’t about doing more; it’s about doing what matters most, really well. It’s about focus, discipline, and the courage to say no — which is often harder than saying yes. Once you understand that, you stop chasing every shiny object and start building something that lasts.

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Image Credits
Bobbi Petersen

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