A Journey of Growth: From Day One to Year 5

Five years ago, Excelerate Marketing was a bold idea - launched from a laptop, driven by a clear vision, and underpinned by a belief that marketing could be more purposeful, strategic, and impact-driven. It was 2020, and as the world navigated change and uncertainty, one thing was clear: meaningful connection would always matter.

Founded by Emma Reeves, Excelerate began as a one-woman consultancy with a mission to help businesses communicate with clarity, show up with confidence, and connect with their audiences in authentic, impactful ways.

Today, we’re proud to be a Sydney-based agency powered by six dynamic, diverse, and driven women, delivering creative strategy and marketing execution for businesses across Australia and beyond. Together, we’ve built a space where bold ideas, innovative thinking, and genuine collaboration come to life.

This is our story - five years of building, evolving, and excelerating with purpose.

5 Milestones in Five Years

As we look back on our journey, these five milestones represent more than just achievements - they’re proof of how far passion, purpose, and people can take you. Each one is a snapshot of growth, shaped by bold decisions, meaningful moments, and our supportive, collaborative team. 

Milestone 1: Moved into our first CBD office

In 2024, we moved into our very first office in Sydney CBD - right in Martin Place, surrounded by the energy of the city and, in some cases, just floors away from our clients. This open, more collaborative space has transformed the way we work. Being together in person has strengthened communication, fuelled creative flow, and helped us build a vibrant culture of connection and momentum. It’s more than an office - it’s where collaboration happens faster, ideas grow stronger, and our team feels truly connected.

Milestone 2: First Team Retreat

In 2024, we hit pause on the everyday and headed to Gerringong for our first-ever team retreat. It was the perfect setting to step back, reflect, and realign, combining strategy sessions with ocean walks and plenty of laughs. Away from the usual day-to-day, we deepened our connection as a team and returned with fresh ideas, renewed purpose, and an even stronger bond. It wasn’t just a getaway - it was a turning point.

Milestone 3: Hit Record Team Growth 

This year, we hit a huge internal milestone - growing to a team of six incredibly talented women. We welcomed Victoria and Chloe as Marketing Assistants, and Mikayla as our Digital Marketing Specialist. 

They joined Sienna (Sales & Marketing Coordinator), Hayley (Senior Account Director), and Emma (Founder & Director), forming a powerhouse team that blends creativity, strategy, and heart. Every new hire brought fresh ideas, new energy, and a shared commitment to raising the bar for what’s possible.

Milestone 4: Client Diversification

Over the past five years, we’ve evolved from a niche focus in accounting, finance, law, and environmental consultancy to a truly diverse portfolio that now also includes clients in technology, health, and education. This expansion has challenged us to adapt our thinking, elevate our strategies, and refine our creative approach across vastly different sectors. Working with such a wide mix of industries has not only deepened our understanding of what drives meaningful results but also strengthened our ability to deliver smart, tailored solutions aligned with each client’s unique goals.

Milestone 5: First US-Based Client 

Taking on our first international client in the U.S. was a proud and defining moment. It proved that the Excelerate approach - strategic, human, and purpose-led - resonates beyond borders. It opened new doors and reminded us that with the right vision, our impact can extend far beyond Sydney.

Lessons We’ve Learned

No journey is without its challenges, and over the past five years, we’ve learned a lot about marketing, leadership, and what it takes to grow something meaningful. First and foremost, great marketing starts with listening. Before we dive into any campaign or strategy, we ask ourselves: Who are we really speaking to? What do they care about? Listening, deeply and without ego, has been our secret superpower, helping us connect brands with audiences in ways that actually resonate.

We’ve also learned that trust is built, not bought. From day one, we’ve prioritised relationships over transactions. Clients come to us for results, but they stay because we care. Every project is a true partnership, and that mindset has shaped how we show up and serve.

Creativity, we’ve found, needs boundaries. As Emma often says, “Trying to be everything to everyone often results in being nothing to no one.”By defining a clear strategy and staying true to it, we’ve seen our best ideas flourish.

Another key lesson? Progress beats perfection. We’ve launched things before we felt fully ready, refined as we went, and embraced momentum over hesitation. That mindset has allowed us to grow quickly, learn faster, and adapt as needed.

And finally, we’ve learned that culture is everything. Our team culture isn’t just a nice-to-have - it’s our foundation. We prioritise open communication, kindness, flexibility, and fun. It’s this culture that has helped us build something we’re proud of, and something that continues to evolve with each new chapter.

The Road Ahead: Five Milestones for the Future

As we celebrate five years, we’re also looking forward to it. Here’s a glimpse of what’s next as we shape our path to Year 10:

1. Expanding Beyond Borders
   With our first U.S. client under our belt, we’re ready to deepen our international footprint. We want to work with brands around the world that share our values and vision.

2. Growing Our Team
   We’re committed to continuing to grow - strategically and intentionally. That means creating opportunities for passionate marketers, designers, and creatives to thrive at Excelerate.

3. Cultivating Talent and Leadership
   We're investing in our team’s professional growth through leadership development, mentorships, creative workshops, and collaboration with industry experts. Because when our people grow, so does our impact.

4. Launching New Offerings
   From brand strategy and social media to web, content, and paid, we’re ready to take on new challenges. Expect new services, fresh packages, and exciting collaborations in new industries.

5. Continuing to Push Purposeful, Impact-Driven Work
   We’ve always been about more than just marketing. We're doubling down on strategy-first, people-first campaigns that spark meaningful results for our clients, our community, and our team.

Let’s Celebrate

Thank you for being part of our journey so far. Whether you’ve collaborated with us, referred someone our way, or simply cheered us on, you’ve helped shape this story.

Here’s to bold beginnings, big ideas, and the next five years. 🚀