Paige Arnof-Fenn is an accomplished entrepreneur and business leader with over two decades of experience in branding and digital marketing. She is the founder and CEO of a global branding and digital marketing firm, which she started 23 years ago in Cambridge, MA. Paige’s journey into entrepreneurship was not planned. Having initially aspired to become a Fortune 500 CEO, she had a successful career working for major corporations such as Procter & Gamble, Coca-Cola, and several tech startups, all of which had successful exits.
Paige Arnof-Fenn | Founder & CEO | Mavens & Moguls
Her leap into entrepreneurship came in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, when the company she was working for decided to cut its marketing budget. Rather than seeing this as a setback, Paige saw an opportunity to create something new. With nothing to lose, she founded her firm, and just a few years later, her business was the subject of two case studies by Harvard, solidifying her reputation as an innovator in the marketing world. At EliteX, we are proud to have Paige Arnof-Fenn as part of the edition: Corporate Queens: Trailblazing Women Driving Business Success in 2024.
Paige’s experience spans multiple industries, and she is known for her expertise in content marketing, thought leadership, and leveraging social media to grow businesses. She firmly believes that in today’s digital economy, being invisible online is a mistake. In her view, platforms like LinkedIn are essential for building trusted relationships, creating visibility, and raising credibility. For Paige, content marketing, from hosting webinars to writing articles, plays a pivotal role in building brand awareness and attracting new clients. Curiosity is what fuels Paige’s motivation. She has an innate desire to ask questions, solve problems, and explore new ideas. This, combined with her passion for connecting with people and communicating effectively, keeps her engaged and inspired in her work. Paige’s motivation isn’t just about professional achievements; it’s deeply personal. Growing up in the Deep South as the oldest of three children, she was always a responsible and hardworking student and athlete. With business in her blood—her father and both grandfathers were businessmen—it was only natural that Paige would follow this path. As an entrepreneur, she loves the challenge of “cracking the code” to see what works and what doesn’t. This determination has been a defining characteristic of her career. Paige often credits her success to her insatiable curiosity and the opportunities that come from facing challenges head-on.
“In my experience, the sayings are true that your network is your net worth, and your health is your wealth.”
As a woman in the corporate world, Paige has faced her share of challenges. In the first five years of running her business, she feared that taking a vacation might cause all her hard work to unravel. However, her perspective changed when several family members, including her parents and in-laws, began facing serious health issues. Paige had to shift her focus and started working less to be there for her loved ones. This period of personal upheaval taught her the importance of self-care and finding balance. Paige learned to embrace “white space” in her calendar, allowing herself time to recharge and prioritize her well-being. Surprisingly, her business didn’t suffer from this shift; in fact, it thrived. The clients she attracted became more aligned with her values, and the business grew stronger. The COVID-19 pandemic further tested her resilience, but it also provided an opportunity for growth as she pivoted to online meetings and webinars, keeping the business running smoothly.
According to Paige, resilience is the key trait for entrepreneurial success. It’s about persistence, determination, and knowing when to say “no” to distractions. Paige emphasizes the importance of learning continuously, listening to feedback, and communicating transparently with both her team and clients. For her, success isn’t just about technical skills—it’s also about having a strong moral compass and a sense of humor. As an entrepreneur, Paige is always “on.” With the rise of social media and remote work, it can be difficult to find time to relax and recharge. But over the years, she has learned the importance of scheduling “me time” as a form of maintenance, not luxury. Whether it’s getting extra sleep, meditating, or simply taking a walk, Paige believes that small acts of self-care can make a big difference in maintaining balance. She leads by example, showing her team the importance of respecting one’s own time. Paige also encourages a healthy work-life balance by incorporating exercise into her routine. Instead of sitting in meetings at a coffee shop, she often suggests walking meetings, combining work and exercise in a way that keeps her energized. Technology plays an essential role in her business, but Paige also values disconnecting from it to cultivate more personal relationships. She believes that while technology can facilitate communication, it’s human interaction that builds trust and drives business. Meeting clients or colleagues face-to-face—or even virtually over coffee—can accomplish more than endless email exchanges. Throughout her career, Paige has benefited from having great mentors. In her early days in corporate America, she had bosses and senior colleagues who took her under their wings. These mentors not only helped her avoid common mistakes but also made key introductions that opened doors for her. As a small business owner, Paige recognizes the value of mentorship in guiding others, and she has taken on that role for many individuals starting their own careers.
“Disruption requires getting out of your comfort zone and considering new possibilities.”
Paige believes that mentorship should happen organically. Building a relationship over time, whether through casual exchanges or more formal interactions, allows trust and respect to develop. When a mentor is found, their advice can be invaluable, offering both tough love and encouragement when needed. Paige attributes much of her success to her mentors, who helped her become thick-skinned, brave, and confident. For Paige, mentoring is not just about paying it forward. It’s about creating a continuum where experienced professionals help guide the next generation. Mentors provide different perspectives, and having several voices to turn to can help entrepreneurs avoid becoming too reliant on any one individual. Mentorship is a key part of building a successful career, both for the mentor and the mentee. Paige has always prioritized continuous learning as a way to stay relevant in an ever-changing business landscape. For her, professional development is not just about acquiring new skills but cultivating a growth mindset that allows her to innovate and stay ahead of the curve. She surrounds herself with people who share this mindset, creating a positive and productive environment where everyone is committed to learning and growing.
To stay creative, Paige seeks out new experiences, whether it’s meeting new people, exploring different cultures, or trying out new hobbies. She believes that stepping outside her comfort zone keeps her mind sharp and her ideas fresh. By constantly learning and experimenting, Paige continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in her business, ensuring that she remains a leader in her field. Paige Arnof-Fenn’s story is one of resilience, curiosity, and a passion for helping others succeed. From her early days in corporate America to becoming a successful entrepreneur, Paige has navigated challenges and built a thriving business through hard work, determination, and a commitment to growth. Today, she continues to inspire others through her work and mentorship, making a lasting impact in the world of branding and digital marketing.
Paige has found unique ways to cope with the stress and pressures that come with being a business leader. In the lead-up to her 40th birthday, she started practicing tai chi and qigong, which have since become important parts of her daily routine. She later took up knitting just before turning 50. Both activities, which she initially engaged in through local groups, have evolved into regular online meet-ups with her knitting and tai chi communities. These practices have a calming, meditative quality, helping her stay grounded and connected to others even during challenging times like the pandemic. Through online meetings, Paige has managed to stay in touch with these groups, giving her something to look forward to every week. For Paige, this sense of routine and community has been essential in maintaining balance, managing stress, and staying connected. She believes that having this structure in place has been key to her productivity and emotional well-being.
Reflecting on her leadership journey, Paige acknowledges that every setback has led to a positive outcome. Transitioning from working for others to becoming an entrepreneur allowed her to take control of her calendar and focus on what truly matters. Instead of constantly rushing from one meeting to the next, Paige has embraced the idea that “less is more.” She now prioritizes quality over quantity in her work and life. As an entrepreneur, Paige has found her purpose by creating a platform to do work that excites her. She enjoys giving back by mentoring the next generation of leaders, volunteering, and contributing to meaningful causes like an anti-bullying program that has impacted over 200,000 middle school students. Paige’s ability to share her experience through writing, speaking engagements, and community involvement highlights her passion for making a difference beyond the corporate world.
Creativity and innovation are key components of Paige’s approach to business. She believes that to think differently, one must continuously expose themselves to new ideas, people, and experiences. By changing routines, such as visiting new websites, reading different blogs, or listening to new music, Paige encourages herself and her team to consider alternative perspectives. These fresh inputs lead to exciting and innovative ideas that push the boundaries of traditional thinking. For Paige, innovation is about stepping outside of your comfort zone, asking questions, and exploring new possibilities. This mindset allows her to bring creativity into her work, helping her company and clients stay ahead in the ever-evolving business landscape. Paige’s advice to young women aspiring to be business leaders centers on finding mentors and pursuing careers that align with their passions. She encourages them to join companies where they can learn from smart people and to work hard to build a strong reputation. Being curious, asking questions, and having a positive attitude are traits she believes will help anyone succeed.
In Paige’s experience, networking is also critical for career growth. She emphasizes that while technology has changed the way people connect, the power of person-to-person (P2P) relationships remains strong. Networking in person during the day and online after hours has been a winning formula for her, and she encourages young professionals to make meaningful connections and leave lasting impressions. Diversity and inclusion are not just buzzwords for Paige; they are integral to her company’s mission. Mavens & Moguls aims to bring world-class marketing talent to organizations that want to make a positive impact, regardless of size or budget. Paige believes that including diverse perspectives leads to better results, making it essential for her team to reflect this ethos in their work. Paige is deeply committed to staying true to her core values, including loyalty, honesty, and authenticity. She values quality encounters and meaningful relationships, which she believes are the foundation of a successful business. In her eyes, maintaining a brand’s integrity, even if it means walking away from clients who do not align with its values, is crucial for long-term success.
“I created a platform to do work I enjoy and feel energized by. I feel I have found my purpose because I used to work all the time and life was passing me by.”
Paige is optimistic about the evolving role of women in business. She sees women stepping into leadership roles and driving change across industries. As women continue to break barriers, Paige believes they will bring a fresh perspective to business, leading with empathy, collaboration, and inclusivity. She encourages young women to take advantage of opportunities, network effectively, and build their skills to be ready for leadership roles. Looking ahead, Paige remains open to where her business journey will take her. She has built a strong foundation with clients and colleagues who value effective communication and want to make a positive impact through marketing. While she is unsure of the exact path her business will follow, she feels confident that she is on the right track. The lessons of the pandemic, such as the importance of health, relationships, and simplicity, have reshaped her priorities. Paige has come to realize that her “network is her net worth” and that focusing on what truly matters—such as her health and close connections—will guide her future success.
When Paige thinks about the legacy she hopes to leave, it’s not about having her name on a building or a plaque. Instead, she envisions herself being remembered for the meaningful relationships she built and the positive impact she had on others. Whether it’s through a mentoring conversation, a cross-country plane ride chat, or one of her speeches, Paige hopes to have touched the lives of many people. Her goal is to be remembered as a kind, generous, and thoughtful person, rather than just a business leader. Paige hopes that those who knew her will think of her as someone who listened, gave great advice, and truly cared about the people she worked with and the causes she supported. In Paige’s words, “You can leave a legacy or lead one.” She chooses to lead a legacy, ensuring that her decisions and the people she surrounds herself with will continue to reflect her values long after she’s gone. While there is still much she hopes to achieve, Paige is confident that by including others in her journey, her spirit and dreams will live on in the work they continue to do together. As Paige continues to evolve as a leader and entrepreneur, her focus remains on making a meaningful difference, both in her professional and personal life. She knows that success isn’t just about financial achievements, but about the lasting impact she has on the people and communities she touches.
