Rivershark Inc

Keeping the company funded, staffed and serviced.

Senior Vice President of Product Development

Cox Media Group

Gerard McLean joined the NIE Department at the Dayton Daily News in 1998 when newspapers were just considering the transition to digital spaces. In addition to revamping the workflow of the various ediucational products for K-12 including a bi-weekly page targeted to the Ohio Proficiency Test, he was responsible for bringing the department and all its content online, building a community and maintaining outreach with educators and students. His contributions over the 4 1/2 yrs at the DDN included various original editorial on a variety of topics from the environment to pizza, in additional to external and internal marketing that promoted the editorial-focused NIE of the DDN. His signature contribution to the DDN was piloting the fledgling daytondailynews.com through Sept 11, 2001.

- Successful implementation of a materials design and production workflow for a Newspapers In Education department.
- Create graphics and support materials to illustrate and facilitate understanding of original reporting by education specialists
- Write, copyedit and develop curriculum-based reporting for NIE pages

Newspapers in Education

SPAR Group

Develop and support programs that integrated technology and human resources for a field-based IC labor force as well as all general staffing needs for the main office.

VP, HR/Technology

Huffy

Create training programs that increased the efficiency and quality of a field-based, decentralized employee workforce.

Training Manager

Target

Sporting goods, Stock Team Supervisor, Housewares, Mensware/Shoes/Luggage/Boys

Area Specialist

If you're doing it right, somebody is talking about you and your company right now on a social network you probably haven't heard about yet. You need a guide. Hire me.

https://rivershark.com

Go there. Have a look around. Drop us a line. We’ll get stuff done.

What?! You want to know more? 

I like you already as you are not one to be content hanging out on the shore, peering at the ocean. You want to dive in, feel the cold splash of life on your skin as your face cranes toward the warmth of the sun. 

Here’s stuff about me. If I’m the kind of person you think would be fun business, then we really should be talking.

This profile space has been left intentionally blank as I ponder a re-write, re-brand and re-launch from the ground up. I promise it will be pithy, almost truthful and mostly, memorable.

You are invited to be connected to me via the LinkedIn algorithms by following me (I don't know how you do that) or requesting a connection (I DO know how you do that!) Every request will be scrutinized thoroughly for the tracking code IFIWEREARICHMAN and the hashtag #TeamYellowPeanutMM to determine your sanity in wanting this dubious honor. No generic requests will be granted; you must personalize the message .... the selection process will be brutal.

You still want more? Are you kidding right now? What do you think I do all day, poop out words? 

Ok, I do kinda do that... sometimes I can even control which end they come out, though there is no guarantee. No, I will not make a car video or a parody of a client call video. I know, I know, they are all the rage but you probably guessed by now that I roll just a little bit to the left and uphill.

Hey, you asked ... Oh, what's that? You DIDN'T ask? Well, now you know. TMI is my game and I know I have already gone on one sentence longer than you can tolerate. Yet, you kept reading. Who is the crazy one now?

Who stole my Wite-out? Just bring it back, no questions asked.

Hey, if you got this far, condolences... but also here is my original headline before LinkedIn decided that 4 characters was enough for everyone... they are wrong, right? 

Author, Copywriter, Word Slinger, Digital Hobo, Roustabout, Publisher. I also CEO at Rivershark Inc and TourneyCentral in my spare time.

In case you are wondering, the hair in my profile photo is the best it is ever going to look. If you want to know more about my hair, I suggest you buy my book, Monkey with a Loaded Typewriter on Amazon. Just do it... go there now... really, wallet out; I need coffee and a haircut.

Gerard McLean

Ashley Amber Sava

Manychat

I write because I’m convinced most messaging needs a serious attitude adjustment. At Manychat, I don’t do predictable. I don’t do “safe.” My job is to bring life, personality and chaos to words that wouldn’t dare sound human on their own.

No templates. No polished nonsense. Just raw, unhinged creativity and a relentless quest to make writing feel alive—whether that means a bit weird, a little rebellious or just too real for comfort.

I break the rules. And I’ve yet to look back.

Senior Writer

Content Storytelling and Consulting

Welcome to the disruption zone—where content, communications and culture collide. You’re not here for a shiny facade—you crave authenticity, engagement and a story that’s raw and real. Forget corporate jargon and empty promises. This is where we dig deep, unearth truths and craft vibrant messages—because settling for mediocrity? Not an option.

What’s on the Menu?

Content Culture Alchemy: Transform your first content hire into a powerhouse. I’ll create the perfect job description, seamlessly integrate into your hiring process and lay down a roadmap for success from day one. Every great story needs a killer opening line.

Interview-Led Insight Crafting: Tap into the minds of industry titans. I’ll turn insider knowledge into compelling narratives that elevate your brand and drive authority.

Cutthroat Editing: Your story deserves to shine. From blogs to case studies, I’ll sharpen your narratives, ensuring your voice cuts through the noise.

Ghostwriting for Titans: CEOs and entrepreneurs, your time is money. Hand over your thoughts, and I’ll transform them into thought leadership pieces that resonate.

Dynamic Employee Onboarding: From the moment the ink dries on an offer letter, let’s create an onboarding experience that makes new hires feel like they’ve joined a movement.

Culture Playbook Creation: Say goodbye to dry employee handbooks. We’re crafting living documents that reveal your true culture through candid insights.

Executive Comms Warfare: Leaders, master the art of feedback and foster a culture of empathy. I’ll equip you to turn tough conversations into powerful growth opportunities.

Engagement Ecosystem Revamp: Dive deep into your internal communication and emerge with a revitalized strategy that ensures every voice is heard.

Employee Communications & Content Storytelling Expert

Alight Solutions

By crafting and executing a robust content strategy meticulously aligned with our company's overarching objectives, I achieved remarkable results in enhancing brand awareness and engagement while leading content at Alight. 

One of my key achievements was optimizing our content creation process. Through strategic adjustments and workflow enhancements, we slashed production times while elevating the caliber of our output. This not only bolstered efficiency but ensured that each piece of content resonated deeply with our target audience.

I led initiatives to establish thought leadership and authority in our industry through impactful content. By leveraging subject matter experts and thought leaders, we created compelling thought leadership pieces that positioned our brand as a trusted advisor and industry influencer.

Beyond metrics and numbers, my role extended to fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration within our team. By championing creativity and emphasizing strategic alignment with company goals, we cultivated a team environment that consistently delivered.

Director of Content Strategy

Unpopular Opinion Podcast

Unpopular Opinion is a podcast for professionals from all walks of life who want to hear the success stories of innovators who’ve won by taking the path less traveled. In each episode, recovering journalist and content marketer Ashley Amber Sava interviews individuals who have prospered thanks to their GENUINELY unpopular opinions, despite warnings from the naysayers, threats to their careers, and colossal obstacles. 

All rebels are welcome.

Audience Ops produces the show! If you're a professional looking to launch a podcast like this one, visit https://audienceops.com/unpopular-opinion/

Host

Rolebot | AI-powered Job Board for Passive Talent

As the steward of all marketing content initiatives at Rolebot, I wielded a strategic vision to elevate community engagement, fortify brand awareness and drive impactful sales outcomes across diverse platforms and formats. Embedded within the senior executive leadership team and reporting to the CEO and Founder, I ensured that every piece of content—from internal communications to external campaigns—resonated with our brand ethos and seamlessly aligned with organizational objectives.

I meticulously crafted a unified brand narrative that spoke volumes across online, social media, email, point of purchase, mobile and video channels. Each piece of content was not merely created but  optimized for both search engines and user experience, ensuring maximum reach and resonance.

In addition to driving day-to-day content operations, I architected a robust content strategy that harmonized with broader marketing initiatives, fostering both short-term impact and long-term growth. This strategy was not static but evolved through agile methodologies, continuously adapting to market dynamics and customer insights.

At the helm, I led a talented team of designers and strategists, empowering them to translate creative visions into compelling realities. 

My impact extended beyond creation to establishing standards, systems and best practices for content creation, distribution, maintenance and repurposing. I streamlined workflows—from content inception to retirement—ensuring efficiency and consistency while maintaining a relentless focus on quality and brand integrity.

By aligning creativity with strategic foresight, I not only fortified Rolebot's market position but also cultivated a vibrant community of engaged stakeholders who resonated deeply with our brand's narrative and mission.

Head Of Content, Director of Marketing

Pushnami

I was responsible for the development, execution and delivery of Pushnami's editorial content that connects with customers, employees, thought leaders and prospects.

As the very first content hire, I played a pivotal role in shaping our brand's narrative and amplifying our market presence through strategic content initiatives. 

I crafted a cohesive content strategy that seamlessly integrated with our overall marketing objectives. By conducting in-depth market research and audience analysis, I identified key opportunities and developed content plans that resonated with our target demographic.

One of my significant achievements was optimizing our editorial calendar and content workflows. Through meticulous planning and process refinement, I ensured timely and high-quality content delivery across multiple platforms. This streamlined approach enhanced productivity and yielded consistency in our messaging and brand voice.

In collaboration with cross-functional teams, I spearheaded the creation of compelling content assets. From blog posts and case studies to whitepapers and social media content, each piece was meticulously crafted to engage our audience and drive meaningful interactions.

I implemented robust editorial standards and quality assurance processes to uphold content excellence. By fostering a culture of creativity and attention to detail within my team, I elevated the caliber of our content while adhering to brand guidelines and SEO best practices.

Beyond content creation, I leveraged data-driven insights to measure content performance and optimize our strategies. Utilizing analytics tools, I monitored engagement metrics, conversion rates, and audience feedback to continuously iterate and improve our content approach.

Through strategic partnerships, guest contributions and expert interviews, I positioned our brand as a trusted industry voice, driving thought-provoking discussions and building credibility within our niche.

Content and Editorial Manager

As the very first content hire, I built content into the culture of the company. 

I established editorial style guidelines, maintained content calendars, built a social media following and helped put the Pushnami name on the map. 

I championed cross-functional collaboration and knowledge-sharing initiatives. By fostering open communication and collaboration with sales, product and CS teams, I ensured alignment in messaging and campaign execution, ultimately driving unified brand storytelling and customer engagement.

Content Marketing Manager

Tethr

As the inaugural content marketing manager at Tethr, I spearheaded the development and execution of our content strategy from the ground up. Embracing the challenge of establishing a robust online presence, I began by immersing myself in understanding our brand's voice, market positioning and audience personas.

I conducted a comprehensive audit of existing content assets and market landscape. This assessment provided valuable insights into our strengths, weaknesses and untapped opportunities. Armed with this knowledge, I crafted a strategic content roadmap aligned with our business objectives and customer needs.

Collaborating closely with cross-functional teams, I championed the creation of compelling content across various platforms. From engaging blog posts and thought leadership articles to informative guides and social media hits, each piece was meticulously crafted to resonate with our target audience and drive meaningful engagement.

In parallel, I implemented SEO best practices and monitored performance metrics rigorously. Leveraging analytics tools, I tracked content performance, measured key metrics such as traffic growth, engagement rates and conversion metrics, and continuously optimized our strategy to maximize ROI.

Beyond content creation, I played a pivotal role in enhancing brand visibility and thought leadership. Through community engagement initiatives, I fostered deep connections with our audience and stakeholders.

I laid the groundwork for a scalable content marketing infrastructure and cultivated a culture of creativity, collaboration and continuous improvement.

Content Marketing Lead 

Pipefy

I led a dedicated team through the intricate realm of marketing communications, ensuring every piece of content, pitch, campaign and presentation resonated with clarity and persuasion. My role encompassed overseeing the entire spectrum of verbal and written communication, from meticulously refining marketing materials to crafting compelling narratives that captured our brand essence.

Collaborating closely with each team member, I facilitated the development of cohesive marketing strategies tailored to meet our objectives and engage our target audience effectively. Whether it was aligning campaign messages with brand values or refining pitch decks for client presentations, I ensured that our messaging was not only on target but also compelling and persuasive.

I spearheaded initiatives to elevate our brand voice across various channels, enhancing our market presence and driving engagement. By harnessing the power of words, I crafted compelling content that sparked interest and fostered meaningful connections with our audience. This included everything from website copy and blog posts to social media content and email campaigns, each meticulously crafted to drive impact and deliver results.

Beyond content creation, I instituted rigorous quality standards and editorial guidelines to uphold consistency and excellence across all communications. By leveraging my expertise in storytelling and messaging, I transformed complex ideas into clear, digestible narratives that resonated with stakeholders and amplified our brand story.

Through strategic guidance, attention to detail and a passion for impactful storytelling, I empowered our team to deliver compelling marketing initiatives that made a lasting impression and drove business growth.

Head of Content, Editor & Social Media Manager

Concordia University Texas

As Concordia University Texas' dedicated content marketing lead, I held the reins on all things linguistic, weaving a narrative that resonated across digital and print landscapes. I not only managed but meticulously curated content across diverse platforms, ensuring every word echoed the university's ethos and mission with clarity and impact.

At the heart of my responsibilities was the management and cultivation of the university blog, where I crafted compelling narratives that engaged our community and showcased the spirit of Concordia. Beyond blogosphere prowess, I wielded my editorial prowess to polish and refine copy for all marketing collateral, from brochures to digital campaigns, ensuring consistency and effectiveness in every communication piece.

The heartbeat of Concordia's alumni community beat through the stories I penned for our esteemed alumni magazines, where I told stories of their life and achievements, fostering a sense of belonging and pride among our graduates. I crafted engaging content that welcomed prospective students, guided current ones and celebrated our academic achievements and community milestones.

Recognizing the need for coherence and continuity in our communications, I spearheaded the development of Concordia's inaugural content style guide, establishing clear guidelines for voice, tone and messaging across all platforms. This guide ensured brand consistency and also empowered colleagues to articulate Concordia's narrative in their respective communications confidently.

I was the go-to resource for all things editorial. Whether it was fine-tuning a angle or settling a debate over punctuation, I was the university's internal comms and content expert.

I collaborated with various departments, lending my expertise to campaign strategies that amplified our educational offerings, community initiatives and student achievements. All official external communications underwent my meticulous scrutiny.

Content Marketing Specialist, Content Lead

Hill Country News

As the Editor in Chief of the Hill Country News, I wielded a pen—or rather, a digital interface—to shape the weekly heartbeat of Cedar Park, Texas. From guiding reporters to uncover compelling stories to meticulously crafting narratives resonating with our community, I was a busy bee.

My role was not just about overseeing operations but immersing myself in the pulse of the community. From breaking news to in-depth features, every piece underwent my editorial lens, ensuring accuracy, clarity and journalistic integrity.

Beyond editorial duties, I wore multiple hats, often donning the photographer's lens to capture the essence of community events and milestones. Whether it was city council deliberations, school board meetings or town halls, I was there to document and distill the essence of local governance and civic engagement into compelling visual and written narratives.

Each issue was a testament to my meticulous attention to detail and commitment to delivering timely, relevant content that informed and connected our community.

Community engagement was at the core of my responsibilities. I crafted features and community pieces that celebrated local heroes, highlighted cultural events and showcased the diverse fabric of Cedar Park. Through storytelling, I fostered a sense of belonging and pride among our readers, reinforcing the Hill Country News as a trusted source of information and reflection of our community's vibrancy.

Through diligent reporting, thoughtful editing and creative leadership, I upheld the newspaper's mission to inform, inspire and empower our readers, making a lasting impact on the fabric of the city.

Editor In Chief

Content, Editorial & Employee Communications Leader | Recovering Journalist | Storyteller | The Editor | Unpopular Opinion Podcast Host | Incurably Cheerful

There’s a moment in every LinkedIn scroll where you feel it—a slow, gnawing nausea. It creeps in with the motivational TED Talk masquerading as a post. You know the one: a guy in an ill-fitting blazer whisper-screaming about “unlocking potential." Keep scrolling. Enter the grind-bro. Eyes bloodshot. Skin like a haunted drumhead. He’s been awake since 2:47 a.m. for...reasons. His post reads like a deranged love letter to burnout culture, all caps yelling about “discipline."

And then, the fluff prophet/AI oracle. Their face is slack, mouth twitching as they whisper, “AI is going to disrupt everything,” like a doomsday preacher on a street corner with a cardboard sign. “We’re living through the next industrial revolution,” they declare, conveniently ignoring the fact that their entire strategy is pasting ChatGPT outputs into Canva templates.

The clap emojis pile up. The buzzwords snowball. And you sit there, wondering why we're applauding this nervous breakdown.

Welcome to my profile. I don’t do that here.

Here, you’ll find stories that make you laugh, flinch, maybe even even stop mid-scroll to reread. I write to jolt you awake—not to whisper sweet nothings about KPIs. My posts are jagged, human and unapologetically real. They’ll linger like a scar you can’t stop tracing. Because that’s what good writing does—it takes your attention hostage.

I’ve been called irreverent, abrasive, “not for everyone.” I take that as a compliment. My words are a protest against the beige corporate sludge clogging up this platform. I write for the people who hate white noise, and who crave a voice that’s sharp, raw and distinctly human. My content is for those who want something real, even if it stings. If that’s you, stick around. If it’s not, go back to clapping for the guy trying to sprint through his midlife crisis.

Here’s what to expect: Stories about the absurdity of modern work culture. Rants about the dumbest trends. Tactical advice wrapped in cynicism. And maybe, just maybe, a small dose of hope—wrapped in barbed wire, because I’m not a monster.

Because while this platform loves its safe, saccharine posts about “growth” and “hustle,” I’d rather talk about the messiness of actually trying to get there. The fumbles, the failures, the outright catastrophes. It’s not pretty, but it’s honest. And honesty’s in short supply these days.

If you’re tired of scrolling through LinkedIn posts that feel like a bad infomercial for someone’s personal brand, stick around. Let’s be human, even when the algorithm begs us not to be. 

And yes, I still use em dashes. Fight me.

taplio

The Battle

Gerard McLean

Ashley Amber Sava

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