Hi, I’m Steph Derham. As a uniquely experienced creative leader, I bring breakthrough storytelling to life.

For over 20 years — across Nike, fast-paced startups, and nimble agencies, in the U.S. and Europe — I’ve led the charge in developing industry-leading content that authentically connects people, products & services with the heart of a brand — inspiring, innovating, and empowering the creative process. 

Check out my Creative Principles below, and work highlights in the Projects section. Let’s work together to bring breakthrough storytelling to life.

Consumer-centric, data-driven, and relentlessly focused on innovation, my distinctive background spans content strategy, narrative storytelling, creative direction, campaign development, and content production — enabling a holistic assessment of business objectives and solutions.

Key skills include:

  • creative ideation & sell-in

  • integrated content strategy & channel mapping

  • campaign development

  • print, digital, OOH, social & video production

  • copywriting

  • editorial strategy

  • creative team leadership

  • cross-functional partnerships

  • global, geo & remote leadership

  • talent development

  • change management

  • stakeholder alignment

  • creative investment strategy

  • budget management

  • agency + vendor relationships

 Creative Principles

In an ever-evolving landscape, I look to my trusted CREATIVE PRINCIPLES as building blocks to keep the work centered: 

  • Create a connection — one that’s memorable, authentic & true.

  • Cross-functional collaboration and partnerships make the creative even stronger.

  • Know what you’re setting out to do from the get-go.

  • Be insightful to your audience & where you want to take them.

  • Craft brilliant briefs, pick the right partners, inspire creatives to dream & wonder.

  • Briefs, brand guides, processes… the rigor component of creativity will set you free.

  • From toolkit fonts to narrative connectors, details matter to create a connected storytelling experience.

  • Explore innovative creative opportunities across existing and emerging channels & platforms.

  • Create smart, end-to-end journeys with consumer-informed, channel-mapped assets to match.

  • Leverage the power of data & analytics, early & often.

  • Stay curious, be brave, empower new ways of thinking & creative solutions.

Outside of professional storytelling, our Portland, Oregon, basecamp is the perfect gateway to the Pacific Northwest, with tales of adventure happening daily.

“All work and no play…”

Kind words teammates have posted:

“She has the unique ability to be sharp on strategy, clear on messaging, and totally human in the process of making world-class creative. She is a leader who knows how to listen, leads with her heart and is uncompromising in her character and people-first approach.”

— Mark McCambridge, Global Brand Creative Director

“Steph’s enthusiasm to rally her team and get everyone excited about the most complicated of projects was infectious. She’s an amazing thought leader who leads by example but has the patience to mentor her team.”

— Amanda Lee, Nike Global Brand Narrative Director

“…she’s supportive in ways many in her position grew not to be - recognizing that a new or fresh idea can come from anywhere, regardless of tenure. It can be difficult to find someone who is both a people-leader and a brilliant project contributor - I assure you, Steph is that unicorn...”

— Jessica LaPointe, Nike Brand Marketing Director

“I always appreciated the energy and dedication she brought to each project we worked on, as well as the wealth of experience that she brought to the table that informed her ability to think strategically and implement the creative thinking into a solid plan to go forward.”

— Sarah Block, Slumberkins Director of Therapeutic Content