CASE STUDY

Establishing a bold, expert voice via thought leadership

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A new standard for thought leadership in tech

Ensono, a global provider of managed IT services and digital transformation solutions, sought to raise its industry profile and shift perception from vendor to visionary. Their radical idea? Launch a brand-agnostic publication that would drive conversation across the enterprise technology landscape while quietly reinforcing Ensono’s credibility. The result was The Maven Report—a bold, multi-format, thought leadership platform to anchor Ensono’s brand authority.

Client

Ensono

Industry

IT Services + Technology / Mainframe, Cloud, Datacenter Infrastructure and Security

Marketing Platforms

  • Thought Leadership
  • Branding & Visual Identity

Services

  • Strategy Consulting
  • SmartCreative™: Content & Design
  • Web Development & SEO
  • Email & Direct Mail Marketing
  • Live & Virtual Events
  • Social Media

2,500+

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average digital reads per edition

700+

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new subscribers in the first 90 days

10

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editions published since launch in 2022
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DAS42 Summary of Findings image

MANIFESTING AUTHORITY THROUGH INDEPENDENT EXPERTISE

Despite their growing reputation in enterprise IT, Ensono knew that traditional marketing wasn’t enough to build credibility in the boardroom. They wanted to lead the conversation and envisioned The Maven Report as a vehicle to do just that. The publication wouldn’t just print articles from Ensono executives, but draw in contributions from visionary voices and respected names across tech. But they needed a strategic partner who could help them define the vision, execute the format, and establish a new content standard for the brand.
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DAS42 visual identity guide image
DAS42 visual identity guide image
DAS42 visual identity guide image

Since its inception, The Maven Report has featured a wide range of high-profile contributors—from visionary tech executives to provocative thinkers and public figures—including Kara Swisher, Dr. Michio Kaku, General David H. Petraeus, and whurley.

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THE LYDON DIFFERENCE: CONSTRUCTING A THOUGHT LEADERSHIP PLATFORM WITH STAYING POWER

From day one, Ensono brought us in as a true creative partner—not just to design a publication, but to help build a brand-defining platform. We collaborated closely on every element of the experience, from naming and visual identity to editorial structure, story flow, and contributor sourcing. We designed both print and digital formats that delivered on the brand’s promise of premium quality, and ensured every asset—from the magazine to the microsite, event signage, social graphics, and motion videos—worked together as one cohesive expression. And while many corporate publications struggle to find traction even years after launch, The Maven Report became an immediate magnet for attention—earning industry praise and driving measurable business impact within the first year.

Key tactics and deliverables

Brand and platform naming strategy
Logo design and visual identity system development
Editorial architecture and publication structure
Print and digital magazine design and layout
Long-form content editing and refinement
Custom illustration and data visualization
Contributor coordination and profile treatments
Website and landing page design and development
Event branding and large-format signage
Social media content and teaser graphics
Promotional video and motion design elements
Ongoing creative support across issues and channels
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RECOGNITION THAT SPEAKS VOLUMES

In 2023 The Maven Report took home a Platinum MarCom Award—one of the highest honors in marketing and communications—for its design excellence, storytelling impact, and originality. The recognition reflects not only the strength of the concept and execution, but also the success of the platform in elevating Ensono’s voice as a thought leader in the tech space.
“In a world where design and content intersect, Lydon has been our trusted architect. The work their team does in all areas is beyond impressive and their contribution transcends mere aesthetics; it’s a harmonious blend of innovation, functionality, and storytelling. Lydon’s adept interpretation, creative execution and ingenuity has set a new standard for design excellence in our sector.”

– Vice President of Brand,
Thought Leadership & Events Ensono

The result

What began as a radical idea is now a thriving platform—and a cornerstone of Ensono’s brand equity. The Maven Report spans ten editions (and counting), earned thousands of engaged readers, and extended seamlessly into events, podcasts, and executive thought leadership. More than a content initiative, it’s become a strategic asset: showcasing Ensono’s depth of expertise while sparking industry dialogue and deepening stakeholder engagement.
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Want to construct a thought leadership platform with real staying power? Let’s talk.

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