Meet Renae Scott | Founder & CEO, Fractional CMO, Speaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Renae Scott and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Renae, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Over time, my perspective on work-life balance has evolved dramatically. Early in my career, particularly during my time at Victoria’s Secret, I was focused on achieving professional success at almost any cost. It was easy to get caught up in the hustle, equating hard work and long hours with career growth. But the cost of that mentality became clear when burnout hit, and I realized that sustainable success requires a more thoughtful approach.

Today, I think about balance more holistically. It’s not just about dividing hours between work and life, but about integrating the two in a way that serves both. I help professional women find fulfillment by encouraging them to align their careers with their personal values, establish boundaries, and prioritize their well-being. The key is being intentional, recognizing that what balance looks like will shift based on life stages and circumstances. It’s about making room for what’s important, both at work and in life, while ensuring that self-care and boundaries are non-negotiable.

In my own journey, I’ve learned that balance is dynamic. It’s more about being adaptable and finding fulfillment in all areas of life rather than striving for a perfect division of time.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Bee Collaborative is a marketing entity that focuses on brand positioning and building strategic marketing plans for small to mid-market businesses with growth potential and are looking to scale. What sets us apart is the personalized, hands-on approach we take with every client. We’re not just delivering marketing strategies; we’re partnering with businesses to ensure those strategies are aligned with their goals and can evolve as they grow. I’m proud of how we help businesses navigate the complexities of modern marketing without overwhelming them. Our goal is to make marketing a catalyst for growth, not an obstacle.

Getting to where we are today wasn’t easy. Like many small businesses, we faced challenges, especially around balancing growth with maintaining the high level of service we promise. One of the biggest hurdles was staying agile enough to pivot quickly when something wasn’t working, while remaining committed to our core values. We’ve learned that adaptability is key—whether it’s evolving our offerings, embracing new technologies, or adjusting our processes, you have to be willing to change without losing sight of the bigger picture.

A major lesson I’ve learned is that relationships are everything. Business isn’t just about transactions; it’s about building trust, and that’s something we prioritize at Bee Collaborative. Every client we work with knows that we’re in their corner, not just for the short-term, but for the long haul.

What I want the world to know about Bee Collaborative is that we’re here to make marketing less intimidating for small businesses. Our story is one of collaboration, empowerment, and growth. We believe in meeting businesses where they are and helping them grow sustainably. My own journey, from working at Victoria’s Secret to launching Bee Collaborative, has been filled with highs and lows, but it has also shown me the power of a strong network, adaptability, and staying true to your mission.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Columbus and Central Ohio are such an amazing spot! I’d make sure we experience the full range of what the area has to offer. Here’s a little itinerary:

Day 1: Exploring Downtown and the Short North We’d start with brunch at The Guild House in the Short North—one of my favorite spots for delicious, seasonal dishes. Afterward, we’d explore the art galleries, boutiques, and murals in the Short North Arts District. For dinner & drinks, we’d head up to Lincoln Social and take in the beautiful views of the city.

Day 2: Outdoor Adventure at Scioto Mile We’d spend the day outdoors along the Scioto Mile, where we can rent bikes or scooters, enjoy the parks, and enjoy the beautiful climate. Lunch would be at North Market, where there are endless options for local and international flavors. To end the day, we’d head up to BrewDog’s rooftop bar for craft beer and a view of the city.

Day 3: History and Culture A visit to the Columbus Museum of Art is a must for culture lovers. After soaking in the exhibits, we’d grab a bite at Brassica, which serves some of the best Mediterranean-style street food in town. Then we’d check out the Ohio Statehouse for a little history and an afternoon tour.

Day 4: Day Trip to Hocking Hills We’d escape the city for a day trip to Hocking Hills—a beautiful spot just about an hour away. The hiking trails, caves, and waterfalls are perfect for a nature-filled day. We’d pack a picnic, take in the views, and return to Columbus for dinner at The Pearl, which has amazing comfort food and a cozy atmosphere.

Day 5: Shopping and More Food We’d start the day with coffee and pastries at Fox in the Snow in New Albany, then head to Easton Town Center for shopping, where we’d spend the afternoon browsing everything from high-end shops to unique local stores. For dinner, we’d enjoy a personal favorite The Barn at Rocky Fork.

Day 6: Brewery Tour and Nightlife Columbus is known for its brewery scene, so we’d do a brewery tour, hitting up local favorites like Seventh Son and Wolf’s Ridge. For dinner, we’d grab tacos at Condado Tacos before heading to Pins Mechanical Co. for duckpin bowling and drinks—such a fun place to hang out. We’d hit up Jeni’s for a scoop of ice cream before calling it a night!

Day 7: Wrapping it Up For the final day, we’d take it slow with brunch at Katalina’s, known for their famous pancake balls. Then, we’d head to Franklin Park Conservatory for a relaxing stroll through their botanical gardens. In the evening, we’d enjoy one last great meal at Veritas, an innovative dining experience that’s a little off the beaten path but well worth it.

Throughout the week, we’d experience the warmth and creativity of the people of Central Ohio, while enjoying its vibrant mix of culture, food, and outdoor activities. There’s always something happening here, so no matter what time of year, there’s fun to be had!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to all the incredible women business founders who are in the trenches, leading organizations, and pushing boundaries. These women have mentored me in ways both big and small. Some of them offered advice in passing, while others spent time walking alongside me during pivotal moments in my career. Their resilience, vision, and courage to keep moving forward—especially when things get tough—have been a constant source of inspiration.

Seeing women leaders who embody strength, empathy, and innovation while navigating the complexities of running businesses has taught me so much. They’ve shown me that success doesn’t happen in isolation and that it’s possible to build something meaningful while staying true to your values. To these trailblazers, I’m grateful for your mentorship, your examples, and your unwavering commitment to making space for more women to lead. You all deserve the highest recognition for not only the businesses you’re building but also for the communities you’ve created and the support you give. Thank you making a bigger table to welcome more women!

Website: https://beecollaborativellc.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renaescott/

Image Credits
Main Image & image with red top & city in the background: Harry Acosta Photography
3 other supporting images (white blazer & black top/walking): Brooke Nicole Creative Co.