Michelle Ferguson

Associate Director, Social Media @ Candybox Marketing | Social Strategy | Integrated Campaigns | Team Development

Greater Toronto Area, Canada

About

I lead the Social Media department at Candybox Marketing, where I build high-performing teams and help brands turn social media into a meaningful driver of business growth. As the Associate Director of Social Media, I work across strategy, leadership, and execution. I support client partnerships, guide social media managers, shape channel strategies, and turn performance insights into clear next steps that move businesses forward. I’m also a speaker on community building through social media, with a focus on how brands can create real connection in the age of AI. My leadership style is rooted in optimism, accountability, and problem-solving. I believe strong social teams need more than creative ideas. They need curiosity, strategy, and a “let’s figure it out” mindset. At the end of the day, my goal is simple: Build strong teams. Create work that matters. Help brands use social media as a true growth engine.

Experience

  • Candybox Marketing ()
    • Associate Director, Social
      Jul 2026 - Present · 1 mo

    • Senior Manager & Lead, Social Media
      Nov 2024 - Jul 2026 · 1 yr 9 mos

      Lead the social media department at Candybox Marketing, overseeing team development, client strategy, and the continued evolution of the agency’s social media offering. Featured Ads of the World Contributions: https://www.adsoftheworld.com/campaigns/superstitious https://www.adsoftheworld.com/campaigns/cinco-de-mad-mexican https://www.adsoftheworld.com/campaigns/easter-bunny-cbc280cb-207a-4e0a-a3df-a037bdbda397 https://www.adsoftheworld.com/campaigns/black-diamond https://www.adsoftheworld.com/campaigns/packaging-perfected Key Leadership Areas Team Leadership & Development -Lead, mentor, and develop a team of social media managers through coaching, performance reviews, and structured development plans -Responsible for hiring, onboarding, and training new team members -Foster a collaborative, high-performing team culture focused on growth, accountability, and innovation Strategic Client Leadership -Guide social media strategy for a diverse portfolio of key client accounts across multiple industries -Translate performance data into actionable insights and strategic recommendations that drive measurable results -Serve as a senior strategic partner to clients, helping align social media initiatives with broader marketing and business objectives Department Growth & Innovation -Work closely with executive leadership to evolve and strengthen the agency’s social media services -Develop competitive service offerings and ensure departmental profitability and operational efficiency -Identify emerging platform opportunities, strategies, and innovations to keep the agency ahead of industry trends Operational & Business Leadership -Manage resourcing, utilization, and team performance to maintain high service quality and operational health -Lead complex client problem-solving and cross-team collaboration across the agency -Contribute to business development initiatives and support sales conversations with prospective clients

    • Senior Manager, Social Media
      May 2023 - Oct 2024 · 1 yr 6 mos

  • Impact North Inc ()
    • Digital Marketing Coordinator
      Sep 2021 - Feb 2022 · 6 mos

    • Social Media Marketing Coordinator
      Nov 2020 - Sep 2021 · 11 mos

  • Fionn Maccool's Brampton (5 yrs 9 mos)
    • Senior Bartender
      May 2016 - Jan 2022 · 5 yrs 9 mos

    • Marketing and Events Coordinator
      May 2016 - May 2019 · 3 yrs 1 mo

  • Real Estate Marketing Specialist at RE/MAX Real Estate Center
    Apr 2019 - Nov 2020 · 1 yr 8 mos

  • City of Brampton (5 yrs 9 mos)
    • Head Dance Instructor
      Sep 2011 - May 2017 · 5 yrs 9 mos

    • Day Camp Counselor
      Mar 2014 - Aug 2016 · 2 yrs 6 mos