Not all leaders build legacies from the top down. Fernando Borghese, co-founder and strategic advisor of Digital Media Solutions Inc., built his by embedding resilience into every layer of the business. His entrepreneurial journey is defined by decisive leadership in turbulent times, a sharp instinct for transformation and an unwavering belief in the power of people.
Borghese co-founded Digital Media Solutions during a period of rapid evolution in digital marketing, recognizing early that performance-based solutions were the future. Over the last three years, his stewardship helped the company navigate extraordinary market shifts, emerging stronger with a renewed strategic direction. Digital Media Solutions restructured its senior leadership, stabilized operations and accelerated its trajectory toward long-term value creation—all while remaining agile in a landscape that demands constant reinvention.
As a Titan 100 Honoree, Borghese stands as a distinguished figure in marketing innovation. His leadership style combines foresight with deep operational expertise. He doesn’t just set strategy—he builds the engine to drive it. At Digital Media Solutions, this means balancing creativity with analytics, fostering a team that not only understands performance media but can also evolve with it.
Borghese’s view of the future of work is grounded in purpose. For him, it’s not about remote versus in-person models, but about engagement. He believes true innovation comes when individuals feel deeply connected to their roles. At Digital Media Solutions, that translates into redefining success metrics and investing in personal and professional development across the organization. Employees aren’t just asked to adapt—they are equipped to thrive.
Borghese reignites his drive by seeking inspiration beyond the boardroom. He draws energy from his family and from leaders across disciplines, constantly reframing what success can mean. He shares that energy freely, reinforcing a culture where curiosity and vulnerability are not weaknesses but strengths.
When imagining the skill he’d master instantly, Borghese chooses “perfect presence.” In an industry driven by speed and volume, he values the power of intentional listening and clear, purposeful dialogue. It’s that mindfulness that has allowed him to make bold decisions while staying rooted in the human side of leadership.
Throughout his career, Borghese has earned numerous accolades, but what he holds most dear is the trust of his people. Helping lead Digital Media Solutions to a public offering and then playing a central role in its strategic realignment weren’t just business milestones—they were tests of his belief in transparency and accountability.
To peers and employees alike, Borghese isn’t merely a founder—he’s a stabilizing force in uncertain times. He doesn’t chase relevance; he defines it, ensuring that Digital Media Solutions remains at the cutting edge of marketing and technology. In every chapter of growth, his voice has been a guidepost for clarity, purpose and progress.
Borghese’s story is a masterclass in adaptability. He proves that industry leaders aren’t made by avoiding risk—they’re made by navigating it with empathy, intellect and conviction.
