Maureen Costello is an image management expert who brings insight, candor and more than 20 years of experience to help clients project a sophisticated, high-impact presence. Fashion-savvy but never trendy, she helps each client discover their signature style – the visual presentation that makes the most of their physical and social strengths and tells the world they’re a polished professional.

An Innovator
As a specialty retailer  on Chicago’s famed Oak Street, Maureen shaped the professional images of many of the city’s emerging female executives in the 1980s. An instinctive innovator, she established the concept of “by appointment only” shopping in a salon environment for busy, high-powered businesswomen.

After the birth of her twin sons, Maureen worked with clients and designers directly, creating the leadership looks required in executive suites. At the same time, she served as fashion editor of The A List, a local lifestyles magazine.

In 1995, Paul Stuart, the famous New York menswear store, opened a location on Michigan Avenue. Maureen came on board as fashion director, spearheading special events and working with high-profile clients,

International Calling
In 1996, Maureen headed east – Far East – to Singapore, where she spent four years as a freelance fashion writer. While there she collaborated with renowned image management consultant Christina Ong, developing and delivering image management  and business etiquette programs for global companies such as Hewlett-Packard, Baxter Healthcare and the Pan Pacific Hotel chain.

Visual Leadership® Expressed
Now back in the states, Maureen continues to work with high-potential individuals and teams  Her years abroad imparted a global perspective on the keys to projecting a professional presence – via wardrobe, decorum and other visual cues -- that will always impress…whoever, wherever, whenever the opportunity arises. She has packaged these image insights in a personal style enhancement system called Visual Leadership®.  Her work has reached master level as she consults with executives and high-potentials at Goldman Sachs, The Mayo Clinic, InterContinental Hotels, and other image-conscious organizations.

Credentials
Maureen has a Master’s degree in Communication from Marquette University. She is a recipient of the  Fashion Institute of Technology Creativity Award. Maureen is the Chicago Past Vice President of the Association of Image Consultants International. She is an active member of the Executive Learning Exchange, and the Executive’s Club of Chicago.

Maureen regularly volunteers with inner city high school students and transitioning employees as they develop their interview skills for future employment.