From “Ted Lasso” to “Shrinking,” Leesa Coble (‘97, Journalism) inspires as a creative content marketing manager for Apple TV+ by stepping into the shoes of fans, envisioning the behind-the-scenes content they crave, and masterfully weaving stories that resonate.
“Creating these digital marketing videos is all about enticing and delighting and surprising fans,” Coble says. “I love the storytelling. My favorite part of what I do is reading a script and thinking about how to cover it from a fan's perspective, anticipating what will interest them. I also enjoy collaborating with editors and producers to create videos.”
Growing up in Buena Park, California, she was drawn to storytelling and the power of words. At her core, Coble has always been a storyteller—whether crafting engaging videos for streaming audiences or writing articles as a young journalist at Cal Poly Humboldt.
After beginning her education at a community college, she transferred to Cal Poly Humboldt, drawn by its strong journalism program and breathtaking natural views. While at Humboldt, she pursued a Journalism degree and earned a women’s studies certificate, immersing herself in a close-knit academic environment that emphasized hands-on experience.
Coble thrived at Humboldt, where she wrote for the student newspaper, The Lumberjack, ultimately serving as its managing editor in her final semester. She also contributed to the campus magazine, Osprey Magazine, gaining valuable experience in different forms of media.
“Humboldt grounded me and helped me discover who I wanted to be. I learned valuable skills like collaboration and inquisitiveness, pushing myself to improve. I realized that I always strive to do my best and reflect on how I can improve my work. Humboldt shaped me during a pivotal time in my life, and I feel very grounded now as a result,” Coble says.
Reflecting on her journey, Coble credits her time at Humboldt for giving her both the practical skills and the broader worldview that have shaped her career. She values the mentorship of Journalism professors like Howard Seemann and Mac McClary, who imparted real-world knowledge and encouraged dedication to the craft.
“The professors were truly inspiring, demonstrating not only a deep knowledge and experience in their fields but also a respect for student journalists. They effectively blended practical knowledge with theoretical understanding, enriching the learning experience beyond just academic theory,” Coble says.
Beyond the classroom, Humboldt’s stunning landscapes—where redwoods meet the ocean—made a lasting impression on her, offering a new perspective on life and the world around her.
“Being up in Humboldt was truly magical. As a city girl, discovering the natural beauty and space there felt like tapping into a new part of myself. The redwoods near the ocean were unlike anything I had experienced. It was really special,” Coble says.
During her summers away from Humboldt, Coble served as an intern. Her first professional experience came through an internship at the Whittier Daily News, where she quickly realized that the fast pace of daily journalism wasn’t quite the right fit for her. Instead, she found her calling in magazine journalism.
After graduating, she landed a role at Bop and Tiger Beat Magazine, popular teen entertainment publications. She initially applied for a writing position but was offered an editorial assistant role instead. She took the job, worked her way up, and within three months, was promoted to a writer. From there, she advanced to editor and eventually became editor-in-chief at TigerBeat, an iconic teen magazine. Her time in magazine publishing cemented her expertise in entertainment journalism and editorial leadership.
As the media landscape shifted with the rise of social media and digital platforms, Coble recognized the need to pivot her career. She transitioned into digital media, taking on the role of editorial director for Just Jared’s teen division and later working at a startup that combined romance literature with digital content. Her ability to adapt and evolve led her to the next stage in her career: streaming entertainment.
Coble joined Netflix, where she leveraged her editorial expertise and deep understanding of entertainment media. However, her ultimate goal was to work at Apple, and when Apple TV+ launched, she seized the opportunity.
Today, she plays a key role in creative content at Apple TV+, bringing stories to life in a new and innovative way. Her work involves writing, editorial strategy, and creative content development, ensuring that the streaming service’s programming reaches audiences in meaningful and engaging ways.
From an aspiring journalist to a leader in entertainment media, Coble’s career may have taken unexpected turns, but her love for storytelling has remained constant, guiding her from the pages of magazines to the screens of millions through Apple TV+.
Photo: Leesa Coble ('97, Journalism)
Note: This story has been updated to the correct spelling of Howard Seemann's name.