I’m a design leader who thrives on new adventures and big gnarly challenges.

I'm passionate about connecting and empowering individuals, communities, and systems through design. With over 20 years of experience from startups to Fortune 500s, my sweet spot is in the 0-1: deep listening, early-stage problem solving, aligning and energizing stakeholders, and leading teams to conceptualize and incubate powerful products.

Who I am

Intuitive leader: Audacious risk-taker and growth-seeker with innate organizational logic

Empathic problem solver: Deep listener who thrives on connecting disparate themes, people, ideas, and solutions

Strategic designer: Systems thinker with obsessive attention to detail

Brave communicator: Known for asking tough questions, giving thoughtful feedback, and articulating a crisp point of view

Generous collaborator: Innovation enthusiast, evangelist and super connector

What I do

Invent, design + launch new products: Balance deep expertise in user-centered design with strategic business direction and market success. From initial research through design, roadmap development, build, and launch.

Lead design teams + initiatives: Guide multi-disciplinary teams with a bias toward action. Excel in Human-Centered Design practices: research, synthesis, design sprints, prototyping, and user testing.

Workshops + executive facilitation: Lead workshops, design sprints, and multi-stakeholder initiatives

Stakeholder management: Inspire and align diverse stakeholders (clients / partners / research, design, technology, and development teams)

Oh, and a few more things:

  • My work has been honored by some pretty cool organizations.

    ADDY (American Advertising Awards), AIGA, Chicago Woman Magazine, Design Envy, Fast Company, GOOD, Graphic Design USA, IDSA, National Council for Marketing and Public Relations, Newcity, Print, and Society of Typographic Arts.

  • I've been lucky enough to speak at some fabulous events.

    Adobe Creative Jam, AIA, AIGA, Apple Store, Creative Mornings, Design Academy Eindhoven, Design Madison, General Assembly, Kellogg School of Management, Morningstar, Motorola, NIU Seek, Salesforce 360, Salesforce Connections, Salesforce Dreamforce, UIC School of Design, and Walgreens

  • I've poured some solid blood, sweat and tears into the design community.

    AIGA Chicago: President, Co-President, and Programming Chair
    AIGA National Board of Directors

  • And I'm always on the hunt for inspiring new communities and connections.

    ClimateDesigners.org, IMMA Collective, Neol Creative Leaders, The Now Work