Stories ignite design, and design inspires stories, creating a dynamic cycle that propels human progress and sparks innovation. I am a storyteller and designer.

 

The story/design connection became an "aha" moment during my undergraduate days at Hofstra University, where I shuffled between theatre, design, and anthropology, three disciplines that seemed to join forces effortlessly. My storytelling and design journey deepened at the American Film Institute's Center for Advanced Film Studies, where theory became practice, and I discovered a passion for designing the silent protagonist of every story— the Mise en Scène (more or less, the look of the scene). I spent time in Hollywood as an art director, crafting theatrical sets in New York, working in photographic illustration, and freelancing during the holiday season, where I designed window displays for high-end retailers. It wasn't long before I transitioned from designing for stage and film to creating real environments and meaningful experiences for real people.

 

In due course, I found myself drawn to the lasting impact of non-fiction storytelling, particularly in the world of financial services. At Merrill Lynch, I redesigned how analysts communicated with the patrons of Wall Street, and at Goldman Sachs, I pioneered the use of UX and data visualization for traders, research analysts, and customers. I began to explore and create innovative techniques that enable humans to interact with large volumes of data efficiently, discerning hidden characteristics, patterns, and anomalies within dynamically changing information spaces (non-language, data-centric, progressive storytelling).

 

Later, I co-founded Brew, a design and innovation consultancy that assisted organizations to think differently, innovate, and design unique consumer experiences. I also had the honor of assisting leaders of sovereign governments in developing stories and place-based experiences that lifted their brands.

 

My career has spanned global leadership roles, including at NCR, where I led a diverse design portfolio encompassing industrial design, digital, ethnography, and architecture. My team and I reimagined experiences in financial services, airports, retail, and hospitality. At Aon, as Chief Design Officer, I led a talented global team, transforming brand principles into cutting-edge and profitable consumer experiences.

 

Throughout this journey, I stayed true to my roots in storytelling and anthropology, ensuring that my designs and innovations always delivered meaningful value to the people they were created for. My most recent milestone on this journey is my book, Universal Principles of Storytelling, set to be published by Quarto in June 2025.

 

Currently, as a consultant, I help organizations transform and grow through storytelling, design, and storythinking – powerful drivers for developing new forms of value in anticipation of future human needs.