
Strategic Planner, Gensler
Greater Chicago Area

Strategic Planner, Gensler
Greater Chicago Area
16 years helping organizations catalyze innovation using research, creativity and great communication. I work with teams at the front end of complex design and innovation processes to clarify the strategic prize, align decision-makers, and accelerate the pathway from confusion to action. In the past, I've done this same basic thing in the contexts of product planning, innovation strategy, service innovation, branding, culture formation, and community leadership. Now I do all of this as a member of Gensler, a wold leader in Architecture and Planning.
Strategic design planning for sustainable workplaces
Strategies for new products, services, and brands
Ideation Sessions
Experiential Learning
(Privately Held; 1001-5000 employees; Architecture & Planning industry)
December 2007 — Present (1 year 8 months)
Consult with Gensler clients and design teams to create a strategic context for great design.
(Management Consulting industry)
2003 — Present (6 years)
(Self-Employed; Myself Only; Management Consulting industry)
January 2004 — December 2007 (4 years)
I lead and contribute to innovation efforts in large and small organizations. I bring strategy, synthesis, project leadership and management, and concept development skills.
(Partnership; 1-10 employees; Market Research industry)
June 2001 — January 2004 (2 years 8 months)
Co-founded and helped to grow Conifer Research into a respected source for applied ethnographic research. Helped Conifer clients use research insight to drive organizational alignment and concept development. Developed collaborative, multi-project client relationships. Shared business management responsibiliities for firm.
(Partnership; 51-200 employees; Public Relations and Communications industry)
April 2000 — May 2001 (1 year 2 months)
Led brand strategy efforts for VSA clients and helped develop brand process for the firm as a whole. Created Brand Summits, an interactive, participative forum that engaged business leaders, creative partners, customers, and key advisers in brand strategy.
(Privately Held; 11-50 employees; Management Consulting industry)
January 1991 — April 2000 (9 years 4 months)
Integrated Doblin efforts on behalf of clients, beginning as a writer in 1991 and evolving into a program manager and firm leader over the ensuing 9 years. Helped Doblin clients develop innovation options across products, services, and brand. Developed and wrote recommendations. Led consulting teams. Developed processes, tools, and experiences to help clients generate, track, and test innovation concepts.
None , History of Technology , 1994 — 1994
Accepted into and entered the PhD program, but then returned to corporate life.
BA , Russian History , 1984 — 1989
1980 — 1984