Creative Director

Leading multi-disciplinary teams with multi-million dollar budgets

Building belief starts with elevating psychographics over demographics. I utilize approaches from investigative journalism, start-ups, sociology and political science to decipher the hopes and fears of audiences.

 

Strategy Development

My experience developing, executing and measuring campaigns include:

  • Leading agency and internal creative teams

  • Scaling crews, managing multiple project contractors

  • Building/executing annual communications plans

  • Brand development

  • Foundation/fundraising

  • Advocacy

  • New product/app launch

  • Internal engagement

  • Recruitment

 

Campaign Execution

Directing this campaign reminded me that good storytelling doesn’t need big budgets. Sometimes it is just about getting faces seen and voices heard.

 
 

I have seen consensus become the momentum of belief much faster with the right tools like a brand workshop. I have built content for and facilitated many workshops and guides that make the creative process better for creators and leaders alike.

 

Consensus Building

Working in some of the most consensus-obsessed industries has taught me how to inculcate abstract creative concepts into both rank and file associates and leaders. My approach includes:

  • May our patience match our fearlessness. Many industries are so risk averse by nature that stakeholders need more and longer windows to absorb bolder ideas. I build timelines accordingly.

  • Teach non-creative decision makers how to evaluate creative work.
    Arm them with prompts or even workshops that give them tools to reach their own conclusion and articulate the WHY behind it.

  • Strive for the shortest, clearest approval chain we can. I bring proven methodologies to enhance feedback and speed approvals from committees. But when needed, I have the experience to recognize when a leader should also trust their gut, because sometimes, progress doesn’t have time for permission.

I thought it ironic to quote Ceaser as we invaded California to vanquish an invisible but somehow very stubborn enemy force. My platoon sergeant (right) was less amused. #90’s training.

 

Leadership Style

Few have led machine gun sections and creative agency teams, so the people I have managed often have a different experience. I take pride in helping them develop their ideas and then I get out of the way so they can do great work. I focus on four areas:

  • Foster a playful, safe ideation environment

  • Teach them what I know

  • Advocate for the resources they need to win

  • Develop them for the next level up

Learn more about my approach:

Previous

Internal and Executive Communications
Next

Writer