I ♥ people.
An ethnographer at heart and an MBA by training, I love understanding who we are, and using this insight to bring something new into the world.
I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with talented people from organizations such as Doblin/Monitor Group, LUMA Institute, Design that Matters, and with my classmates at MIT Sloan.
Some of the questions I’ve enjoyed exploring include:
- How can a business design a better service by listening to its customers?
- How can a business design a better service by listening to its customers?
- How can I help someone learn without teaching them?
- How can I tell a story through other peoples’ words?
- How can I tell a story through other peoples’ words?
I am particularly fond of Design & Systems Thinking as frameworks to structure my approach. Below are examples of projects on which I've worked.
MIT/RISD Product Design & Development
Challenge
As part of joint MIT/RISD student project, develop an alpha prototype of an infant phototherapy device for use in the developing world.
Approach
As part of a student team, visited a local neonatal care unit, documented our process, developed a physical prototype at RISD’s design shop.
Result
The “Bilishade” product concept.
MIT L-Lab: Mining Company Social System
Challenge
Help develop capacity of mining company executives to better understand and address root causes of local discontent in Morocco.
Approach
As part of an MIT Sloan Lab team, interviewed stakeholders within the company; conducted field visits to communities; developed and delivered content on marketing, social systems thinking.
Result
Social systems analysis report with key “systemic groupings” identified. Capacity-building through team-facilitated workshops.
Firearms: An Evening for Story & Dialogue
Challenge
In the wake of the Sandy Hook Elementary school shooting, create a space for individuals to better understand one-another’s perspectives on firearms.
Approach
In partnership with the Christian Science Monitor and Public Conversations Project (PCP), visited a gun show, gun range, community groups, and ultimately recruited and coached three volunteer storytellers. Worked with partner organizations to design event logistics.
Result
A live storytelling session hosted at the Mary Baker Library “Hall of Ideas,” followed by moderated discussion and PCP-designed audience break-outs. Video + written coverage on the Christian Science Monitor website.
NYC Service Safari
Challenge
Develop an event that provides service design education to the community, given limited prep time and resources.
Approach
In collaboration with fellow Service Design NYC volunteer, iterated on design, prepared participant materials and content (such as video footage of a subway user experience), set up space and recruited volunteers as stand-in commuters.
Result
An intensive, highly participative design workshop for members of the NYC community, translating provided research data into service design concepts.
Interview Horror Stories
Challenge
Create a short video to help provide perspective on the often stressful MBA recruiting season.
Approach
Approached and interviewed various people in the NYC metro area, asking them to share stories of interviews gone awry. Edited footage.
Result
A short, fun video that was aired live on the MBA Show podcast.
The Passion Economy
Challenge
Create a video to help me, and others, better understand how to turn a passion into a career.
Approach
Recruited strangers and friends on Michigan to California portion of road trip, set up camera and conducted interviews, edited footage in Final Cut Pro.
Result
A short video, and a blog, on turning a passion into a career.
Fullbridge
Challenge
Deliver an intensive business skills boot camp focused on business and financial analysis, communication and teamwork.
Approach
Prepare content openings/closings, provide individual and team support, facilitate group conversations and give feedback on exercises; serve as “lead coach” on certain programs.
Result
Graduated Fullbridge professional and student participants in locations such as Maine, Missouri, Florida and Saudi Arabia.
Thanks For Visiting!
Thank you for your interest in my work. For additional information on my work experiences, visit me on LinkedIn or check out my personal website.
