Executive + Entrepreneur + Artist

I’ve lived my work life at that geographic and metaphorical place that is Silicon Valley — where entire industries undergo voluntary change and sometimes forced metamorphosis. I have experienced this place in a distinct way — not as a coder (although I knew how to do that) but as someone who combines the seemingly at-odds perspectives of an executive, an entrepreneur, and an artist.

It all started at Apple, where I became a full stack-brand marketer and creative producer while wrangling teams of true believers, cowboys, and the occasional skeptic.  After leaving Apple, I was brought back twice to take on the responsibilities of executives on leave, proving that the personal trust and reputation we build can have a very long shelf life.

Working with Companies and People Who Wanted to Do Something … Different

I’ve been one of the first non-engineering hires in an early-stage startup and I’ve worked with the founders of a dozen others. I’ve provided insights to the C-Suite at a Fortune 500’s global innovation center on moving the needle from innovation theater to market reality. I’ve mentored six cohorts at the Matter Media Accelerator in San Francisco, which reminded me of the curiosity-fueled power of small scrappy teams. And I’ve found ways to bridge the world of the executive and the artist by building partnerships and producing live digital experiences in the entertainment industry for brands and artists such as Peter Gabriel.

I’ve even embraced the entrepreneurial urge myself, founding a boutique strategy and production studio that has helped companies large and small with business and creative challenges they were ill-equipped to conquer from the inside.

What I Live For

Parachuting into uncharted territory.  Building that which has not existed before. Working with both executives and artists.  Bridging the divide between strategy and execution. Unspooling complex concepts into stories that inspire and activate. Producing something beautiful that changes hearts and minds.  Loving technology in its application to solve human problems and bust down barriers.

How I Satisfy My Curiosity 

I’ve never waited to get permission or have someone else provide education for me. I have an MBA from UCLA where I also spent my fair share of time in film school classes. Later at Stanford, I participated in the Creative Writing, Design Thinking and Behavior Design programs. And I dove deeper into audio-based storytelling (aka podcasts) at the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism, before prototyping my own on women and work culture called ‘Out of the Wasteland.’ To back up my commitment to EQ (emotional intelligence) as a foundation of great teamwork and leadership, I studied neuroscience and mindfulness with Jack Kornfield, Daniel Goleman, and Dacher Keltner.

Where I Find Fun and Meaning

I am obsessed with all things media (video, podcasts, music production, events and experiences), technology in general, and the plant-based life. I have trained therapy dogs, raced vintage British sports cars, and traveled with the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund to Congo to report on environmental and economic conditions post-genocide.

Why I Want to Meet You

If any of the above intrigues, I’d love to connect. Time to grab a chai?