My story
is an ongoing journey:
Ad Man
Innovation Consultant
Strategic Thought Provocateur
My Chapter 1 began in Advertising.
After graduating with a major in marketing and a minor in art, I entered the rollicking world of advertising right near the end of the "Mad Men" era. My agency billed me as a "Creative Account Executive" since I didn't fit tightly into either the creative or strategic box.
While the ad world was fun, I found that while new ideas for ads lasted months, new ideas for new products, services and businesses endured for decades or more.
So I left advertising and entered the world of innovation.
Chapter 2 was innovation consulting.
After 25 years in the ad game, I found my next 30-year passion in the business of helping large companies innovate by helping their people break out of the binds of bureaucracy and to learn how to collaborate and think differently.
I have had the privilege of leading a small band of highly talented "business innovationists" in our boutique firm, Creative Realities, Inc.
Our fun was not only in creating new products, services and businesses for growth, but in changing cultures.
Chapter 3 is still being reinvented.
While reducing my involvement in running a company and the number of client projects I engage in, I'm focusing on stimulating innovation that fosters strategy and growth. I'm pursuing interests that are either new (like writing blog posts), old (like relearning how to play the guitar), or more personal (like enjoying being a grandfather).
Time will tell how well I can adapt to this new chapter.
In the meantime, I hope to be able to share a little of what I have learned over the years, and what I discover as my journey continues.