Through over two decades of hands-on experience, I understand what it takes to learn what customers value and to invent breakthrough product concepts that leverage that understanding.

Innovation Consultant:

During the six years that I worked as a hands-on Innovation Consultant, I was mentored by one of the best, Dr. Ron Sears. I participated in over 25 innovation projects for 9 firms, and led 13 of those. That’s where I learned that innovation is the result of process, not serendipity. Most of those projects focused on inventing breakthrough next-generation products. One of my favorites, however, worked a bit outside that norm. It explored re-inventing the entire Customer Experience for a major company and resulted in 20 initiatives being written into the company’s strategic plan. Although I’ve since created my own innovation process, I learned some of my guiding principles during that time. Plus, I left that engagement with the confidence of how to create innovation anywhere at any time.

Entrepreneur Coach:

As an entrepreneur coach I have helped roughly 4,000 startup entrepreneurs bring new products, services, and businesses to life. I’ve started and operated several venture accelerators and throughout that time helped many of those founders think through how to turn innovative ideas into reality. I’ve coached companies starting in basements and companies raising millions, in a wide range of industries and markets.

Solid Academic Background:

I hold an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth Graduate School of Business with concentrations in both Marketing and Finance. I was fortunate to be able to study product development with the awesome Abbie Griffin and strategy with the amazing Harry Davis. Upon graduation I was awarded the 1996 George Hay Brown Outstanding Marketing Scholar Prize. Fun fact: I did some group project work with current Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella.