I help people make sense of the world

 

WIIFY (What's In It For YOU) — Here's how I help

As a generalist, no, scratch that, as a Polymath — an individual whose deep knowledge spans multiple subjects — I use complex bodies of knowledge to solve problems by way of connections outside the "proverbial" box.

Contrary to what the status quo believes, being a generalist makes a tremendous impact, especially in this modern complex era. Don't believe me? Read this. And this. And this. Maybe even this.

While I have changed the domains of my career often, the core of what I do remains the same. I repeatedly act as a change agent. I'm brought in to be a catalyst for change or just the spark for change. Whether or not the team knew it.

One way I accomplish this is by constantly adding to my toolbox (yep, a shiny example of being a lifelong learner). See below for those tools in the Craftsman box. While the tools change depending on the problem I am solving, there are a few themes that stay the same: communicator, creative leader, problem-solver, and connector. See the case studies to see how it comes together.

This is my superpower.

Do you have a problem you're trying to get your head around? I can help you bring clarity to help you formulate experiments to make change.

For the corporate types, here's the boring bio:

I'm an experienced creative leader who helps people make sense of the world. I accomplish this through deep curiosity, continual learning, and looking at problems with a systems lens. As a "generalist" I use these perspectives to span across multiple domains. It allows a unique perspective where I am able to connect the dots and spot patterns in complexity. I use my strong empathy to understand the human condition in a VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous) world.

I have a track record of inspiring others to act, change, and develop in new ways to deliver change and real impact. I'm a maker at heart, I #GSD (Get Shit Done).

My Toolbox

  • Communication: Language & Translation, Storytelling, Explainers, Podcasts, Technical Writing, Information Design
  • Computational Thinking: Front-End Development (JavaScript, HTML, CSS, Python), Creative Development (Arduino, Embedded, Raspberry Pi)
  • Creativity: LEGO Serious Play™, Improvisation, Change Management, Systems Thinking, Multiple POVs
  • Human Centered Design: Journey Maps, Wireframes, Prototyping, User Testing

My Partners

Some I have worked for, and some I have worked with. In one case it was both.

 

 

 

 

Don't just take my word for it

Here's what my clients say.

David spreads out of the box thinking and [creates a] friendly environment in which people feel at ease and can bring their best game into their problems...they are facing.

— Dariusz Grudzień
Technical Program Manager, Intel Corp

David [has a] thirst for expanding his knowledge and delivery that always exceeded my expectation. He is a very effective team player, often listening to requirements, and tying the ends. Without David's finesse in documenting, designing and delivering, we wouldn't have delivered on our promises.

— Rita Wouhaybi
Senior Principal Engineer, Intel Corp

David is a creative and positive collaborator. His ability to think about ideas at a high-level provides valuable input. [He] provides good insight and creative input to help make them standout.

— Matt Hyatt
Director of IT Marketing and Communications, Intel Corp

David is the kind of person everyone needs in their professional circle. His valuable skills in listening, processing, identifying, and analyzing at times of uncertainly made getting through [problems] that much easier. [He] saved...my career by analyzing my thought process, finding my strengths, and teaching me...ways to work through and overcome work challenges.

— Hanan Alnizami
Director and Head of UX Research, New Relic

I found [David] to be consistently pleasant, tackling all assignments with dedication and a smile. David is a take-charge person who is able to present creative ideas and communicate the benefits. I highly recommend David for his working ethic and a great team player.

— George Wu
Founder and Executive Director, Wooster Armory NBR