Up Your Creative Genius

Dan is a strategist, creative, and skilled facilitator. He is also an educator, global speaker, tech investor, and startup founder.

His ethos is embedded in the More Space philosophy, to transform employees to intrapreneurs. So they are better equipped to tackle big problems. So they have the capability to create new solutions, and the confidence to put them in motion. This enables organizations to foster a culture of creative confidence and collaboration.

Human-Centered Design (HCD) and Design Thinking is at the core of what we do. Our programs are centered around the More Space framework. The More Space framework incorporates the methodologies of Design Thinking, Futuring, Lean, and Agile.

Talks about Innovation, Design Thinking, Human Centered Design.

Timestamp

2:37 From designing things, to helping people make sense of things

7:01 Being the Gandalf to a classroom of superheroes

8:26 Using MURAL technology as a facilitator’s tool

11:51 Being vulnerable builds trust in the room

16:04 Digging in and dealing with hiccups

19:05 Planning and scheduling for business - a balancing act

20:19 The birth of More Space for Light

25:11 What makes a good workshop

26:40 Self-care and the importance of sleep

31:10 Identifying the patterns and seasons of business, then making plans around it

32:56 Reclaiming a stolen focus

35:28 Motorbiking and being present in the moment

37:10 Understanding the “why” in the change process

Social Media

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danlevy1979/

More Space For Light

Website: https://morespaceforlight.com.au/expertise/vision-and-strategy/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/morespaceforlight/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morespaceforlight

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbiT-qp26z40mzOynuvX6SA

The Future of Now - Talkshops: https://morespaceforlight.com.au/the-future-of-now/

The Future of Now - Podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-future-of-now

Follow Patti Dobrowolski - Instagram https://www.instagram.com/upyourcreativegenius/

Follow Patti Dobrowolski - Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/patti-dobrowolski-532368/

Up Your Creative Genius - https://www.upyourcreativegenius.com/

Transcript

Patti Dobrowolski 00:03

Hello Superstars! Welcome to the Up Your Creative Genius Podcast, where you will gain insight and tips to stomp on the accelerator and blast off to transform your business and your life. I'm your host, Patti Dobrowolski. And if this is your first time tuning in, then strap in - because this is serious rocket fuel. Each week, I interview fellow creative geniuses to help you learn how easy it is to Up Your Creative Genius in any part of your life.

Patti Dobrowolski 00:39

Hey, everybody, it's Patti Dobrowolski. As you know, and today - oh my gosh, I have like one of my new best friends that is just incredible. And I would just say he's my new Australian best friend, because I have a best friend in Australia, and I have one in various different cities - but this one is somebody brand new, who I really, really love. He's so incredibly creative, you're gonna love him - Dan Levy, and he's with the company More Space For Light, which we're going to talk about what that means - but first, I want to introduce him to you. He's a strategist, a creative and a skilled facilitator - I'm telling you, he really rocks it on MURAL. So he's also an educator, global speaker, a tech investor and startup founder, he's done so many things that to help employees transform, and they call it becoming an INtrapreneur - so you really are living in alignment with your true purpose, as you go out and spread your work and your business into the world. So, his whole thing is around helping you creatively problem solve, and getting you to understand how to do it yourself, and he loves to enable organizations to foster a environment of creative confidence and collaboration. So, he does human centered design, and he's just a design thinker - you should check out his website right away, because it's incredib

Jan Santos holds a Bachelor of Science in Fine Arts major in Advertising from Batangas State University, Philippines and International Baccalaureate Teaching Certification for Visual Arts and Theory of Knowledge (Epistemology)

He is the CEO of The Creative Scoop which is a Branding Agency that helps businesses from Australia, Germany and the UK, grow through the utilization of social media and modern creative content.

He also coaches entrepreneurs, abroad either 1:1 or group, with his Branding and Identity Program.

Moreover, he started The Creative Talk Podcast on Apple/iTunes, Spotify and Amazon Music, supporting entrepreneurs, leaders and creators to stand-out and establish a market competitive edge. Currently with 10k solid supporters from 16 countries worldwide.

His goal is to solidify one’s branding and identity, ensuring the business to be unique and memorable by means of creating a consistent visual style, goal and focus.

His drive is to enhance ones’ brand credibility and recognition.

Jan Santos is presently residing in Batangas City, Philippines with his wife Farrah Arellano-Santos and little boy Enzo Mariano Santos.

Timestamp

2:51 From comics, to fine arts, to advertising and branding - Jan’s unique journey

7:10 Emotional appeal, the fall of traditional advertising and the rise of branding

11:25 Two icons that inspire Jan

13:27 Three points to create a solid, strong brand

15:03 Aligning business visions with his purpose in life

17:53 Forging diamond brands from the rough

19:50 Visions for the future

22:55 Daily routines and how they changed during COVID

25:09 The Creative Talk - introducing his podcast

26:32 The fruits of labour often provide the best answers to those who don’t understand

28:43 Keeping up with ever-evolving platform algorithms

33:10 The importance of putting intent before content 

Social Media

Web:https://www.thecreativescoop.me

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thecreativescoopjansantos/

Podcast:https://linktr.ee/thecreativetalkpodcast

Follow Patti Dobrowolski - Instagram https://www.instagram.com/upyourcreativegenius/

Follow Patti Dobrowolski - Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/patti-dobrowolski-532368/

Up Your Creative Genius - https://www.upyourcreativegenius.com/ 

Patti Dobrowolski 00:03

Hello, Superstars! Welcome to the Up Your Creative Genius podcast - where you will gain insight and tips to stomp on the accelerator and blast off to transform your business and your life. I'm your host, Patti Dobrowolski. And if this is your first time tuning in, then strap in - because this is serious rocket fuel. Each week, I interview fellow creative geniuses to help you learn how easy it is to Up Your Creative Genius in any part of your life.

Patti Dobrowolski 00:39

Hey, everybody, it's Patti Dobrowolski! Oh my gosh. I have Jan Santos here. I don't know if you've looked at my Instagram feed, but it totally changed this year - and it's thanks to Jan Santos and The Creative Scoop. Because he came in and scooped me and scooped me up, and like, elevated me to 10,000 followers - all these different things that happen. Now let me just tell you a little bit about him. He's the CEO of Creative Scoop, which is a branding agency that does work with people in the UK and Australia, Germany, US - I'm the US, right - and he helps entrepreneurs to grow their brand online. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Fine Arts and Advertising from Bantagas - is that how we say-

Jan Santos 01:24

Batangas, yeah.

Patti Dobrowolski 01:25

- Batangas. Batangas State University in the Philippines and an International Baccalaureate teaching certification for Visual Arts and Theory of Knowledge. He is amazing and incredible, and I love everybody in his team that's helping us - so please welcome Jan Santos to the show!

Jan Santos 01:46

Wow, wow. Thank you, buddy. Amazing, amazing intro. Love that. Love the vibe. Love you. Wow.

Patti Dobrowolski 01:52

Yeah. Well, you know, I love you back. And here's the thing - you know, it's almos

Dr. David Cutler, a self-proclaimed WEEKEND TRAVELER, is a pianist and composer equally comfortable with classical, jazz, popular, folk, and world music. Stretching what it means to be a performer, events regularly involve crazy antics: extreme eclecticism, choreography, humor, interdisciplinary collaboration, superhero costumes, character ushers, celebrity cameos, kazoo playing marching bands, you name it.

Cutler's remarkable composition SuperNova dramatically reimagines the most popular string method of all time, SUZUKI VIOLIN SCHOOL, VOLUME 1. While melodies remain unchanged, rhythm section accompaniments are virtuosic and exploratory, inspired by music genres from around the globe (tango to techno, Baroque to boogie). This project includes 4 full albums, a SuperCreativity eCourse, string ensemble arrangements, and more.

One of the world’s leading voices on ARTS ENTREPRENEURSHIP, Cutler has led keynotes and workshops for Music Teachers National Association, College Music Society, Juilliard School, Dutch Classical Music Meeting, Chamber Music America, New World Symphony Orchestra, Indiana University, and Italy’s soundSCAPE music festival. His books The Savvy Musician and The Savvy Music Teacher, which provide tools for amplifying income, impact, and innovation, have shaped a generation of musicians. Dr. Cutler is a distinguished professor of music entrepreneurship at University of South Carolina, and a Yamaha Master Educator.

Cutler and his consulting firm The Puzzler Company work with arts, business, and education organizations to foster innovation. His upcoming VISUAL book (illustrations and design throughout) The GAME of Innovation: Gamify Challenge, Level Up Your Team, and Play to Win helps teams turn problems into GAMEs and play to win.

Timestamp

1:31 How two different worlds in music shaped David’s perspectives

4:03 Making a Difference - The Savvy Arts Venture Challenge

6:46 The birth of “The GAME of Innovation”

8:26 Dissecting the GAME

12:33 How does the GAME result in positive change in a fast paced world

15:17 The Problem Solving Process - getting everyone in play

18:18 Future university work in Indiana, while being a facilitator and musician

21:26 Big changes and success are the result of teamwork

23:37 David’s typical daily routines

25:04 Finding sources of inspiration

25:51 Putting the GAME into practice: a COVID case study

32:30 Project management tips for anyone seeking change

Social Media

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjcutler

USC Faculty page: https://sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/music/faculty-staff/Cutler.php

The Savvy Musician: https://www.savvymusician.com/

The GAME of Innovation: https://www.thepuzzlercompany.com/book

Follow Patti Dobrowolski - Instagram https://www.instagram.com/upyourcreativegenius/

Follow Patti Dobrowolski - Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/patti-dobrowolski-532368/

Up Your Creative Genius - https://www.upyourcreativegenius.com/

Transcript

Patti Dobrowolski 00:03

Hello, Superstars! Welcome to the Up Your Creative Genius podcast - where you will gain insight and tips to stomp on the accelerator and blast off to transform your business and your life. I'm your host, Patti Dobrowolski. And if this is your first time tuning in, then strap in - because this is serious rocket fuel. Each week, I interview fellow creative geniuses to help you learn how easy it is to Up Your Creative Genius in any part of your life. Hey, everybody, it's Patti Dobrowolski, and I can't wait for our guest today - you are going to meet one of the smartest human beings I've ever met in my life. I love him, he's creative - his name is Dr. David Cutler. He's a jazz and classical composer, a pianist, a conductor, a collaborator, a concert producer, a speaker and advocate and author - and author of the newly minted book, "The GAME of innovation"! And let me just say that Dr. Cutler is a distinguished professor with the University of South Carolina, and he's got a whole bunch of things up his sleeve. He'

Originally from the Minneapolis area, Scott Ward studied commercial design and illustration at the University of Minnesota. Scott has worked as an artist and designer in advertising, clothing design, graphic design, theater design, landscape design, interior design, illustration and murals, and has shown his paintings in many galleries around the country.

After his introduction to The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron, Scott found himself facilitating creativity groups and eventually becoming a community leader with a focus on community development and engagement. He presently serves as the Executive Director of the Fairhaven Association in Bellingham, WA. Scott still finds time to create art.

Timestamp

2:22 Growing up as an artistic kid

3:03 Discovering The Artist’s Way

4:26 Being a full time artist-entrepreneur

5:52 Getting into the world of community engagement

7:12 Fairhaven’s initial organizational challenges and dealing with them

9:12 The importance of giving credit whenever it is due

12:15 Managing time as an active artist plus community leader

13:55 Drawing up the blueprint for Fairhaven’s future

14:23 Working on the Space Needle mural project

18:27 Analyzing elements of Scott’s artwork

20:04 Daily routines and rituals to power through the day

23:48 When rejection from priesthood brought clarity to life’s purpose

25:30 Leaving a legacy and making a difference

27:15 Dealing with challenging decision making processes

29:16 Painting the big picture: keeping the whole community in frame

30:14 Thoughts about the future

32:56 Change is inevitable - taking small steps as a budding artist

Social Media

Website: scottwardart.com

Instagram: instagram.com/scottwardart/

Facebook: facebook.com/scott.ward.18062

Enjoy Fairhaven: enjoyfairhaven.com

Follow Patti Dobrowolski - Instagram https://www.instagram.com/upyourcreativegenius/

Follow Patti Dobrowolski - Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/patti-dobrowolski-532368/

Up Your Creative Genius - https://www.upyourcreativegenius.com/

Transcript

Patti Dobrowolski 00:03

Hello, Superstars! Welcome to the Up Your Creative Genius Podcast, where you will gain insight and tips to stomp on the accelerator and blast off to transform your business and your life. I'm your host, Patti Dobrowolski. And if this is your first time tuning in, then strap in - because this is serious rocket fuel. Each week, I interview fellow creative geniuses to help you learn how easy it is to Up Your Creative Genius in any part of your life.

Patti Dobrowolski 00:39

Hey, everybody, it's Patti Dobrowolski with Up Your Creative Genius. Oh my gosh, okay, I just want to say: my most favorite person in the world today is on the podcast - Scott Ward. And Scott Ward, if you don't know him, he's an amazing visual artist, who became an accidental Executive Director for the Fair Haven Business Association. It's not really the business association, but the Fair Haven, you know, Association for where he lives. But he is amazing. He's been an actor, he's created clothing. He's done everything possible - interior design, like if you look out in the world, at things, you'll see Scott Ward imprinted on most of them. And he has a beautiful collection of artwork that has really just kept its its beauty over time - I was gonna say it's just so iconic, the stuff that you draw, I have a number of them in my home, I will say - and one of them he gave to us for our wedding, which is just so incredible. So, I thank you, Scott, for being here. Hey, by the way, I didn't mention this, but he also is a musician and singer. Really incredible. Okay. Welcome to the show, Scott.

Scott Ward 01:51

Hi, Patti. It's nice to see you.

Patti Dobrowolski 01:53

Nice to see you too. And so we haven't seen each other in a long time. Because of COVID - It's kind of a drag. I know but just in another month, I'm going to be standing - hopefully, cross your fingers, you know - side by side with you, that will be so incredible. So, Scott, tell people about you. How

Douglas Ferguson is an entrepreneur and human-centered technologist. He is the founder and president of Voltage Control, an Austin-based change agency that helps enterprises spark, accelerate, and sustain innovation. He specializes in helping teams work better together through participatory decision making and design inspired facilitation techniques. He has helped transform teams from Nike, U.S. SOCOM, Google, the Air Force, Apple, Adobe, Dropbox, Fidelity, Vrbo, Liberty Mutual, Humana, and SAIC. Douglas is a thought leader and master facilitator of Design Sprints, Innovation Acceleration, Team Alignment, Meeting Systems, Culture Transitions, and Change Transformations. He is also the author of four books: Magical Meetings, Beyond the Prototype, How to Remix Anything, and Start Within. He has been published in Forbes, Fast Company, Innovation Leader, and is a regular contributor to The Future Shapers. He publishes a weekly podcast called Control the Room. Motivated by a mission to rid the world of horrible meetings and offer meaningful magical meeings in their place, Voltage Control is calling upon fellow facilitators to transform meeting and innovation culture. From free weekly community meetups to Control the Room–the annual facilitator summit, Voltage Control is building a community of facilitators to change the world. Douglas is active in the Austin startup community where he serves on the board of several non-profits, mentors startups, and advises early-stage ventures. Prior to founding Voltage Control, Douglas held CTO positions at numerous Austin startups where he led product and engineering teams.When not facilitating or coaching facilitators you might find Douglas patching up his Modular Synth, boxing, or doing pilates. 

Timestamp

2:12 Doug’s early years, and getting into the startup space

2:36 From getting fascinated about collaboration, to an interest in facilitation

3:41 How his first experience as a speaker started his thought leader journey

5:26 What makes a meeting Magical

6:37 Small changes, big results

8:32 Personal experience in dealing with career change

13:17 Making clients acknowledge the human problem

16:33 How to face fear and identity issues in the change process

18:08 Dealing with organizational change as a result of the pandemic

19:43 How the tragic loss of a co-worker inspired creation of the Safe Pledge

23:39 Building a community of facilitators

26:19 Designing a memorable, accessible meeting experience for all

28:36 Doug’s typical work day

31:44 Curiosity, creativity and self-challenge: taking small steps to start change

33:27 Upcoming activities and plans 

Social Media

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/douglasferguson/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/voltagectrl

SAFE Alliance: https://www.safeaustin.org/

Follow Patti Dobrowolski - Instagram https://www.instagram.com/upyourcreativegenius/

Follow Patti Dobrowolski - Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/patti-dobrowolski-532368/

Up Your Creative Genius - https://www.upyourcreativegenius.com/ 

Patti Dobrowolski 00:03

Hello, Superstars! Welcome to the Up Your Creative Genius Podcast, where you will gain insight and tips to stomp on the accelerator and blast off to transform your business and your life. I'm your host, Patti Dobrowolski. And if this is your first time tuning in, then strap in - because this is serious rocket fuel. Each week, I interview fellow creative geniuses to help you learn how easy it is to Up Your Creative Genius in any part of your life.

Patti Dobrowolski 00:39

Hey, everybody. Oh my gosh, I have Douglas Ferguson here. This guy is an author, a speaker, master facilitator, and he's the president of Voltage Control - and he's going to tell us what Voltage Control is all about - but let me just say that he helps companies to sustain and scale their innovation through design thinking and synthesis of visuals, and creating a Fast to Fail culture - and I love that Fast to Fail idea - so we're gonna get into that for sure. But he's al

Eva Avenue is an abstract expressionist painter in the East Village, NYC. She has mainly made a living as an editor and writer at newspapers and online publications. She has been publishing an art zine since 2009 called The Nightly Noodle Monthly, produces her own art shows, and is currently working on her debut film project The Art Show Movie. She is co-writing the soundtrack with friends and working a full-time job at The Art Students League of New York. Her dream is to have a storefront studio and bar in Manhattan where she can paint big paintings and have art parties with artist talks as a cultural beacon for voices in the city.

Timestamp

3:06 Growing up with artist parents in Europe

4:30 Moving to Florida, getting an arts education, and starting out as an artist

6:51 The power of visualization, enabling access, and making things happen

9:32 Inheriting her late father’s unfinished paintings and documenting their journey through film

11:09 Riding out the pandemic

13:37 Lessons learnt from living the artist life

14:17 Creating visions, illustrating dreams, and transforming them into reality

18:37 Dealing with self-criticism

19:28 The dynamic, evolving painting process and its unexpected surprises

20:50 Frank O’Cain, abstract expressionism, and why they matter

22:28 Future plans, visions, and dreams

25:29 Daily routines, support networks, and handling saboteurs in life

27:06 Detours and delays in realizing a vision are necessary for growth

28:53 How seeking clarity can help avoid pitfalls and identify unseen opportunities

Social Media

Website: evaavenue.com

Instagram: @evaavenue

Facebook: Eva Avenue Studio and Spoiled Horse Racer

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/EvaAvenueStudio

TikTok: @eva.avenue

Follow Patti Dobrowolski - Instagram https://www.instagram.com/upyourcreativegenius/

Follow Patti Dobrowolski - Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/patti-dobrowolski-532368/

Up Your Creative Genius - https://www.upyourcreativegenius.com/  

Patti Dobrowolski 00:03

Hello, superstars! Welcome to the Up Your Creative Genius Podcast, where you will gain insight and tips to stomp on the accelerator and blast off to transform your business and your life. I'm your host, Patti Dobrowolski. And if this is your first time tuning in, then strap in - because this is serious rocket fuel. Each week I interview fellow creative geniuses to help you learn how easy it is to Up Your Creative Genius in any part of your life.

Patti Dobrowolski 00:39

Hey, everybody, it's Patti Dobrowolski. Okay, this is gonna be fun because we were already cracking each other up. Eva Avenue is my guest today. She's an abstract expressionist painter living in the East Village of New York City, our favorite city in the world. Well, next to Paris, I just want to say. Now listen, she made her living as an editor and writer at newspapers and online magazines. And since 2009, she's got her own nightly noodle monthly art zine magazine that she posted. It's incredible. So right now she's working for the Art Students League in New York City, and she's working on her first film - The Art Show Movie. She's getting up walking around right now. I don't know what she's doing. But she produces her own shows in any city - she can get one because she's incredible. And her big dream is to have a storefront - I love this big dream because I always walk by storefronts thinking, "Yes, that's the place I'll be", but she always wants to have a storefront, you know, that's got a bar in it, and a place where people can meet, filled with big paintings, and art shows, and interesting conversations - to be a beacon for people and voices in this city. Please welcome: Eva Avenue. Whoo! Hey, welcome to the show - so nice to have you here.

Eva Avenue 02:04

So nice to be here. I had gotten up ‘cause someone was calling me during your fantastic intro. And so, yeah, there you go.

Patti Dobrowolski 02:11

I love that, that's okay - because that's how we are. We're all casual in here. And so, I don't k

Dan Sheridan is President and COO of Brooks Running. He started his career 23 years ago as a National sales rep. He’s a graduate of University of Washington’s Foster School of Business.

Brooks Running makes men's and women's high-performance running shoes, apparel, and accessories that meet the needs of runners of all levels. Entirely focused on the run, Brooks is dedicated to inspiring people to run and be active. Brooks creates innovative equipment that keeps you running longer, farther and faster—and with more enjoyment of the run.

Timestamp

3:03 Growing up in a leader-rich environment

5:50 Running the perfect business strategy

8:11 Setting the pace with customer centricity and communicating with clarity

10:03 Fumbling a project – and getting back on track

11:44 Navigating through problems in a pandemic

12:43 Acting like Brooks, whether in prosperity or crisis

16:55 Leading the pack with humility and kindness

20:19 Moving into the future with optimism

23:47 Getting everyone to Run Happy – managing one’s fears and motivations, step by step

28:05 The essentials of personal leadership development

30:13 Dan’s current reading list 

Follow Dan Sheridan on Linkedin 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-sheridan-2a04316 

Brooks Running

https://www.brooksrunning.com/ 

Follow Patti Dobrowolski - Instagram https://www.instagram.com/upyourcreativegenius/ 

Follow Patti Dobrowolski - Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/patti-dobrowolski-532368/ 

Up Your Creative Genius - https://www.upyourcreativegenius.com/ 

Patti Dobrowolski 00:03

Hello superstars! Welcome to the Up Your Creative Genius podcast - where you will gain insight and tips to stomp on the accelerator and blast off to transform your business and your life. I'm your host, Patti Dobrowolski. And if this is your first time tuning in, then strap in because this is serious rocket fuel. Each week, I interview fellow creative geniuses to help you learn how easy it is to up your creative genius in any part of your life.

Patti Dobrowolski 00:39

Hey, everybody, it’s Patti Dobrowolski. Oh my gosh, I have one of my favorite leaders here today. I'm just saying that I have had the opportunity to work with this person multiple times. I absolutely love him, and you will too. So let's welcome the recently crowned President and COO of Brooks Running - Dan Sheridan.

Dan Sheridan 01:04

Every time I see you, I just smile. Every time I see your name, every time I see you on a screen, I just smile. I mean, the energy is insane.

Patti Dobrowolski 01:15

Oh, that's fantastic. Well, that is back at you because - So listen, I need to tell them a little bit about you so they don't have to go in the show notes to read your bio - I'm going to give my down and dirty of it. Listen, people. He joined Brooks Running in 1998 - 23 years ago. And he really started as a tech rep - which is a junior role there - and worked his way up. And now he oversees, you know, the business and the brand. He was once the brand guru at Brooks, and he's helped to build that business and brand over those years. Now he's overseeing the wholesale business, the distribution partnerships, he connects with runners to build the E-commerce business and oversees the regional marketing programs. And let me just say that they grew 26%, didn't you? It was like recently or is probably higher than that now. But he was given, in 2009 - which was way back in the Wayback Machine - 40 under 40 Sports Good Award. I mean, that's kind of a big deal. He went to the University of Washington, and he got a certification from Washington Foster School of Business. So yes, Dan Sheridan's here, woo! Dan's in the house.

Dan Sheridan 02:30

I love it! Patti, you can be my promoter, whenever you want. I mean, the language that you use, I just - I gotta bottle it and take it with me.

Patti Dobrowolski 02:39

That's right. Now, you know, Dan, you are honestly one of the favorite leaders of mine. When I ever get to be in a room with you, I'm like, yes, Dan's gonna

Meagan is a Director in the Customer Experience & Success (CE&S) organization at Microsoft, realizing the connected customer experience vision across customer touchpoints. Over the course of her career, Meagan has driven award-winning operational improvements, digital transformation, and modern technology deployment within complex, matrixed environments. She has been recognized throughout her career for her collaborative leadership style, uncanny bias for action, and ability to lead teams in achieving the “impossible.” As an agile thinker, she is accomplished at empowering talented and diverse teams, cultivating innovation, and thinking laterally to solve delivery, speed, and quality obstacles. Meagan has an entrepreneurial background with demonstrated success with a mix of business startups and mature, multinational organizations.