Thought leader in how to integrate the empathy and imagination of design with the practicalities of business and has led many transformations from within as a positive, optimistic, passionate rebel.
What has been your most notable rebel accomplishment or experience?
Creating an open source, voluntary network of design thinkers who have led positive change all over P&G. Having an open source, “all are welcomed” approach in a globally diffused, hierarchical company was a major shift.
When did you first realize that you are a rebel?
In my 20’s when I first began my career in Corporate America and I saw things differently than others.
What advice do you wish someone had given you earlier in your career?
Give people what they want AND what they need. If you only give them what they want, you may be giving them too little or the wrong stuff. If you only give them what they need, they will reject it because you did not listen to what they wanted. To advance change in a large organization you must give people what they ask for to earn the right to suggest a better way (what they really need). So, you have to live in the culture while you also work to change it.
What is your favorite rebel characteristic?
Optimism and the power of possibility to energize others to the cause.
What’s your favorite question?
What keeps you up at night (sleep loss issue) and how can I help?
What one clue tells you you’re effecting positive change?
People tell me I have energized them and encouraged them to expect and do more.
What do you think it’s most important for people to understand about rebels?
Rebels are not mavericks that buck the system. Rebels, who make positive difference, work with the system to change it.
What’s your one word piece of advice for rebels?
Connect
What’s your one word piece of advice for non-rebels?
Consider
Where do you think rebels are most needed today?
I think we need rebels all over….especially in re-imagining education and in re-imagining how our government functions (does it function?) I feel like corporations have the marketplace as incentive to change/evolve but I am not sure our educational system or government have that same natural force/pressure.
Who is your favorite rebel from the past 100 years?
Martin Luther King
What’s the one thing you should never say to a rebel?
You care too much. Caring is what is it all about.