Bio
I’m an author, educator, and entrepreneur. In 2012, I designed my own Masters by completing 12 projects in 12 months. I called it The Leap Year Project and my experiences culminated with staging my graduation at a TED conference and publishing a book of stories focused on the power of learning through risk. I then launched Experience Institute, helping students and leaders alike learn through real-world experiences focused on core skills for the future of work.
Over the years, Experience Institute has designed and led transformative programs for some of the world’s largest organizations, including Google, Kellogg’s, Kraft Heinz, Red Bull, and Publicis Global. Once recognized as a Forbes 30 Under 30 leader in education, I have also spent the past decade as a Lecturer in Design at Stanford’s d.school, where I co-led the creation of a program helping young leaders launch from the classroom into real-world projects with founders and companies globally.
Today, I remain Chairman of the Board of Experience Institute and active in the arena of talent development and executive coaching.
Things I’ve been a part of:
Experience Institute | Founder & Chairman of the Board
Stanford | Lecturer in Design & Project Lead for Design Summer
Experience Lab at Penn | Co-Founder & Co-Director
The Shapeless Shape | Co-Author with David Kelley
Leap Kit | Co-Creator & Director
Leap Year Project | Creator & Author
Stanford d.school – 2025 Project | Collaborator
Digital Physical | Designer
EPIC Board of Directors | Board Member
Chicago Global Shapers | Member
Chicago Ideas Week CO-OP | Brain Trust
Recognition
TEDxMidwest Emerging Leaders
U360 Award & Davey Award | Leap Year Project Book
2014 GOOD 100
Tech.Co’s Top 20 Startup Founders Under 30 (Chicago)
Forbes 30 Under 30
Core77 Design Award for Leap Kit
Leap Year Project Book
The Shapeless Shape