Hi, I’m Steven.
I tell stories and guide teams to solve problems through human-centered design.
This website will show you a few examples of what that means. I have a sister website, IDspiration, where I write regularly (I’m so full of bad ideas that when I occasionally stumble upon a good one, I like to write about it). I may dive into random rabbit holes, but the content there typically hovers around the intersection of culture, design (systems), and psychology. Specifically, I love writing about EQ, leadership modeling, and the value of stretching our comfort zones.
BIO IN 3 BULLETS
- I’ve worked in 5 countries on 5 continents; currently in Tokyo by way of Virginia, California, New York, Dubai, Amsterdam and São Paulo.
- Most of my work has focused on digital innovation (although I believe human-centered design can & should be applied anywhere on the org chart).
- I’ve traveled to about 75 countries and flown over 2.7 million miles (4.4 million km). I still stare out the window for every takeoff and landing.
I GEEK OUT ON
- Don Norman (“A challenge to the designers of the world: Make signs unnecessary” 🤯).
- Harold and the Purple Crayon & other children’s books.
- Reframing problems (we often scramble for technical optimizations without exploring simpler, more effective psychological solutions).
WHO SHOULD (AND SHOULDN’T) WORK WITH ME
I’m not interested in pandering to fragile egos, playing politics, or making simple things sound complicated.
I’m interested in leading—with empathy, clarity, and intent.
My background is digital. But the deeper I’ve gone, the more I’ve realized: what actually moves teams and businesses forward isn’t technical wizardry—it’s understanding people.
I’ve led teams across continents and cultures, and if there’s one thing I know, it’s this:
You can’t push the same buttons on everyone. You have to listen. Adapt. Earn trust.
That’s real leadership.
So don’t hire me to blindly take orders, to make things look good without making them work, or to stuff my calendar with repetitive meetings to make myself look busy.
Do hire me if you want someone who:
- Solves real problems with real people
- Simplifies the chaos
- Builds systems that last
- And leads in a way that makes others better–not by being the loudest voice in the room, but by helping others find theirs.
- Kindness (because dignity and performance are not mutually exclusive).
- Curiosity (because good questions make better leaders).
- Simplicity (because clarity wins, always).
- Agency (because I don’t wait to be told–if it needs fixing, I’m on it).
If that sounds like someone you’d want in the room, let’s talk.
Thank you for stopping by.
Leave your email address below to get an occasional interesting thought from me, or drop me a line to connect!
