Inspiration
Great ideas don’t happen in isolation. As a executive design and strategy leader, I draw inspiration from a wide range of sources—podcasts, films, and books that challenge assumptions, expand perspectives, and refine my craft. I’ve shortlisted the biggest influences shaping my thinking on design, innovation, leadership, and the future of work. If you’re looking for inspiration or just someone curious about the intersections of business and culture, I hope these recommendations spark new insights and fresh conversations. I also keep a real-time inventory of all my visual inspiration—from art and design to fashion and photography—in a virtual library here.
🎙 Podcasts
Work For Humans
Dart Lindsley challenges conventional wisdom about work, treating it as a product that must be designed for human flourishing. His insights align with my belief that organizations thrive when they create meaningful, fulfilling experiences—not just for clients but for employees. His approach influences how I shape strategy, innovation, and leadership with a human-centered, systems-thinking mindset.
Daily Creative
Todd Henry’s Daily Creative distills essential insights on creativity, discipline, and leadership into digestible, actionable reflections. His work reinforces my commitment to balancing inspiration with execution—ensuring that creative vision is not just aspirational but operational. His philosophy helps me guide teams to stay prolific, brilliant, and healthy while navigating the pressures of innovation and strategic design.
Co-hosts Eli Woolery and Aarron Walter dive deep into the intersection of design, leadership, and innovation, reinforcing my belief that design is not just about aesthetics but about systems, culture, and impact. The conversations here challenge me to think critically about how design can drive business strategy and human-centered transformation.
🎞 Films
Eno (2024)
This generative documentary about Brian Eno is as groundbreaking as the artist himself, using AI-driven editing to create a unique experience with every viewing. Eno’s embrace of systems thinking, chance, and iteration deeply resonates with my approach to design and strategy. His work challenges me to think beyond linear creativity, embracing uncertainty, emergence, and the power of constraints in shaping truly innovative outcomes.
Everything is a Remix (2023)
Creativity is rarely about pure originality—it’s about combining, transforming, and remixing ideas. This film series reinforces my belief that great work is built on the shoulders of what came before and that embracing influence, iteration, and adaptation is essential for innovation.
Urbanized (2011)
As a strategist, I see parallels between designing cities and designing organizations—both require systems thinking, human-centered insights, and an understanding of how people move through and interact with spaces. This film inspires me to think about the broader implications of design on community and society.
📚 Books
Strategic foresight is central to my work, and this book provides a structured way to think about the future in actionable terms. McGonigal’s approach to imagining possibilities strengthens my ability to anticipate trends, craft future-ready strategies, and inspire innovation.
Persuadable – Al Pittampalli
Strategy prizes strong conviction, this book argues for intellectual humility—the ability to change one’s mind in the face of better evidence. It validates my approach to leadership as an evolving process, where adaptability and learning are competitive advantages.
Herding Tigers – Todd Henry
Leading creative teams requires a delicate balance of structure and freedom, and this book provides a framework for managing high-performing creatives without stifling their genius. It’s shaped how I mentor, motivate, and challenge creatives to do their best work.
Leaders Eat Last – Simon Sinek
This book reinforces my belief that leadership is about service, trust, and creating environments where people feel safe to take risks and innovate. Sinek’s insights help me cultivate teams that are resilient, purpose-driven, and motivated by something bigger than individual success.
Wisdom at Work – Chip Conley
As someone deeply interested in legacy and intergenerational learning, this book speaks to my role as a modern elder—someone who bridges experience with emerging ideas. It reminds me that wisdom, curiosity, and reinvention are essential in a rapidly changing world.
From Strength to Strength – Arthur C. Brooks
This book helps me navigate the transition from achievement-driven success to a more fulfilling, purpose-driven second act. As I think about long-term impact and legacy, Brooks' insights on shifting from fluid intelligence to wisdom resonate deeply with my personal and professional evolution.
I Didn’t Do The Thing Today – Madeleine Dore
In a culture obsessed with productivity, this book offers a refreshing perspective on self-worth and progress. It reminds me that creativity thrives in spaciousness, and that success isn’t just about doing more—it’s about doing what matters.