When people ask where I began my career, I used to say, “as a leadership analyst at the Central Intelligence Agency.” But the truth is, I started working much earlier—as an artist. It’s the surprising unfolding of my artistic soul and analytical mind that led me to found Artistic Leadership.

I believe human flourishing happens when analytical rigor and creative spirit work together. We are designed to think critically and build lasting solutions. But we are also wired to love beauty, to hold on to hope, and to imagine a better tomorrow.

When we connect our attention to detail and leadership abilities with the creative force inside us, we become more fully human. That’s the kind of world artistic leaders create. That’s the world I strive to contribute to.

The wise poet Mary Oliver wrote, “Those who are the world’s working artists are not trying to help the world go around, but forward.” In my work—with governments and grassroots organizations, CEOs and students—I’ve found “working artists” everywhere!

You don’t need to be a rock star to rock.
You don’t need to be a best-selling author to write.
You just need to be curious, and have the courage to try.

The more we each do that, the more human our world becomes—and the more it becomes a place where everyone can flourish.

With curiosity and courage,