I started my career in Toronto’s advertising agency scene. I started in account management, transitioned into strategy, and - after contributing creative ideas to enough pitches - was invited to light that spark as a copywriter. In reality, that meant doing two jobs for the price of one, but it paid dividends in experience.

That experience landed me a role at a retail reinvention company. As Creative Narrator, I helped weave together the efforts of management consultants, researchers, brand designers, interior designers, and more hugely talented A-types as we course-corrected brands facing decline. Together, we were telling bigger brand stories.

Like a lot of marketing titles, we learned that not a lot of people really understood what “Creative Narrator” meant. Inspired after a visit to SXSW, we rebranded ourselves as “Brand Experience Strategists”, understanding that what we were doing was applying brand storytelling to the holistic 360 degree customer experience.

This journey into experience design opened my eyes to design thinking, specifically the role of empathy and the importance of true value creation. Whereas in advertising I learned to talk the talk, in brand experience design, I learned just how more powerful it is to walk the walk. Now I get to help brands do both.

I hold myself to high standards and I believe that’s reflected in the brands I help build and work I produce.

I’m a conceptual thinker. This is helpful when bridging strategy and creativity. I’m good at listening, learning, and making abstract concepts more concrete.

I bring a positive and productive energy to teams. I'm a natural leader, but not a micro-manager. I enjoy coaching and learning from others. No toxic workplace vibes here.

I see myself collaborating with talented, creative, inspired doers who believe in what they're bringing to the world. I'm driven by purpose more than profit, although I do think both can be achieved with the right plan.

I left a steady job I really enjoyed to start my own freelance business. That was 8 years ago and my business has been growing since. I think this has a lot to do with the reputation I've built up with my clients, which I'm really proud of.

I also started wild idea co. a remote brand studio serving purpose-driven businesses. I'm excited to see where this grows.

I earned an ADCC Gold for copywriting, ADCC Merit for Brand Strategy and a Cassie for a re-brand. I was awarded Best Pitch and Gold in the ICA's Brand Strategy Accreditation Program.

I was struck by something one of my mentors once said: "it's way easier to sound 'smart' by criticizing than by contributing ideas." I've sat in a lot of boardrooms where people were afraid to offer anything more than criticism.

Even "silly ideas" can spark a fire in someone else. The important thing is that the ideas have the chance to grow before being shut down. I strive to create an open environment where everyone around the table is motivated to contribute.

Let's all agree to put our egos aside, please. And let's also agree that it's better to sound a little silly than silently hold our creative ideas prisoner.

I really enjoy the people side of team work. I like getting to know the personalities in the room. Everyone has their strengths and their weaknesses. We shouldn't try to mold everyone into one type of person - we should be figuring out how to get the most out of the unique talents and perspective every team member brings.

I’m a strategist who knows Adobe Creative Suite, and a creative who knows Microsoft Excel.

I’m just as comfortable putting together a mock-up as a work-back schedule.

With a diverse background in account management, strategy, writing, and design I’ve become comfortable in various software, systems, and processes used across the team. And I’m happy to put these skills to use when needed.

I asked some of my closest friends this question. These are the top themes that came back consistently: creative, smart, wise, and down-to-earth. I'm still blushing.

My husband Ryan and I built a home in the country. We call it a scandi-farmhouse - minimalist and modern with country charm. Ryan general contracted it and I led the design. We've learned a lot - it's been (mostly) fun.

In the summer, we camp, garden, and travel. In the winter, I'm all about being cozy. Give me a wood stove, wool socks, and a good movie and I'm a very happy woman.

Being a creative, I'm always making something: whether it's pasta from scratch or sketching in Procreate, there's always a little creative project on the go.

I have two kids. A girl and boy. Our daughter’s low vision, so we’re plugged into the CNIB in Ottawa. Both of our kids are awesome.