“From ideation through implementation and continuous improvement, Angela is definitely someone you want on your team!”
Hi, I’m Angela.
I’m the founder of Collaborative Genius and I will be your workshop facilitator.
I began my career in Silicon Valley, steeped in the principles of Design Thinking and disruptive innovation. I also enjoyed several years in Chicago with in-house product teams and a Big 4 Consulting firm. I have a competitive advantage on strategy deployments because;
I understand creative design thinking
I know what it takes to get from idea to implementation
No one can tell me that research and real-life observations don’t matter
I bring this same edge to every project and help my clients win.
Before design and strategy, I managed a summer camp for at-risk youth in California and taught a dynamic arts program in Mexico. These endeavors invited me to collaborate with communities and benefactors, evaluate biases, learn new languages, and serve people in being their best selves through creative self-expression. I am also a lifelong martial artist, which has taught me patience, discipline, follow-through, decisiveness, and communal responsibility.
My unique and eclectic background positions me to help my clients do even more than win.
“Angela is an all-star and a proactive member on any team! She has deep expertise in Strategy, Design, and Testing… She has been leading design/strategy/testing pods and is spectacular with her communication and inclusive style. If you need help in any part of the consulting/product lifecycle or just an amazing leader, Angela is the one you call!”
“She’s a magnetic, talented, experienced, confident, thoughtful, and customer-focused designer. She is a natural leader who raised the bar for experience design on our team. As a teammate she was an advocate that was dependable, kind and supportive, and provided an inclusive and psychologically safe work environment. She inspires me and I am honored to have had the opportunity to work with her and learn from her.”
“She brought new ideas forward backed by sound reasoning to every feature discovery meeting. More importantly, she was a pleasure to work with, maintaining a positive attitude and good humor even under tight timelines and changing requirements. I would be thrilled to work with her again in the future.”
“Angela is a hard worker, a smart worker, and she does it all with an upbeat positive attitude. She isn’t afraid of a challenge or to try something new. I would love to work with her again in the future!”
“Angela is a genuine and kind human being. I have a hard time remembering people’s names, Angela knows the names of everyone’s kids and pets.”
Values that bring genius to life
Creativity
Everyone has the inherent ability to imagine that which does not yet exist. It’s the most untapped treasure on Earth.
Deep Understanding
When we watch, listen to, respect, and care about others, we are able to create work that is truly in collaboration and of service.
Diversity
Each contributor has unique value based on their lived experience, and the more diverse our contributor base, the more powerful our contribution will be.
Empowerment
I share my thoughts with courage and intention, even if I end up being wrong or later change my mind, and I encourage others to do the same.
Gratitude Corner
A few people who have helped me to become my best self
Fani, Bob, and Judi were my first design employers back in 2008. They taught me many things about work, visual communication… and skateboarding!
Ankur, Jesse, Larissa, Günal, and Kiran guided me in communicating and structuring myself as a powerful consultant
Genevive took a chance on me and convinced me to move to Chicago!
Dan taught me how to face critique and seeming failure from a productive, inquisitive place of power and possibility
My Grandfather taught me observation and tracking skills by making me the official detective every time we lost one of our chickens
Bennet, a genius engineer, taught me to ask the question “what do I want?” with joy and curiosity.