Speaking
I speak on marketing, leadership, and creativity. My material comes from two decades building brands (Shake Shack, Sweetgreen, BARK, Stella Artois, Shipt, Ollie) and a lifetime playing jazz drums.
What I talk about
Leading like a drummer
Jazz improvisation as a leadership system: deep listening, spontaneity within structure, and knowing when to lead and when to follow.
Burnout and boreout
The two ways work drains people: too much and too little. How to spot both on your team, and how creative practice rebuilds the energy that perks and pizza never will.
Freestyle marketing: using a jazz mindset to balance structure and spontaneity
Jazz musicians master their craft but stay open to improvisation. They're structured yet adaptable; they balance strategy with nimbleness, data with instinct.
Where I've spoken
Stages: Advertising Week • BLACKWEEK • Social Media Week • Creative Mornings
Guest lectures & courses: NYU, SVA, Drexel University, Temple University, Aurora University
Formats
Keynotes, panels, fireside chats, workshops, guest lectures, and podcasts. Virtual or in person.