Very practical. Very human.
I’m happiest doing work that combines analytic problem-solving with squishy human stuff about feelings and connection.
A lot of my career has involved bouncing back and forth between those two poles. I worked as a coach and consultant for about 20 years, helping people untangle the human emotions that underlie business problems.
I have a degree in philosophy from Harvard. My career path includes being a software developer, a communications coach, teaching improv classes, and writing some literary nonfiction.
The alliance between me and the people I work with is really important. I like working with people who are smart and good at stuff.
If we work together, we will have a genuine actual human relationship. At times I’ll support you, at times I’ll challenge you.
I understand that running a conference involves making challenging and daunting decisions. I’ll be there by your side to advise and support you through the process.
I host Trampoline Hall, a barroom non-expert lecture series which has sold out monthly since forever, and has played in San Francisco, New York and many other U.S. cities.
I run Toronto Event Generator, a project to create more interesting events in the city I live in. With my friend Sophia, I co-host All About Intimacy, an event series of deep talk about love, sex, friendship and dating.
I write a Substack that’s partly articles about conferences and partly random stuff I think about. My kid and I run an annual popsicle stand where we have flavors like water, hot dog, and ghost pepper.
The Chairs are Where the People Go is a book co-written with New York Times bestselling author Sheila Heti, who had the idea of writing a book of everything I know.
The 72 chapters (which I dictated and she transcribed and edited) cover subjects such as neighbourhood activism, making conferences exhilarating, how to set up chairs for things, quitting smoking, and more.
“A triumph of what might be called conversational philosophy… The world is better for these humane and hilarious essays.”
“[Chairs] has an intimacy, clear-headedness, and humor that our society needs right now. It should be required reading for Congress.”
With Michael Bungay Stanier
I spoke with Michael Bungay Stanier about the three big questions I help my clients answer to improve their change gatherings: