Executive + Entrepreneur + Artist
I’ve lived my work life at that geographic and metaphorical place that is Silicon Valley — where entire industries undergo voluntary change and sometimes forced metamorphosis. I have experienced this place in a distinct way — not as a coder or investor, but as someone who combines the seemingly at odds perspectives of an executive, an entrepreneur, and an artist.
I’ve always been a diagonal thinker-doer, with a driving need to engage and cross-pollinate the left and right sides of my brain - and my heart - in my work. That’s been reflected in every stage of my life as far back as I can remember and up until this present moment. It’s irrevocably baked into my DNA. Calculus and painting in high school. Writing and economics as an undergrad. Business and film school at UCLA. Finding time (and using my own dime) while in the work world to study the neuroscience of happiness and team performance, behavior design, photography, and journalism … And then putting that knowledge into practical good use.
Working with Companies and People Who Wanted to Do Something … Different
I saw this left-right brain approach first manifest as a real possibility at Apple, where I became a full stack brand marketer and creative producer while wrangling teams of true believers, cowboys, and the occasional skeptic. And after leaving Apple, I was brought back twice by an SVP to take on the responsibilities of executives on leave, proving that the personal trust and reputation we build can have a very long shelf life. These are valuable lessons that have shaped the way I work.
As an experienced strategist and creative producer, I’ve been engaged in both traditional work and more experimental investigations with established brands, startups at all stages, agencies, and even an iconic artist or two. As the geography of people and companies I work with has expanded from North America to include Europe, Asia, and the Middle East – I’ve embraced the importance of bringing a global and culturally informed perspective to the table … or screen.
Intimate and Expansive with an Eye Toward Changing What’s Possible
My favorite work experiences have been both intimate and expansive – simultaneously working with leaders at 10,000 feet and deep in the trenches with talented creative, business, and technical teams – to create work to address an audience of 1 or millions.
Working with the founders and executives of more than 2 dozen startups to define their unique ‘white space’ and express a relevant narrative and content that sets them apart.
Building Apple’s first music group from an idea to industry leadership in a year.
Founding and growing a strategy group and creative studio in Silicon Valley to bridge emerging technologies, opportunities, and the human experience.
Conceiving and co-producing some of the first digital-physical live experiences in music and the entertainment industry.
A Philosophy for Life and Work
I’ve built a reputation as a strong creative problem solver, communicator, and trusted consensus builder, especially when the problems themselves are still emergent moving targets. And my experience has shaped my belief that resilience and creativity are not found in convenient and conventional containers, but rather are forged at sometimes surprising intersections where diverse disciplines, backgrounds, and approaches converge.
If any of the above intrigues, I’d love to connect. Time to grab a chai?
“Working with Liz is magic. She is simultaneously diligently prepared and wide open to the organic flow of collaboration. We’ve worked together on everything from video production to deep branding projects and every time she has delivered beautiful results.”