LAUREN EVE CANTOR
I am a business strategist with a bent toward data and science - I love to take complex problems and translate them into understandable and efficient solutions. I love to make things, especially things that have an impact, and things that are inspired by the cross section of culture, strategy and business. The equation of me currently equals Design + Technology/Data + Storytelling.
I have an MFA in Graphic Design from the School of Visual Arts in New York; and MBA from the Wharton School of Business, and a BA from Columbia University in Astrophysics.
I currently live in Venice, CA and am in run my own creative consulting firm.
INTRODUCTION
Driven by a relentless curiosity, I am a hybrid thinker: one part creative, one part technologist and one part capitalist. I am a multi-disciplinary strategist with a focus on venture design and innovation. I have worked to compile a deep skill set across several disciplines, and as a result I have a unique perspective and an ability to make insightful and innovative connections. I am an analytical and creative thinker with the ability to quickly synthesize complex information into actionable, compelling insights that connect culture, business goals and consumer values.
After completing my MFA as Designer + Entrepreneur, I founded my own creative consulting firm, where we work with companies to create new business strategies or redesign existing ones by tackling issues of human-centered design, culture or strategy, all with an eye toward foresight and scale. We continue to work with several global brands, and our goal is to make an impact through positive change.
I am passionate about design, culture and business, and I have the ability to see the big picture while also focussing on the details. I like getting my hands dirty, rolling up my sleeves, and working in teams. I am a storyteller with the ability to articulate complex problems to a varied audience, in both visual verbal presentations. I am a translator, a connector, a liaison. I thrive in fast-paced environments, and I am a meticulous manager of timelines and expectations. I lead with listening. I am obsessed with pop culture, technology and podcasts.
My specialties include: venture design, innovation, culture, systems thinking, design research, operations, logistics, project management, product management, business model design, risk management, prototyping, market research, collaboration, operations, client outreach, thought leadership, and managing cross-functional teams.
EDUCATION
School of Visual Arts, New York
MFA, Designer as Author + Entrepreneur
Selected as the sole Masters Candidate Representative to speak at Commencement
UCLA Extension, University of California, Los Angeles
Advanced Certificates in Print and Graphic Communication, Web and Interactive Design, and Design Communication Arts
The Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
MBA, Finance
Columbia College, Columbia University, New York
BA, Astrophysics, magna cum laude
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
Strategyzer, Los Angeles, CA (remote)
Product Manager, Content Studio and Innovation Coach, 2018 - 2019
Field + Edge, Los Angeles CA
Founder, Freelance Design Strategist, 2013 - present
sparks & honey, Los Angeles, CA
Design Research and Cultural Strategist, 2016 - 2018
Milton Glaser, Inc., New York, NY
Design Assistant, 2016
Platine Bakery, Culver City, CA
Business Manager, 2013 - 2015
MF Global Holdings, New York, NY
Strategist to the CEO (SVP), 2009 - 2012
Amigos de las Americas, Houston, TX and San Jose, Costa Rica
Member of International Board of Directors 2008 - 2012
Assistant Project Manager, 1993
UBS Securities, Stamford, CT
Executive Director, 2004-2009
SKILLS AND TOOLS
PRODUCT MANAGEMENT
INNOVATION COACHING
GRAPHIC DESIGN
BUSINESS MODEL DESIGN
LOGISTICS
DATA SCIENCE
INTERACTION DESIGN
DATA VISUALIZATION
HTLM5 / CSS3 / JQUERY
USER EXPERIENCE
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
RISK MANAGEMENT
COPYWRITING
STRATEGY
EXECUTION
VISUAL STORYTELLING
MARKET RESEARCH
MEDIA LINKS
