About me

consumer-obsessed strategist

At the University of Texas, I spent most of my time in the Daily Texan newsroom while working toward my advertising degree. It was the late ’80s: Planners weren’t everywhere back then and content strategist jobs were decades in the future.

When I worked on my student portfolio, I (somewhat guiltily) spent more time figuring out the consumer insight than writing the copy. As managing editor of the newspaper, my first project was conducting a school-wide survey to uncover reader perceptions. Later, I used the results to create a recruiting campaign to diversify our staff.

I ended up as a greeting card writer and editor for Hallmark Cards, where everything I wrote connected one person to another. Mid-career, I discovered that “strategy” was the name for the researching, questioning, dot-connecting, and planning that lit my brain up.

Building an internal agency as its Creative Director/Strategy and Editorial was the beginning of my shift from “word person” to creative/marketing/content hybrid.

team-focused improviser

A year into Hallmark and deeply stressed about an assignment to write traditional four-line verse for 12 months of cat photos, I went with a friend to a ComedySportz improv show. I spent the last $40 in my checking account on a workshop the next day and joined the cast later that week.

Since then, it’s been a hobby, a side hustle, and a lifelong passion.

Improvising isn’t just about being quick-witted or making things up on the spot. It’s about practicing a unique kind of thoughtfulness.

Improv training improves your ability to listen to people and make connections. It enhances your curiosity and empathy. It can make you more creative and collaborative—and more fun to work with.

My philosophy:
Use what you know. Learn what you can.
Make the rest up as you go along.

(I acknowledge that business folks might be more comfortable with “figure the rest out as you go along.”)

We’ve all worked with great consultants…and some who didn’t listen. Same with agencies: On the client side, I’ve felt heard and respected…but also ignored and condescended to. And more than once, valuable outside perspectives have produced campaigns and recommendations detached from the realities of our budget, capabilities, and resources.

My Hallmark career and improv life have both taught me the importance of taking care of relationships by learning about and meeting people’s real needs. That means building trust with the people who do the work—not just the leaders. My expertise is nothing without their understanding of their culture, brand, and consumers.

I plan corporate events and workshops the same way.

However you found your way to my site—and whether you’re looking for a flexible freelance strategist, entertainment for your holiday party, or a breakout session at your conference—I’m happy you’re here.

Call, text, or email. Let’s figure this out.

Trish