Embarking on a Renewed Journey: Reintegration and Human-Centric Design

Hello everyone,

It was just under a year ago when I wrote about my transformation and the nature of facing regrettable past actions and the man who made them, the process that Danielle and I have gone through as we’ve awakened and found ourselves — and each other — once again. I want to update that thread now. Life is moving in a good direction now after her continued help, we are together again in love, and I am living from a space of genuine faith. In myself, in others, in you all, in the world to find and heal itself with caring community. I believe in the future again, and for me that’s a big deal.

To that end, I’m genuinely excited to announce my transition back into the working world in a newly minted capacity, reflected in this latest version of my CV. It describes not only my professional growth but also my personal journey of recovery and re-entry into the world after suffering from 25-year burnout and a resulting nervous breakdown. This update signifies my renewed commitment to human-centric design and leadership in the world at large, especially in consulting roles for organizations that deeply value the human experience.

Midheaven Inc., the non-profit organization that Danielle and I co-founded, is the current culmination of our journey and a direct result of us finding ourselves. It’s real and something we can put into the world other than ourselves. For me, I’ve been able to channel my true lived experiences into planning and building a space where soulful, human-centered leadership and creativity make space for meaningful community engagement through spirituality, art, and music. I need to give back.

My academic endeavors helped me, but have given me $532,000 in debt and resulted in an incomplete PhD in Managing Organizational Systems and Leading Sustainable Organizations (ABD: I completed all of the coursework with a solid “B” GPA, but my mental health interrupted my completion, though I hope to get back to it some day).

While devastatingly expensive and tragically incomplete, that part of my journey has been crucial in informing my approach to leadership and ethical decision-making. This path combined with my personal experiences has provided me with profound insights into human experience, the systems exacerbating it, and the importance of nurturing sustainable, positive change.

Teaching graduate courses has been an enriching chapter in this journey as well, enabling me to explore the intricacies of human-centered design and experience in a philosophical and educational context. This role reinforced the significance of empathy and connection, particularly as I navigated my path of recovery and reconnection with the professional.

While my professional achievements tell one part of my story, there’s another dimension that’s equally defining. Beyond professional settings, I am a musician, an intuitive composer, and a seeker of spiritual depth. These facets of my life are not separate from my professional endeavors; rather, they enrich and inform them. My engagement with music and spirituality offers a unique perspective, influencing my approach to design, leadership, and collaboration. It’s a reminder that at the core of all our pursuits lies a yearning for connection, expression, and deeper understanding.

Thank you for being part of this journey with me. I invite you to view the updated version of my resume and welcome your thoughts, feedback, or potential collaboration ideas.

Throughout my career, I have tried to design experiences that transcend mere functionality. My approach involves crafting narratives and journeys that deeply resonate, handle with care, and inspire transformation. This philosophy stems from a belief in solutions that are attuned to and reflective of people’s needs and aspirations to seek deep and spiritual truths, ensuring that my design praxis causes no harm.

As I continue to work on Midheaven and explore new consulting opportunities, I am drawn to initiatives that emphasize the deep human need to grow and learn. My own path through mental health challenges and recovery has underscored the value of empathetic leadership, the power of community, and the impact of creating sacred spaces — virtual and tangible — that genuinely enrich lives beyond profit or traditional notions of success.

It’s good to take this step back into the world, and I’m looking forward to seeing you all again as I continue this journey.