Summary:

I’m co-founder and CEO of Cantina, a strategy, design, and technology firm in Boston that helps companies evolve their customer experiences with emerging technologies.

Growing up working in my father’s architecture firm, I developed a first-hand appreciation for the relationships between people, design, form, function, technology, and communication in creating structures that matter and create positive impacts on their environment. I learned that the design of any “thing” and its successful adoption is a social endeavor.

My mother’s experience as a psychologist helped me understand that people are both amazing and weird, and that often there are lots of motivational forces that subtly influence their actions. Be conscious of these forces, have empathy, and try to consider the person’s gestalt. This is especially important when embarking on any creative journey.

Both of my parents’ influences have led me to this underlying philosophy: I believe people – not machines – create change, and that technology is an expression of our desire to be better.

I’m proud that at Cantina we live by this philosophy each day.

Favorite Quote:

“For every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you.”

Areas of Expertise & Interest:

Business strategy, product and service design, design thinking, design strategy, technology strategy and architecture, and people development.

Noteworthy Projects:

Newport Folk Festival mobile app, Viacom, VEVO, PerkinElmer (Elm), Shoebuy, Philips, PUMA, TJX, Rue la la, Financial Times, Pearson, Vista Higher Learning, Analog Devices, Boston Capital, Putnam Investments, UBS, and Combined Jewish Philanthropies

Other Fun Facts:

Feros Ferio is my family’s motto. It’s Scottish for “I am fierce with the fierce.” I am passionate about sports and spending time with kids. I love listening to great music, and I’m a painting/sculpting enthusiast.

Education:

B.S., Computer Systems - Boston University