What a Strategist is to me after NYC

A strategist is a social listener, a sponge for information, has the art directors view of if something can actually become a reality in the time given and with the technology given, has the leadership to look at a birds eye view of the project and can act as a project-manager thinker, has the design concepts needed in order to see the importance of consistency all the way through, and most importantly - can back up all these ideas and insights with data that authenticate people’s experiences. They seek a diverse line-up of thinkers beside them in collaboration because they know that, when given a brief, a variety of stories, perspective, and experience at the table furthers a collective discovery of truth. Strategists embrace their personal passions and interests in their side projects because pursuing their curiosities refines their unique point of view that they have to offer. Last but not least, strategists welcome opportunities to say “yes.” As constant learners, they are catalysts for the creative process because they embrace the possibility of failing with the confidence that any knowledge gained in the process makes them 10x better of an asset to the teams they work with. 

-Emily Pearson