In "Truth, Lies, and Advertising," Jon Steel writes about hiring a killer whale trainer from sea world, a litigation attorney, a Stanford MBA, a senator’s speech writer, and others with diverse backgrounds. He describes as invaluable the ability of strategists "to look at the same information as everyone else and see something different."

Here is a sample of things I did before my advertising career: wrote sweepstakes rules for a Grammy-winning rapper; wore a bullet proof vest for an investigation; interviewed an imprisoned carjacker; advised federal judges on sentencing guidelines; started a clothing label; and negotiated a music contract with MTV.

As a brand and creative strategist, I draw on this diverse background to see something different. My expertise includes consumer insights, brand building, and creative ideation. I believe in ideas over frameworks. Personally, I’m into fitness and sneakers/apparel.