Current city: Denver, Colorado, USA

Hometown: Pine River, Wisconsin, USA

Academic CV

Ann Padley

BA Art History  |  MBA Service Innovation & Design
Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, UK (FHEA)

Hello there. Allow me to introduce myself.

I work across industry and academia in Learning Experience Design, Design Thinking and Strategic Marketing. My work focuses on empowers teams to develop new ways of working and new ways of learning about the people they serve.

I’ve helped build a suite of Innovation programmes and led the transition to blended learning in my role as Undergraduate Programme Director and Senior Lecturer at the University of Bristol’s Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship; worked as the director of communications for a start-up bank; and experienced agency life during my time as a marketing and design thinking consultant.

My work has covered a wide range of projects and across industries—from tackling social isolation with a local non-profit to upskilling teams in the paint and coating industry.

A native of Wisconsin, USA, I lived in Italy, Finland and the UK before landing in Denver, Colorado.

Finding new ways for teams to work together, services to be delivered and business to be done. 

Listen

I work with individuals and teams to develop a 'design thinking' mindset that puts people at the heart of decision making. It starts with listening to those we serve - customers, employees and other partners. Sometimes that means organized listening through qualitative research, observation and workshops; other times it's a bit more simple. Never underestimate the power of asking the guy or gal next to you for feedback to get you to the next iteration. 

Interpret

Interpreting insights is key. Even if everyone is speaking the same language, interpersonal communication is hard. (For example, did you know the English word 'run' has 645 different meanings?) Not to mention each individual has a unique history, influences and needs. It's easy to get overwhelmed.

Interpreting the 'data' is about identifying trends or themes. Sometimes that process is complex, especially as the amount of information available increases. Other times, it's as simple as saying, "We've been having X problem. In the interview, XYZ came up. That explains it!"

Take action

Listening and interpreting all sounds great but at some point you just need to get sh!t done. I've worked with budgets of all shapes and sizes. We'll work together to find balance: Enough insights to provide value while leaving room for iterating and implementing the solutions.

I believe in seeing projects through, after all, seeing the results is what makes it all worthwhile.