David Jakes

I’ve had the opportunity to be a biologist, teacher, school administrator, technologist, designer and author. While my 34-year career has taken interesting and sometimes challenging pathways, everything I have done has led me here. In my current role as designer, I get to invent things. I get to help others build really cool things. I get to push organizations beyond their constraints and boundaries. I get to take them to entirely new places and help them to create a new reality for the good work that they do. As a designer, I am fortunate to serve as the creative catalyst that helps organizations reinvent themselves. And, designing through an empathetic lens, I help them to become more human. I like to think above anything else, that’s my real impact. I think it's a worthy accomplishment. The opportunity to design, build and create something new is a challenge that is difficult for me to resist. My consulting practice is an example of this, starting as a startup with a web site and single client in New Jersey and growing it into a successful business that has conducted unique projects across North and Central America. I’m exceptionally proud of what I have created. I am just as proud of the impact I have had in connecting people, ideas, and resources together in unique ways to create human spaces (both physical and virtual) that engender the development of new mindsets for thinking and new pathways for accomplishment. Through my work, I’ve learned to think divergently and see what is not readily apparent. And I believe I have the ability to create anything with people that likewise want to do the same. That synergy is something that I seek in my professional relationships as it authentically leads to new opportunities to think and engage. When I’m not working or thinking about the opportunities I have in front of me, I’m a big Chicago sports fan (White Sox, not Cubs, GO BEARS), I love to travel, and I enjoy writing (I’ve just finished my first book). I’ve recently purchased a new Nikon DSLR and am teaching myself photography, something I have neglected to do but I’m now on my way to understanding ISO, shutter speed, and aperture. At least I tell myself I am. So, it is my hope that we can connect. I’m interested in many things - above all, the design of new solutions to make people's lives more connective and in the process, more fulfilling. If that has value for you or your organization, let’s talk.