I am an innovation strategist who operates at the intersection of business and design to create compelling offerings, envision engaging experiences and develop new processes. My approach to innovation starts by standing in the shoes of the user to create empathy and understanding around the context in which they live, work and play.
I spent twelve years developing and refining my innovation skills at Doblin, a pioneer in the discipline of design and innovation strategy. At Doblin I wore many hats while conquering human-centered design challenges working on multidisciplinary teams of researchers, strategists, designers, engineers and social scientists. Currently, I am an innovation strategist at Grainger bringing a human-centered design approach to innovation for the world's largest industrial supply company.
I spent twelve years developing and refining my innovation skills at Doblin, a pioneer in the discipline of design and innovation strategy. At Doblin I wore many hats while conquering human-centered design challenges working on multidisciplinary teams of researchers, strategists, designers, engineers and social scientists. Currently, I am an innovation strategist at Grainger bringing a human-centered design approach to innovation for the world's largest industrial supply company.
EXPERIENCEI have experience in both corporate and consulting environments leveraging the disciplines of design research and design strategy to identify and solve business challenges. I work with organizations to identify new opportunities, envision differentiated offerings, set innovation strategies, and develop new tools and methods. I am skilled at synthesizing user-centered insights to generate ideas for new concepts, engaging experiences and novel processes for accelerating innovation.
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APPROACH
I function at the front end of innovation strategy employing human-centered design methods to understand how the world is changing, discover unmet user needs through empathy and create compelling stories of the future. By immersing myself in the research from the user's perspective, I help draw out insights that lead to new ideas which position stakeholders with a clear trajectory for growth. Working with cross-functional teams I help to detail prototypes, outline strategies and launch pilot programs through an iterative learning and refining process.
IDENTIFYING OPPORTUNITIES

I am adept at identifying relevant opportunity spaces based on emerging trends, unmet user needs and disruptive technologies. By working in a collaborative environment to identify and define white space through
pattern recognition, I provide a lens through which to envision the future.
pattern recognition, I provide a lens through which to envision the future.
SK TELECOM
Identifying opportunity spaces for new ventures
Roles and Responsibilities: trend analysis & user exploration
Roles and Responsibilities: trend analysis & user exploration
Challenge & Approach
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Insight & Solution
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Outcomes
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PRECOR
Creating a strategic roadmap for innovative offering
Role & Responsibilities: trend analysis, user exploration, precursor analysis & product planning
Role & Responsibilities: trend analysis, user exploration, precursor analysis & product planning
Challenge & Approach
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Insight & Solution
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Outcomes
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ENVISIONING NEW OFFERINGS

I thrive working on collaborative teams to define and envision new products, service offerings and customer experiences. User insights are analyzed to identify unmet needs and values, which are translated into compelling new concepts. Working with designers and engineers to employ an iterative approach to detail, prototype and refine the concepts with the mantra of fail early, fail fast and learn cheaply.
FORD
Moving beyond performance to craft a new experience
Role & Responsibilities: trend analysis, user exploration, new product definition & product planning
Role & Responsibilities: trend analysis, user exploration, new product definition & product planning
Challenge & Approach
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Insight & Solution
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Outcomes
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THRIVENT FINANCIAL
Configure a new offering for underserved and growing segment
Role & Responsibilities: trend analysis, user exploration, new product definition & concept testing
Role & Responsibilities: trend analysis, user exploration, new product definition & concept testing
Challenge & Approach
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Insight & Solution
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Outcomes
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SETTING INNOVATION STRATEGY

I help leading businesses navigate the discipline of innovation by challenging orthodoxies and encouraging organizations to accelerate the pace of change in their organization. I work with teams employing rigorous research protocols focused on internal processes, cultural norms and customer experiences to identify areas of the business that can affect change. Equipped with the
right tools and support, organizations can excel and increase their overall innovation hit rate.
right tools and support, organizations can excel and increase their overall innovation hit rate.
CHICAGO COMMUNITY TRUST
Shape strategy to focus on customer experience innovation
Role & Responsibilities: trend analysis, user research, competitive analysis & organizational design
Role & Responsibilities: trend analysis, user research, competitive analysis & organizational design
Challenge & Approach
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Insight & Solution
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Outcomes
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INNOVATION TOOLS AND METHODS
Innovative thinking requires constant development of new tools and methods used for diagnosing conditions, evaluating alternatives and understanding transformative change. I have contributed and led the development of several of these new methods that have helped drive the adoption of innovation as a competitive advantage. I actively participate in opportunities to learn and adopt new methods to promote and move human-centered design as a core competency for strategic growth.
INDUSTRY ORGANIZATIONS
![]() Contact:
johnjleach45@gmail.com 773.459.2973 ![]()
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SKILLS
Design Research Design Strategy Secondary Research Competitive Analysis Innovation Strategy Trend Analysis Scenario Planning Organizational Design Brand Strategy |
SELECT CLIENTS
American Electric Power Autodesk Bath & Body Works Baxter Boeing Bristol-Myers Squibb Callaway Golf Company Chicago Community Trust Condé Nast Dow Corning Emerson Electric Ford Motor Company FedEx Novo Nordisk Pfizer Consumer Healthcare Precor SK Telecom Thrivent Financial W.W. Grainger Zurich Insurance Group |