Executive Design Director | Founder | Expert in Innovation and Transformation | Former IDEO Partner
After 18 years, I’ve left IDEO. What a glorious journey it’s been! It was life-altering to co-design dozens of innovations across industries in collaboration with hundreds of curious, creative colleagues and to teach #designthinking and #creativeleadership to thousands of global learners through IDEO U. I was recently reminiscing with David and Tom Kelley over our many moments of mentorship and friendship. Since first meeting them in 2006, they have always done one of two things when we cross paths, either ask ‘What are you working on? Need any help?’ or they’ll share a thought-provoking story of creative or courageous action. I’ve learned countless lessons as a leader at IDEO, but these two things – being ready to collaborate or inspire – have become grounding forces in all I do. Thank you David and Tom and the many, many other colleagues who helped me truly learn what it means to be a human-centered designer and leader. The other lesson I value most from IDEO is that when in doubt, make. Ideally, with others. I recently read "Imagination will be the currency of the future." I couldn’t agree more. The more fast-paced, AI-driven, politically-charged, or ambiguous the future, the more that creative, collaborative thinking benefits us. As I reflect and look ahead, I hope you prioritize creativity next year. What can you make, imagine, or do to have greater impact in your work or community? What role will beauty, humor, or imagination play for you in 2025? I will start a new career chapter in 2025. Stay tuned. Creativity will be a part of it.
I'm so lucky that our paths crossed at IDEO and I get to call you not just a colleague, but a friend... I can honestly say that the very way I look at the world has evolved, in part, due to knowing you. You are a light... and I'm excited to see it shine in new corners of the world in 2025, Coe! #grateful #inspired
Thank you for leading the workshop I attended with you when you were relatively new at IDEO! I was thinking about how much your workshop impacted me recently. And YES - "when in doubt, make. Ideally, with others." So true and SO valuable. I hope to encourage more of that all around me.
Congrats on an amazing chapter! Your IDEO quotes are incrediblly moving! “when in doubt, make. Ideally, with othersl” "Imagination will be the currency of the future." Thanks for sharing!
Wow, congratulations on an incredible chapter, and cheers to all that lies ahead. You've modeled so many behaviors and spirit of curiosity through the work of yours I've witnessed (Creative Confidence and IDEOU).. thank you for all you share with the world.
Can’t wait to see what you’ll be up to next!
Thanks for all the great work and for living the best of the IDEO culture
I'm so incredibly lucky to have worked with such a genuine, creative, and inspiring soul as you! Thanks for continuously showing me how to move forward and lead with confidence. Egg-cited for all that awaits you Coe Leta Stafford, PhD! 🥳
I feel so lucky to have been able to work with you and am sooooo excited for what's to come :) Congratulations Coe! xoxo
Congratulations on your big move, Coe! I’m so lucky to have crossed paths with you, right across the Pacific Ocean. Excited to see what you choose to do next!
Hope you have a brilliant 25, you are one of the most brilliant people i know