About me

Hi there, I’m based in rural Vermont. I'm a former tech executive turned author, coach, consultant, and tiny business owner. I’m the CEO of Second Wave Dive, founder of Chief Design Officer School, and partner at Convince Your Boss and Jump Ship!.

I have extensive hands-on product, management, and executive experience at companies like Apple, Electronic Arts, and USAA. I am the author of Business Thinking for Designers and Play Up Your Impact.

For 20+ years, I designed products and services, then led teams of incredibly talented designers, developers, researchers, and product managers. Now, it’s my goal to develop leadership abilities, help others deliberately practice hard-to-learn skills in safe spaces, and nurture confidence at scale via continuous, small, and well-focused changes.

I believe it’s good to practice, better to be curious, and best to listen. I am a father, a husband, and an avid fan of Liverpool Football Club. My life experiences include working on a farm, living in an eco-cohousing community, and acting in a Staind music video.

Get in touch: ryan@secondwavedive.com / linkedin