About me

Hi there, I’m based in rural Vermont. I currently do independent coaching and consulting work for design leaders and their teams under my business name, Second Wave Dive.

I am the author of Business Thinking for Designers and Play Up Your Impact. I teach the next generation of design execs Chief Design Officer School and help tech professionals go independent at Jump Ship.

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.

For 20+ years, I designed products and services, then led teams of incredibly talented designers, developers, researchers, and product managers. I have extensive hands-on, management and executive experience at companies like Apple, Electronic Arts, and USAA.

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