Consultant to Hyatt, GE, PepsiCo, Sonic, Ford, and others. Coach to the next generation of awesome strategists. Favorite topic: organizational structures and methods for doing well with The Internet.
You're a big company (or a small one looking to get big). You know technology is changing the world around you, and you want to be ahead of that change. And that begins on the inside, with teams, culture, hiring, method, and capability.
I posted a tough question, and Clay came though with helpful information. Thanks!
One word to describe Clay: unflappable. Whether he's crunching on a strategy firsthand or leading a team into seemingly impossible challenge, Clay maintains an easy-going attitude that permeates through his teams, their work product, and even outward through to clients. I've only briefly seen him work his magic as Strategy Director but I have seen him lead quite a bit. He's incredibly trusting of his coworkers regardless of seniority, but has the sense as a manager to still be prepared for unknowns. He's also churned out some of the best strategies in recent memory. Clay is always hungry for new and interesting challenges; I'd be far more concerned about the world keeping up with things to throw at him than the other way around.
Clay is one of the top dogs in digital strategy. He has already proven with many clients that he can ideate and execute big digital ideas that surpass business goals. The way he thinks is a constant source of inspiration.
Clay is also the guy you want leading your team in times of stress. I am always amazed how he keeps his cool and motivates people under him (and clients) to do the same while troubleshooting. If I could steal one skill from Clay, keep calm and carry on would be it.
PS - He is also a super talented designer and maker of things.
Clay has the rare ability to evoke a good-spirited competition among his co-workers in how they state problems, pursue ideas, test hypothesis, and present solutions to clients. He never faulted at taking junior employees under his wing or at helping others when they needed it most. But perhaps what I miss most is his impeccable taste-level.
Clay is a big picture thinker with enthusiasm that is contagious to all around him. He was a pleasure to work with and always engaging in a conversation. I would gladly choose to work with again if I were to have the opportunity in the future.
