Listen. Learn. Remix. These three pillars shape how I approach the world and influence how I work. I’m passionate about unlocking deep purpose to serve the greater good. As a former media agency guy, turned global humanitarian organization leader, I’m energized by re-imagining what it means to drive change at Brandtrust through social and behavioral sciences. I believe the best creative thinking often comes from remixing what we think we already know. Over my career, I have come to believe that human potential is limitless when we understand every person’s journey. As Associate Director at Brandtrust, I have the privilege of championing coworkers to explore and achieve that potential, while orchestrating project teams to play at their best together while discovering deeper human truths.
I love to be in perpetual, rhythmic motion. You can often catch me moving through time and space by running, hiking, cycling, or swimming. Physical challenges are my happy place. When I am sitting still, I love lingering around a campfire, doing “The Wave” at a LA Dodgers game, or reading a good book in a hammock. I live in Los Angeles with Jill, the love of my life. The people that know me would describe me as compassionate, creative and ’a party’. I feel deeply connected to the world when I hear others (and proactively participate in) asking poignant, beautiful questions.
I wield the power of creative brand strategy to spark ideas that invite everyone to the table. I help clients harness the power of insights to create disruptive strategies and build ecosystems powered by Human Truth, simultaneously improving lives of people and bolstering the brand for maximum, positive impact.
QUICK FACTS ABOUT MICHAEL:
- Culture List: “The Sabbath” by Abraham Joshua Heschel (for understanding life and rhythms outside of time), Freakonomics podcast (for exploring the hidden side of everything) and Amadeus (for the humanity amidst creativity).
- Bucket Items: Complete graduate school, visit my family’s hometown in the Philippines, help catalyze a positive cultural movement.
- Memorable Facts: I have completed 20+ marathons and other long-distance races around the world.
- One Human Truth I Live By: “When people talk listen completely. Most people never listen.” – Ernest Hermingway
