Thinking Differently for Better Human Experiences and Business Outcomes
Perspective. Think Differently.
Better human experiences require sensitivity to everything that influences our assumptions, attitudes, and behaviors. Change-making requires challenging the status quo. Business as usual is antithetical to invention.
Martha Bird, PhD
Business Anthropologist
Martha A. Bird is a dedicated practitioner of Generous Human Connection. She is known for her ability to think big and see small. Through applied social science research, Martha can help your organization see what's happening and find solutions that align to your business strategy and goals.
Better Human Experiences,
Are Better For Business.
Audit
How challenges are approached makes the differences between perpetuating a problem or offering an impactful alternative(s) to it.
Impactful outcomes begin with a genuine willingness on the part of decision-makers to inventory their own experiences, beliefs, and patterns (to take perspective) and then reflect on how these come to shape their leadership decisions. To look differently at messy challenges means to be curious and seek understanding while actively embracing the mindset that there is always more to learn and unlearn.
Adjust
The attitude expressed in the saying "it has always been done this way" is a dangerous one based in fear. While it may feel safer or "less hard" to fall back on the familiar, maintaining the status quo runs counter to impactful products and experiences. Across all industries "flux" is a central theme. To keep up with change (or create it) we need to make constant adjustments based on both our self-understandings and those of our stakeholders: employees, customers, partners, and clients.
Breakthrough ideas require a willingness to identify our blindspots and recognize patterns, so we can begin to see differently.
Act
In today's fast-paced business environments hesitation can be costly. This isn't to say that we should jump on every idea that comes our way. We need instead to be able to discern signal from noise which means we need to be able to evaluate critically and have a process in place to do so expeditiously.
Why and for whom the experience, product, or service makes sense? Who is left out? Is the solution aligned with actual need? How do you know? What help do I need to find out?
Iterate
Simply put a commitment to thinking and doing differently requires cross-disciplinary inputs, galvanizing leadership, and a commitment to agility. It's an iterative process.
Focused Actions. Global Impact.
Endorsements
“Martha developed a methodology which allowed Skype to understand more clearly its local relevance in key global markets. This process unearthed key insights into how to make Skype more culturally relevant in these markets and where changes in the product and the product experience would meet product goals across diverse markets. Martha is a clear thinker and credible researcher and is able to frame large strategic, tactical and brand questions into research briefs that deliver.
Gisela Gier
Lead Experience Design Researcher //
Expedia Group
We had the pleasure of hosting Martha at our recent MarCom team conference, where she shared her deep expertise in Design Thinking and its application to our daily activities as marketing and communications professionals. Her session was not only informative but also incredibly engaging. She has a unique ability to break down complex concepts into actionable insights, making them easy to understand and implement. Her approachable style and interactive approach fostered a strong connection with our entire team, leaving everyone inspired and equipped with new strategies to enhance our work. I highly recommend Martha for any team interested in leveling up your teams and your training.
Jim Calvo
Marketing Executive / Commercial Building
