We're continuing our series of posts to highlight the things that inspire us as strategists and designers. Our work is a blend of art and science, and the heart and soul that is put into our work is from real people. So instead of creating empathy with our clients, we're giving you a chance to empathize with us. Learn about what moves us, inspires us and drives our work.

Next up is Strategy Director, Alexa Born.

"The magic in our work is deeply entwined with the things that make you feel — with your heart and with your body."
Alexa in the great outdoors

What inspires you?

Honestly, I haven’t found a corner I could look around without finding inspiration. Often, that comes in the work of someone else’s life. No one is perfect, but passion is inspiring. There are so many areas I'm interested in. I’m inspired by people who are compelled by something specific. But I’ve been described by those who love me as excitable; that’s a badge I carry with honor. Here’s a short list of who has inspired me lately in no particular order:

Alexa during brainstorm
Alexa and her kids inside a shark

How does that inspiration manifest itself in your work?

The magic in our work is deeply entwined with the things that make you feel — with your heart and with your body. Humans know not just with their minds, and I like to pay attention to when a knowing comes over me that is beyond my rational mind. I believe that is what makes our work different. We seek to be compelled and delighted, and we weave that into our work. That’s part of why I love working with you so much, Madison—you are sensitive to those things that you didn’t know, you didn’t know. You catch them faster than most. And you notice closely.

How do you stay inspired?

I purposefully seek out that which makes me feel uncomfortable. I try to find the things that make me feel differently. That's part of why I love listening and reading and movies and art. I like finding something new. I love being surprised; Thankfully there's a lot in this world to be surprised by.

Doodle Alexa
Alexa in facepaint
"The magic in our work is deeply entwined with the things that make you feel — with your heart and with your body."