“Anthropology demands the open-mindedness with which one must look and listen, record in astonishment and wonder at that which one would not have been able to guess.” — Margaret Mead
This commitment to open-minded inquiry is also the foundation of meaningful strategic work. Before goals can be set or plans designed, there is a need to understand the contexts in which people live, work, and make decisions—and to recognize that these contexts are shaped by histories, relationships, values, and power.
Anthropological research, grounded in ethnography, prioritizes careful listening, sustained engagement, and attention to everyday practices. This approach helps surface assumptions, reveal tensions, and clarify what is at stake for different actors. It is particularly valuable for organizations and initiatives working within complex social, cultural, or institutional environments, where well-intentioned efforts can falter when local realities are overlooked.
I bring this perspective to strategy by focusing on understanding before intervention. My work supports nonprofits, academic projects, and organizations seeking to reflect critically on their goals, practices, and impacts. Rather than offering ready-made solutions, I help create space for thoughtful analysis that can inform decisions, guide collaboration, and support approaches that are responsive, ethical, and grounded in lived experience.