“Changed the way I lead.”
Steven O’Dell, President Sony Pictures
“Mind blowing.”
Timo Räisänen, VP Warner Brothers
“Inspiring and actionable”
Inna Kern, VP ESPN
Daring
Play
Master Creative Collaboration with Disney’s Former Global Creativity & Innovation Director.
"Chris Changed Lives" — Michael Morrison, VP ESPN
BIO AT A GLANCEChris is the former Global Creativity & Innovation Director at Disney and the founder of Imaginology, a consultancy that helps leaders and teams develop both their people and their ideas. His interactive, high-energy approach—paired with a kind yet rebellious attitude—drives real change, bridging the gap between art, business, and human-centered design.
20+ years of Design Strategy, UX / UI / CX, Creative Leadership, and Global Innovation Experience
Designed 100+ products & experiences at Disney Theme Parks, blending storytelling, UX, and innovation.
Led senior Disney leadership & teams on design sprints and innovation projects for franchises like Mickey Mouse, Pixar Cars, and Pirates of the Caribbean.
Developed 450+ global Disney leaders in design thinking, strategic creativity, and empathy-driven innovation.
Consulted with Fortune 500 leaders worldwide, training 1,300+ executives in empathy, innovation, collaboration, and human-centered design.
Led innovation incubators resulting in $24M in cost savings for Nike, 164% ROI for Sony’s Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, and a 6.9% increase in attentendace for Disney Parks.
“ Incredibly engaging, fun, and informative. I didn’t want it to end!”
— Sharone Weltfreid, Ph.D. Postdoctoral Psychology Fellow UCSF Medical Center & Mindfulness Coach
“Super helpful and
I think crucial.”
— Jasmine Gao, Principal Product Manager Nike
“Chris made me feel safe and comfortable to share and helped me absorb the information.”
— Art Director, Walt Disney Animation Studios
“I was hugely cynical, but this was hands down the best workshop of my career.”
— Ian George, Managing Dir. Sony London
“Immersive, thought provoking and very necessary.”
— Takiyah Poindexter, Manager ESPN
“Chris turned what could’ve been a dull lesson into an engaging, unforgettable experience.”
— Andy Benschoter, Manager Pricing & Customer Service Willbur-Ellis
Daring Play Talks
Design Thinking 2.0: The Collaboration Revolution, Are You Ready?
Deeply understanding self and others improves collaboration in our personal and professional lives.
Transform collaboration by fostering empathy for understanding and decreasing conflict
Lead healthier, more energized, and effective teamwork in all areas of life
Ignite consumer centric creative problem solving and innovation
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Studies show that how we collaborate—whether in our workplaces, homes, or online communities—is not just breaking down; it's hurting our health and well-being. Chris's Empathy Design 2.0 revolutionizes how we work together by solving problems more efficiently while reducing conflict and stress. This approach enhances collaboration by respecting diverse mindsets and perspectives and prioritizing everyone's well-being, not just the end beneficiaries.
Empathy Design 2.0 fills a critical void in traditional teamwork techniques by challenging the formerly celebrated goals of Design Thinking's "end user obsession" and the outdated use of compromise. Instead, it moves us towards a win-win environment where participants gain a profound understanding of each other's needs and motivations. This understanding decreases frustration and enhances creativity, leading to superior outcomes in both our personal and professional lives.
Other keynote topics: Creativity, Innovation, Leadership, Design Thinking, A.I., Creative Problem Solving, Human Centered Design, Storytelling in Business.
“Engaging, insightful and inspired, Chris is where the logic of business meets the emotion of imagination.”
—Jen Berger, Story Conference Chicago