Empathy + Story + Technology
I believe that human beings are wired for story. That stories have the power to transform, inspire, and move people to action. To tell those stories well, we must have a deep understanding and respect for the people we’re trying to reach. And with technology, we can tell stories at scope and scale, with soul.
Strategies for the future of education. Stories for the here and now.
For more than 25 years, I’ve stood at the intersection of creative storytelling and institutional strategy. From co-founding and leading mStoner for two decades to driving web and brand strategy and execution as an executive vice president at Carnegie, I’ve focused on helping higher education institutions and other mission-driven organizations find their voice and tell their stories with confidence, clarity, and conviction.
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“Voltaire has an uncanny ability to find the golden kernel in any story, and to identify the turning point in any challenge.”
Jess Dennis
Former Client, Medical University of South Carolina
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“Voltaire is an expert storyteller, a teacher at heart, and the kind of leader you wish you could clone and take with you everywhere.”
Mallory Willsea
Industry Leader and Colleague
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“Voltaire is, hands down, the best presenter of ideas I’ve ever seen. He could take something tedious and deliver it in a way that was smart, clear, and funny. He’s a great storyteller.”
Ben Bilow
Creative Director, Isadora Agency
Recent Blog Posts
Strategy. Systems. Story.
Institutions often treat brand, web, and content as separate challenges. In reality, they are parts of a single ecosystem. I help leadership teams connect the dots—combining deep user research and personality science with the rigorous governance needed to build sustainable digital platforms.
Consulting & Expertise
Speaking Engagements
No Boring Slides. Just Real Talk.
The best presentations aren't lectures — they’re conversations. Whether I am delivering a keynote on the future of higher education or leading a hands-on storytelling workshop, my goal is simple: to leave your audience with more energy than they walked in with.