Picture a 105 pound scrawny high school grappler trying to fend off a single leg takedown during a bronze medal match in the conference tournament. As I contemplated my counter, I kept hearing people yelling, "Half Nelson!". Not my first instinct, but going with it I threaded my arm through the his and behind his neck. With his other arm still hooked around my leg- I cranked on the one I had and turned him over. The next thing I knew, I heard the ref's whistle and the SLAM of his hand on the mat - I pinned my opponent to win the match! When my teammates and coach asked "What was that??" I said, "You guys were all screaming for me to put him in a Half Nelson!" Turns out, it wasn't them but the other team's coaches yelling at their own wrestler! 

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A great idea can come from anywhere - you just have to be able to recognize and execute it once you hear it. Whether it's trying to find that one compelling insight that  resonates with consumers or countering a single leg takedown to save your life. As a Creative Director and leader, I try to create an environment that encourages exploring as many ideas as you can , especially the ones that come unexpectedly.

Oh, and my hobbies are golf and cooking and I currently reside in Los Angeles.

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