Strands of Genius: Terry Gross and the Art of Opening Up, We Need Courage Not Hope to Face Climate Change, Exploring Your Ancestral Lineage

Guest curated by Kaitlin Maud

Feb 03, 2022

:: A BIT MORE ABOUT GUEST CURATOR, KAITLIN MAUD ::

LOCATION: Austin, TX

PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT: Independent Researcher & Strategist

Hi all! I am Kaitlin Maud. I am a freelance strategist and researcher working with the ad agencies and brands you know and love. You can find my voice on some podcasts and words across the internet. I am also in graduate school to be an Art Therapist. Excited to be here as a long-time Strands fan and first-time curator.

Editor’s Note (Genius Steals Team): We know Kaitlin through Twitter and there is something unique about how she comes across, something authentic and enthusiastic, wise and heartfelt. Like many people we find interesting, she is broad, inter-disciplinary, hard to pin down, insights and trends and research and strategy…interesting! We love how she expresses what she does: “My mission is to get great ideas out of your head and into the world.”

“Strategy is a place of play and ideas.”

— Jennifer Armbrust

:: THE LINKS ::

TERRY GROSS AND THE ART OF OPENING UP

This profile is as relevant now as when it was published in 2015. Terry Gross is a master at her craft and I often think back on this piece that is filled with lessons on connecting with others. A must-read for folks who conduct interviews in any capacity. (The New York Times)

WE NEED COURAGE NOT HOPE TO FACE CLIMATE CHANGE

I made a commitment at the beginning of 2021 to do more projects for good. One of the big ones I took on was the brand positioning for an alternative energy company. In doing so I had to confront the realities of climate change head-on. I have shared this piece on Twitter maybe 2 or 3 times now and every time it takes off. A necessarily urgent, but human, call to action. (On Being)

EXPLORING YOUR ANCESTRAL LINEAGE

A common question I hear when it comes to DEI work is "where do I start?". One of the most profound practices we can start with is exploring and understanding our own cultural backgrounds. This piece from Modern Women includes not only the why behind the importance of ancestral work, but actionable steps you can take to connect with your own roots. (Modern Women)

Looking for more from Kaitlin Maud? Those enrolled in The School of Stolen Genius will receive a deep dive from her in their inbox shortly! You can access all our expert interviews for SOSG here.

:: AND NOW… SOME FAST FAVORITES ::

:: Game :: Tony Hawk Pro Skater

:: City :: Boston in the summer, Los Angeles in the winter

:: Book :: The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran

:: Podcast :: Broken Record with Rick Rubin and Malcolm Gladwell

:: Album :: Just one?! Fleetwood Mac: Rumours

:: KAITLIN’S ART ::

Some end-of-semester holiday weaving 🌈

Be excellent to each other! If you like what you read here today, you'll probably like all of the other stuff I share on social media-- I am @kaitlinmaud everywhere.

Kaitlin Maud

hello@kaitlinmaud.com

instagram | twitter | linkedin

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