About Us

What kind of problem are you trying to solve?

Evidence Based. Artistically Inclined. Ethically Minded.

Evidence Based. Artistically Inclined. Ethically Minded.

CNTRD is atypical consulting. We are lean by design, network-based, and rigor-obsessed. Executives bring us their sticky problems that require a system-level approach. They can expect a speedy multidisciplinary approach that carefully considers how potential solutions could impact the system. 

We live by the scientific methodology, find comfort in adaptation, and privilege wild imagination. Through our tested consortium model, executives leave CNTRD engagements with system-wide solutions, relationships, and models to achieve an edge.

Macro Systems

Micro Systems

Regenerative Systems

What We Do

Macro Systems

Complex organizational, economic, strategic innovation.

Micro Systems

Small business, product or service innovation.

Regenerative Systems

Social, environmental and community innovation.

Methodological Framework

CNTRD designs custom methodological frameworks based on business conditions. Our framework blends design principles (human-centered design, design thinking, and FBS) with business science (strategic foresight, strategy science, and innovation science). 

 

We use this novel and inclusive approach to diagnose and solve nuanced business problems where many options exist and there’s “no one right answer.” 

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"That totally makes sense—what if we tested it?”
Kevin Farr

Kevin Farr

Founder & Executive Director
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During his agency and start-up days, Kevin was known for constantly offering executives new ways to do things. This led to building and managing teams whose creative work won awards such as Cannes, Davey, Facebook, Shorty Awards, Tell, and ITF. He was also attracted to less-glorious work with start-ups, tight budgets, botched launches, roadblocks, and operational inefficiencies. After 15+ years of in-market experience, he decided to get an executive MBA and launch a firm dedicated to the art and science of business design.

Over his career, Kevin designed strategy for clients like Apple, Beats by Dre, Microsoft, Logitech, FDA, American Red Cross, ChildFund International, FOX Networks, HBO, Showtime, Comedy Central, Cox Communications, Abbott Nutrition, Schreiber Foods, and Procter & Gamble.

Most recently he has worked with Microsoft, Procter & Gamble, United Soy Board, TECSYS, Gateway Blend, Inc., LPK, ACT, Woodard, and a handful of select small/midsize professional service firms.

Before going any deeper into the rabbit hole, what problem are we trying to solve?
Michael Hsiung

Michael Hsiung

Managing Partner
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While working in Washington D.C., Michael was frustrated at the inefficient bureaucracy, culture, and politics in every organization he saw. So, he decided to study supply chain management at BYU to “actually fix stuff.” Wanting to make a greater impact, he pursued a PhD in strategy but ended up dropping out. He wanted something dynamic and applied so he built and now leads CNTRD.

He now uses his academic training to design econometric analysis, create new models, use frameworks, and understand the difference between a strategy and a goal. He has a knack for narrowing choices, committing to a strategy, tracking performance and validating impact. 

Before we design anything, let's make sure we share the same definition of key words
Ari Rosenthal

Ari Rosenthal

Associate Partner & Head of Operations
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Ari has a remarkable ability to ask exploratory questions across strategy, operations, and finance. His cross-industry experience grew by working across the world for companies such as: Israel’s largest Venture Capital firm Pitango (portfolio companies eToro, Appsflyer, Via, Foursquare, and Radware), a biotechnology start up in Tel-Aviv, a management consulting firm in South Africa, and multiple NGO’s in St. Louis and Chicago.

Over the last few years Ari’s role at CNTRD has continually evolved from his first role as a Summer financial impact analyst intern. Most recently he has applied six sigma methodology and his impact measurement background towards CNTRD’s internal workflow. Outside of CNTRD Ari is a strategic advisor for TAMID Group.

“I love stories. Especially, the ones that reveal hidden truths.”
Kelly Stephenson

Kelly Stephenson

Head of Narrative Design
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Kelly likes to make data sing. Sometimes it shatters glass. Sometimes it soothes the mind and heart. And frequently it becomes the perfect song that shifts perspective and disrupts convention. She harmonizes her singing data sets with novel questions, curious musings and clever insights. That’s why she fits in well at CNTRD. Like many of us, she specializes in being a generalist. She uses her skills to stir the creative process and enhance critical thinking. She can move across marketing, brand, content, strategy, data and deep existential musing on the nature of human existence. In the Head of Narrative role she focuses on the stories, beliefs and narratives that affect how clients frame their culture, market performance, measurement models and resource allocations. She uses the spoken narrative and documented data sets to understand the blind spots and biases hidden in the language and actions of our team and our clients. This role is crucial to getting teams unstuck during innovation accelerators.

You think in words, I think in images. Let's collaborate.
Tay Tuteur

Tay Tuteur

Head of Creative Design
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Tay (he/they) has always used visual art as their main form of expression. A graduate of the Communication Design program at Washington University in St. Louis, he is interested in using his art and design skills to impact social change. Their job is to polish the aesthetic of the brand and innovate the ways in which we use graphics and other visuals to communicate complex ideas.

CNTRD Consortium

Since its creation, CNTRD has rapidly solved client problems using the science of innovation and principles of lean operations. Our nimble, vetted, project-based network proves to be more speedy, cost-effective, and practical in customizing solutions. 

Jamal Salim

Jamal Salim

Human Resources | People & Culture Executive
“HR is the balance between benevolence and pragmatism.”
Steve Knight

Steve Knight

Professional Development through Art | COCAbiz
“Remember, humans are involved.”
Floriane Rousse-Marquet

Floriane Rousse-Marquet

Service Design
“Step out of the comfort zone and challenge the status quo.”
Adnan Sabic

Adnan Sabic

Creative Designer and Marketing | 1879
“I help brave brands ignite culture & inspire audiences.”
Cedric Mpoy

Cedric Mpoy

Biotech Consultant
“In a world where information is copious and accessible, the real advantage is knowing where to focus.”