The Architect's Perspective
Building Narrative Infrastructure for Institutional Scale
I'm Deborah, and for over 20 years, I have operated at the intersection of human dynamics and institutional logic. I build the Narrative Foundations that allow complex missions to thrive and healthily evolve.
Whether translating clinical mental health research into national public policy or orchestrating communications for large enterprises, I resolve the hidden friction that stalls mission-driven organizations.
A Career in 4 Acts
My perspective was shaped in organizations where clarity was a necessity. It began with Human Dynamics, working in social work and mental health. I learned early on that for a message to take root, it must account for how people actually process information under stress.
That led me to the Translational work at Northwestern’s Feinberg School of Medicine. honed my skills at communicating to various stakeholders, from clinicians to academics to state administrators taking clinical truths and making them human.
I then applied that same Operational Logic to more technical worlds, like Disney Parks and Resorts. Whether I was interviewing engineers to write safety manuals or distilling grant requirements, my job was the same: extract the 'noise' and create a clear, usable standard.
Eventually, I brought these pieces together to help with Institutional Orchestration for organizations like the Gates Foundation and Medline. At that level, the work is about governance — ensuring a mission stays stable and honest even when it’s being shared by thousands of people.
I do this work with a deep commitment to uncompromising integrity. To me, that means ensuring our intentions, words, and actions are in total alignment. I care about the people behind the mission, and I believe that the work of creating clarity out of confusion of organizational silos should be a productive and even joyful experience. I’m the partner who organizes the institutional brain so you can stop managing the static and start leading.
Governing Principles
People First, Always
I design strategies that are grounded in respect and account for how teams actually function under pressure. I care about the people behind the mission, and I ensure the narrative supports them rather than adding to their burden.
Steadfast Integrity
This is the baseline for everything I build. Integrity means that intentions, words, and actions are in complete alignment. If the work doesn't reflect the truth of the mission, then it isn’t sustainable. I prioritize honesty and transparency in our partnership because a narrative foundation only holds weight if it’s built on solid ground.
Solving for "X"
Every complex organization has "hidden friction" — the silos and static that slow everything down. I act as the partner who organizes the institutional brain. I help you clear the noise so you can stop managing the mess and start leading the mission.
Serious Work, Shared Joy
Just because the work can be heavy, it doesn't mean the process should be a grind. I bring humor, optimism, and a sense of momentum to every project. My goal is to transform operational dread into the clarity an confidence that makes the work a delight again.
Ready to Build a Better Narrative?
You have an incredible mission but if the story is buried in data and jargon, no one can see it. Let’s change that. I only take on a few projects at a time so I can really dig into what my clients need. If you’re ready to turn your complex research into a clear, powerful narrative, let's see if we're a good team. Grab 15 minutes on my calendar and let's rewrite your institutional story.