John O'Brien

Human-AI collaboration, creating brand clarity in days and on-brand content forever.

Northville, Michigan, United States

About

Exceptional communicator with a thirty-year strategic growth career in the Branding, Software Development, and Advertising arenas.

Experience

  • Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) at Humanbrand AI
    May 2024 - Present · 2 yrs 2 mos

  • Managing Director at Applied Storytelling
    Mar 2020 - Apr 2024 · 4 yrs 2 mos

    The premier story-led brand strategy firm. We solve the biggest brand challenges companies face using an inspired, story-based approach. Clients include Google, Cisco, EY, Smithsonian, The Henry Ford, City Center Las Vegas, Fastly, and Accurate.

  • Executive Consultant at Accenture
    Mar 2019 - Mar 2020 · 1 yr 1 mo

    Targeted and cultivated client relationships in the Automotive and Healthcare sectors in the areas of agile software development and connected and embedded product innovation. Led teams through innovation workshops for a leading Tier 1 Automotive supplier’s company-wide Digital Innovation Challenge. Designed and facilitated workshops to advise companies on how to navigate the creative energy of advanced technologies (AI, IoT, Connected Worker, Extended Reality) to drive ongoing digital transformation, new growth and heightened customer experiences.

  • Growth at Pillar Technology
    Mar 2018 - Mar 2020 · 2 yrs 1 mo

    Led and facilitated strategic growth pursuits focused on Automotive OEM and Tier 1 companies impacted by the rapid shift to embedded software. Established and cultivated new client relationships built around formulating strategic approaches for digital transformation. Led collaborative workshops with business stakeholders and fused Pillar teams (Experience Architects, Designers, Software Artisans, Technology Leads) to provide vision, leadership, and direction to frame clients' business challenges.

  • Vice President, Strategic Growth at gyro
    Mar 2015 - Mar 2018 · 3 yrs 1 mo

    Cultivated new client relationships for this Detroit based, brand strategy firm. Secured a multi-year, agency of record engagement with General Motors’ Connected Car division. Grew internal and external teams for the day to day execution of Marketplace™, GM's e-commerce platform that facilitates on-demand purchases through an app and in-vehicle dashboard.