Our Values
Collaborative
We want to build and solve problems alongside you. After all, isn’t it more fun to build something with someone else?
Clear
Clear is kind. We believe in setting expectations from the start.
Fresh Perspective
It’s always helpful to have a new set of eyes on a problem that feels stale. We can guide you, even when it feels impossible to see the forest for the trees.
Curiosity
Every problem is unique, and we take the time to listen, learn and design with you.
Mission Oriented
We’re here to amplify your mission-focused work by helping you create structure and processes to deliver.
Action Driven
We like to get things done, and we’re going to help you get things done too. One step at a time, together.
Meet your guides
Kate Simpson Ruder
Co-Founder
Kate started her career in the NGO space, working in program management for Spence Group, creating media packages for international nonprofits such as the Clinton Global Initiative, Children’s Safe Drinking Water, The Nature Conservancy, etc. While at Spence Group, Kate helped develop and sell a media program for college students to Participant Media, which she helped them launch at Stanford and UNC. Kate went on to spend eight years with GLG, a financial and global information services company. In her role as Vice President, Kate was a part of GLG’s Strategy and Operations team, working on the 5k-person global organization’s internal structure, process design, as well as tech prioritization and development.
Kate lives with her husband, Josh Ruder, and their goldendoodle in Hermosa Beach, CA. She is a 5x marathon runner and co-owner of Galendars, a bespoke online retail store selling tiny calendars that double as a little dose of workspace inspiration.
Sarah Bowlin
Co-Founder
Sarah has 10+ years of experience as a UX researcher, working with startups large (Facebook, Airbnb) and small (The Zebra, Outdoorsy) to deliver actionable product recommendations and insights about consumer behavior that move the needle for the business, all with compelling storytelling and collaborative partnering with stakeholders through the research process. She leverages her listening, interviewing, synthesis, and storytelling skills to deliver action-oriented insights to mission-driven organizations looking for the unlock to their stagnant organization.
In her free time, Sarah enjoys an active lifestyle hiking, gardening, doing yoga, and spending time with her two dogs and two cats. She splits her time between Austin, TX, and Terlingua, TX - if you catch her on a Zoom call while she’s in the desert, ask her to show you her favorite desert plant!
