Bruce is the founder of IdeaGuides, a San Francisco Bay Area–based firm specializing in meeting facilitation, creative thinking, and organizational development. With over 35 years of experience, Bruce has helped hundreds of organizations—from Fortune 500 companies to nonprofits and government agencies—turn their meetings into engaging, productive, and idea-generating experiences.
His work focuses on unlocking creativity and strengthening collaboration within teams. Drawing from a wide range of approaches—including design thinking, improvisation, and classic creative problem-solving methods—Bruce designs and leads dynamic sessions that ensure all voices are heard and meaningful outcomes are achieved.
Bruce holds a B.A. in Educational Philosophy and an M.A. in Educational Psychology and Curriculum Design, and conducted research on creative behavior at Far West Laboratory for Educational Research and Development. He is the author of several books on creativity and teamwork, including Creative Collaboration: Simple Tools for Inspired Teamwork.
A lifelong advocate for play as a catalyst for innovation, Bruce has also invented multiple creativity-based board and card games, including CREATE: The Game that Challenges and Expands Your Creativity.
I know a lot about facilitating effective meetings, fostering creative thinking, and helping teams turn ideas into meaningful outcomes.
Focus on your own lane [especially when bowling]
Bertrand Russell - he combines rigorous thinking with a very human, accessible style—he makes complex ideas feel clear and usable, not abstract or academic. His writing bridges intellect and everyday life, offering practical insights on happiness, relationships, and how to think well. He challenges assumptions with thoughtful skepticism rather than arrogance, carries a subtle, dry humor, and reflects a balance of curiosity and compassion. Altogether, he represents a way of thinking that is both precise and open-minded—serious about ideas, but never heavy-handed about them.
Able to look at the big picture