Mark Busse

Mark Busse, BA, CDP, FGDC, CLC

I am an accomplished organizational leader, brand strategist, certified leadership coach, engagement specialist, skilled facilitator, and super-connector with a proven track record of growing brands, relationships, and teams.

While managing his successful brand design consulting firm for 20 years, followed by director roles in a number of architecture and design firms, Busse's career put him on the frontier of applying creative, design, and participatory methods to social and strategic questions in business, community, and the arts. As a community leader with a strong belief in the power of creativity and human connection as catalysts for positive change, Busse has built and grown communities and hosted meaningful conversations and events in a variety of forms exploring new ideas, approaches, and opportunities to create positive impact in business and society.

I often get to play the (very cool) role of “constructive disruptor,” watching for patterns, gaps, connections, and opportunities that might help creative professionals step away from their comfort zones and daily tasks, and away from the traditions and habits that might hinder its ability to explore the many perspectives in the world, so that they may lean into discomfort and discovery and finds ways to move from “what is” to “what if" and more freely dream about a world that could be. I adore designing, curating, producing, and hosting gatherings, and meaningful dialogue-focused events (like CreativeMornings!) which builds connection, conversation, and capacity of the creative community. I also consult for organizations clarifying values and purpose, refining strategic planning, evolving brand and communications messaging, creating compelling business development presentations and media, and designing and facilitating meetings, workshops, staff events, and retreats. I am also a lifelong food fanatic and cooking and cuisine is an important way that connects me to people, places, and culture.

Some trivia about me
⇨ “There is no truth. There is only perception.” (Gustave Flaubert)
⇨ I love being wrong (when it leads to learning and correction)
⇨ I collect probing, often uncomfortable questions (can you handle being vulnerable?)
⇨ I have been called a “limbic energy machine” (i.e. I give and feed on energy)
⇨ I have studied the culinary arts and love cooking for others (more than eating even)
⇨ I am an ordained Dudeist Priest and can perform marriage ceremonies (Seriously, Google it)