Joe Brown
About Joe Brown
Joe Brown is an Executive Director at IDEO, where he has worked in various roles since 2011. He has a background in design and innovation, with experience at institutions like Stanford University and Zalando SE, and has contributed to publications such as Harvard Business Review.
Current Role as Executive Director
Joe Brown serves as the Executive Director at IDEO, a position he has held since 2021 in San Francisco, California. In this role, he oversees various initiatives and projects, focusing on design and innovation strategies. His leadership aims to enhance IDEO's impact in the design community and foster a culture of creativity and purpose-driven work.
Previous Experience at IDEO
Joe Brown has held multiple roles at IDEO, contributing significantly to the organization from 2011 to 2021. He served as Principal Business Designer, Senior Design Lead, and Portfolio Director, among other positions. His tenure included working in both the San Francisco Bay Area and Berlin, Germany. His diverse roles involved leading design projects and guiding teams in innovative practices.
Academic Background and Teaching
Joe Brown studied at New York University Gallatin School of Individualized Study, earning his degree from 1998 to 2002. He later achieved a Master of Business Administration from Stanford University Graduate School of Business between 2008 and 2010. He has taught courses in Marketing and Organizational Behavior at Stanford and currently teaches IDEO U's class, Power of Purpose, which emphasizes activating purpose-driven cultures within organizations.
Writing and Contributions to Innovation
Joe Brown's writing focuses on themes of purpose, culture, and innovation. His insights have been featured in notable publications such as Harvard Business Review and Quartz. He also writes about common pitfalls in innovation processes, aiming to guide organizations in avoiding missteps that can hinder good ideas. His expertise in building innovation labs and rethinking product development processes informs his writing.
Diverse Interests and Personal Projects
Joe Brown has a wide range of interests that include finger painting, financial modeling, donuts, robots, and pulp crime novels. He holds a patent for a frozen novelty dessert, showcasing his creativity beyond the design field. His diverse interests reflect a multifaceted approach to both personal and professional endeavors.