Driver8

It was about 12 years ago when Scott Kirsner wrote an article about the Boston brand in the . That launched the beginning of our conversation of the potential of this infinitely rich and amazing brand. Boston embodies the head and the heart. Chock full to the brim in every way: we are America’s first and future. We are equally elite and scrappy. All beautiful. Let’s give the Boston brand its due. Thanks for including me in the conversation (gift link in bio).

I first met Manikka Bowman while serving on the board of The Nature Conservancy of MA and from the very beginning, what stood out was her rare balance of head and heart. She brings deep systems thinking, powerful storytelling, and a grounded presence that immediately lets you know you’re in the company of someone exceptional.
Fast forward to today, and I’m excited to be building alongside her at Driver8, supporting her as she grows HarveyReed— adevelopment firm—and continues her service to the Hub as a respected community leader. Manikka is a multifaceted leader; she’s building a development ecosystem, shaping the urban political economy, and, as a clergywoman, nurturing the spiritual lives of others during deeply challenging times.
At Driver8, we invest in people as much as we do in ideas. Manikka embodies everything we believe in: principled leadership, strategic clarity, and the ability to translate vision into ex*****on.
This next chapter is about scale, alignment, and impact. I’m honored to be part of it—and even more excited about what we’re building together.

One of my favorite days of the year. I was one of 11,000 women at the seeing Martha Stewart, Simone Biles, Diana Nyad and Mel Robbins. Inspiring and fun. Thanks to for the invite.

I have been guilty of emailing clients early in the morning. Not at 8 of even 7, but 6 or sometimes 5. I find the wee hours and the quiet create the best thinking. Most reply asking me why I’m emailing them so insanely early. Except Judi. Judi replied almost immediately every time. Why does this matter? Because it is those that wake to the work they love, wake to the thoughts carried over from the night before, wake knowing the work is never caught up or done - those are the worlds’s change makers. The world’s gems. Tonight, we celebrated the Wily’s 10th anniversary with 250 people (!!) Judi passed the torch and we welcomed in the next early risers to the upcoming decade. What an honor.

A logo is never just about aesthetics. It’s emotion. Whether your brand takes huge leaps or small steps, if you lose sight of human emotion, perceptions, and behaviors, you lose sight of your audience.

In the aftermath of the Cracker Barrel rebrand debacle, here are some lessons learned and how to make the subjective, objective, while never ignoring the power of the heart (DM me to receive the full perspective):
1. Understand what your brand stands for. Consider it your north star for what you do, how you do it, and who you do it for.
2. Know what your audience believes in (drivers, motivations, and perceptions) and why they should believe in you.
3. Get the vibes right.

Love a launch! Campaign #2 with our CPG, 10 year client. Gorgeous photos and video thanks to our team. Tough love done right indeed!