In his role with Disney, Chris has designed toys, logos, clothing, brands, games, candy and more. His work can be found at Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort, Disney Cruise Line, Hong Kong Disney Land and World of Disney Stores. He often serves as a liaison between the art and business teams at Disney.

Recently Christopher was promoted to Creativity and Innovation Director at Disney. He leads the Creative Problem Solving facilitation around both Creative and Strategic challenges.  He is responsible for the developing a Culture of Innovation and Creative Thinking, working with key leaders, and identifying and training idea champions & innovation catalysts to work on innovation pilots programs.  Christopher is also responsible for the sourcing and reporting of new trends, technology and innovation.  He designs concepts and helps insure ideas come to fruition.  He is in the working on improving innovation at Disney by way of “Design Thinking” models, developing relationships with key external agencies, academic institutions and potential “open Source” ideation forums.  He places design, quality, storytelling, and a sense of play at the heart of everything he does.

From the tender age of 14, Kevin Lantz has found wine barrels to be “so cool”. Now, he is one of the few wine makers working with Acacia wood barrels. Kevin ages Lantz Cellars Sauvignon Blanc in Acacia barrels and he still thinks wine barrels are “so cool!”

Kevin’s mom told me the story about Kevin’s barrel fascination on Mother’s Day 09, the grand opening of the Lantz Cellars tasting room in Lake Stevens. Lantz Cellars is truly a garage winery. The winery and tasting room are located in an residential area of Lake Stevens. It can take determination to find this unassuming winery, but that determination is well repaid once you taste the wines!

Kevin started home brewing and home wine making as a hobby. He was happy with his beers and continues his home brewing hobby, but not quite the 5-6 batches of brew that he used to make each year.  Kevin quickly got frustrated with the quality of wine available from wine kits for the home wine maker. After just a year of working with wine kits, he refinanced his house in 2003 and started buying commercial winery equipment so he could work with grapes instead of canned juice. Although he is an engineer by day, Kevin admits that he is not the most traditionally academically inclined. He learns by reading at his own pace and by doing. He studied commercial wine making by reading UC Davis text books, wine journals and self taught via bench work.  His “can do” attitude and his passion for learning by doing has paid off. Last fall, Kevin Lantz unveiled his first commercial release.  Almost immediately after release, his 2006 Rattlesnake Hills Syrah won the President’s award at Gusto. The Lantz Cellars 2006 Rattlesnake Hills Syrah went on to win the President’s Choice award at Sexy Syrah. Not bad for a freshman effort!

Cheryl Kilodavis is a published author, a strategic marketer, and social entrepreneur. Of African American and Caucasian heritage, Cheryl attended both public and private schools in Seattle, Washington. As a child, she used journal writing to answer life’s questions such as why things were as they were and why people felt it was necessary and even okay, to judge others. Although never published, Cheryl continued writing after marrying her high school sweetheart with whom she has two sons.

The process of accepting both of her son’s interests and passions, and exploring of her own need for acceptance as both a child and an adult, lead Cheryl to write My Princess Boy. It is the story of a boy who likes pretty things—the color pink, sparkly dresses, and ballet tutus. The book’s strong anti-bullying message went viral, catching the attention of national and international media. Originally written to explain her younger son’s uniqueness to teachers and fellow students, My Princess Boy became more than just a message for them—it became a movement of acceptance for every child who has ever felt left out or misunderstood just because they’re different.

Cheryl has a Bachelor of Science in Business from the University of the Pacific, and an MBA from Seattle University. Currently, Cheryl balances her time between writing at www.myprincessboy.com, working on not-for-profit and consulting business work, and spending time with her family.

Todd is the founder of Accidental Creative, a consultancy that helps creative people and teams generate brilliant ideas.  He regularly speaks and consults with companies, both large and small, about how to develop practices and systems that lead to everyday brilliance.

“The mission of Accidental Creative is to free up creatives and teams to do brilliant work. We do this by equipping them with the proper mindset, the right tools, and the relationships they need to thrive. In order to succeed over the long-term, it’s necessary for creatives to develop practices that will help them sustain their productivity rather than burning out on the altar of short-term results. Through our speaking and consulting, we help creative teams develop these practices. Through our podcasts and blog we reach thousands more each week with practical tips on how to stay fresh and productive as a creative worker.”

Todd recently completed his first book, The Accidental Creative: How To Be Brilliant at a Moment’s Notice. It’s set for release in July 2011 through Portfolio.

He currently resides in Cincinnati, OH with his wife Rachel and their three children (8, 6, 4).

Kirk Warren is a Graphic Designer, Illustrator and the Principal of Kirk Warren Studio. He is also an Assistant Professor/Area Chair for Graphic Design at the University of Manitoba School of Art. He completed his undergraduate degree, a BFA Honours in Graphic Design, at the University of Manitoba School of Art in 1992 winning several awards as a student.

Kirk worked at Grandesign for three years before leaving to start his own studio and do freelance work for several local studios. Since then he has created strategic partnerships within publishing and both interior and landscape/environmental designs where he enjoys the multi-disciplinary approach.

In 1995, Kirk started teaching Graphic Design at the University of Manitoba School of Art and, in 1999, started teaching in the Faculty of Architecture eventually becoming coordinator for Communications. In 2000, Kirk Warren became Area Chair for Graphic Design. In 1996, he started working with illustration agency Rita Gatlin Reps (San Francisco). He no longer employs an agent but still considers illustration as a significant part of his work. Kirk completed his masters degree (MA Illustration) at Syracuse University in 2003 and was the successful candidate for ta fulltime position in Graphic Design in 2004.

Through Kirk Warren Studio, Kirk has worked on numerous publishing projects, corporate identity campaigns and environmental graphic systems including the 1999 Pan Am Games and the in-progress sign system for the Winnipeg Trails Association which has recently won recognition in several international design awards annuals and exhibitions.

Kirk was born and raised in Flin Flon, Manitoba, Canada and now resides in Wolseley area of Winnipeg, Manitob with his partner and two children.