Alison Macondray
Co-founder, Queen Bee
Ping me
Alison is an editor, content strategist, and extractor of genius. She’s known for her ability to draw out the heart of a story. She listens deeply, distills complex ideas into clear and compelling narratives, and helps leaders find their authentic voice on stage.
Read more ...
Her current path began in 2005, when she walked away from her last staff job, as GM of pioneering technology site WIRED News. She loved her staff and what WIRED represented. They were winning awards, writing the first version of history as the Internet revolution unfolded. But when the parent company got sold – and sold again – it was time to start something new. Striking out on her own meant less certainty but more freedom – to choose her people, and dial direct to thinkers and creators she admires.
It was at WIRED that Alison first discovered the power of a great presentation. From protecting staff from layoffs to enticing ad buyers in NYC to write checks, she saw that mastering the art of persuasion was one of the most valuable skills a leader can have. Today, she gets to enter the worlds of a ridiculously diverse array of experts: Gene sequencing. AI. Organic flavors. Social change. Boutique hotels. Environmental science.
Alison got her start in literary book publishing, at SF-based Mercury House and then Pantheon Books (a division of Random House): Screening manuscripts and shepherding authors through the publishing process. Her innate understanding of stage presence was honed by 15 years of training as a dancer and musical theater performer, including six months performing Broadway show tunes on a cruise ship.
In her free time, Alison enjoys strength training, hiking the California coast, and discovering new foodie spots in her native Oakland.
Read less ...
Matt Clark
Co-founder, Creative Director
Ping me
Matt began his career in art, design and storytelling with his first set of crayons, but more formally with a BFA from The Cooper Union School of Art in NYC. After several years of agency work in New York and Switzerland he migrated West, landing at frog design and Astro Studios before striking out on his own. His extensive experience designing for diverse clientele keeps him abreast of the mediums and methods that make a story stick.
Read more ...
While Design Director at frog, Matt helped integrate brand identity and graphic design into the company’s expanding client services strategy. Following a frog alumni, he joined the newly minted Astro Studios as Creative Director.
Following his studio/agency years, Matt set out as a consultant to broaden his experience with creative expression and storytelling. In the past decade he has worked in diverse capacities as a creative director, art director, designer, copywriter, editor, and illustrator.
Matt practices Zen meditation and Yama, a mash-up of yoga and martial arts. He also writes and illustrates children’s books and makes photographs that could be described as Ansel Adams meets Alex Grey.
Read less ...
