Hi there.
I’m an experience and design strategist, based in Washington DC.
I innovate new brands, products, and services.
My approach to strategy is to begin every project by understanding the key human problem at hand; then, I employ design thinking methodologies and keen critical thinking in order to come up with elegant solutions that address the true nature of the problem or opportunity.
I have used this approach in my professional experience across a number of different industries and clients: most recently, at a leading innovation and experience design consulting firm, I’ve worked on projects with clients to tackle projects such as developing a human-centerd retail experience for the gas station of the future, and designing a workshop for consensus building among a group of lobbyists. Previously, I worked at a number of advertising and public relations agencies, writing briefs and conducting research to develop integrated marketing campaigns that not only told cohesive brand stories, but also delivered on key business objectives.
Outside of work, I am passionate about understanding and amplifying the voices of marginalized individuals, whether that be through volunteering or consuming media. I also care deeply about baking with brown butter (favourites include: these cookies, this banana bread, and these Rice Krispie Treats), stand-up comedy, hanging out with my bichon named Grape (silly name for a silly dog), and skincare (let’s chat your cleansing and moisturizing routine anytime).
I am a citizen and eligible to work in both Canada and the United States.
Experience
I have spent the last 12 years working at with teams in Toronto, Montreal, New York, Washington DC, and Pittsburgh, servicing clients and partners in industries such as federal government, commercial healthcare, financial services, consumer technology, energy, retail, non-profit, and automotive.
Capco
Principal Consultant - Service Design
March 2022 to
Steampunk Inc.
Senior Service Designer
February 2021 to February 2022
Fannie Mae
Design Strategist
August 2020 to December 2020 (contract)
ICF Next
CX + Design Thinking Manager
April 2019 to August 2020
Idea Couture
Senior Innovation Analyst
March 2017 to April 2019
kbs Agency (now Forsman & Bodenfors)
Strategy Analyst
May 2015 to February 2017
Sonic Boom (now NATIONAL PR)
Analyst
April 2014 to May 2015
Edelman Digital
Digital Analyst
February 2012 to April 2014
Education
My work experience was shaped by my educational background in the social sciences. I specialized in empirical political science and 20th century US history, specifically seeking to understand the effects of media on collective and individual understanding of current events and political identity.
But please don’t chose me to be your history ringer for trivia.
McGill University
Bachelor of Arts
Compliments
“Before working with Kaianne I had no idea how valuable analytics and data points can be when it comes to developing effective messaging. She’s not only a master of social channels, she’s able to identify why certain trends are important and why others fizzle. Beyond the professional mumbo jumbo, Kaianne is also just really fun to hang out with.”
Contact
If you’d like to hire me, collaborate on a side project, or chat, please reach out!
You can email me at kaianne.siemah [at] gmail.com