Inspiring Experiences
David Ott, co-president of The Studio North America, crafts unforgettable events
By Kaylor Jones / Photo by Claudia Johnstone
There’s a new agency in town – The Studio North America has recently opened its first location in Scottsdale. For David Ott, co-president of the Las Vegas-based creative agency, it’s the ideal next step in expanding the company’s reach.
“Scottsdale represents a unique intersection of creativity, growth and opportunity. It’s a market that values design, experience and innovation, while also attracting forward-thinking brands, entrepreneurs and global events,” Ott says. “For The Studio, Scottsdale offered the perfect balance of strategic location and cultural alignment – allowing us to expand our footprint while staying deeply connected to the community and the clients we serve.”
Among those clients are global brands like MGM Resorts, the NFL and Netflix. When it comes to large-scale events, The Studio is poised as a one-stop shop for purpose-led strategy, storytelling and execution. Ott himself has over 25 years of experience in business development and organizational leadership in creative industries, known for his consultative approach to boosting profits and customer experiences. He first became involved with The Studio after he saw the opportunity to help evolve the respected agency at a pivotal time in its 35-year history.
“Brands were demanding more than just beautiful design; they were seeking measurable impact, strategic thinking and authentic human connection. The Studio’s DNA aligned perfectly with my belief that creativity should not only inspire, but also drive business results. It was the right platform at the right moment to build something truly differentiated.”
Next, Ott aims to increase The Studio’s footprint in the global market while deepening partnerships with brands who share the same boundary-pushing mindset. For him, the most rewarding part of the job is always collaborating with a team of talented creatives on a collective vision. They’re not just creating shared experiences that bring people together, they’re doing it to elevate worthy brands and charities, and the chance to see all their hard work come to life on a global stage is something Ott never takes for granted.
“Above all, it’s the people – mentoring teams, celebrating their growth, and creating an environment where creativity and ambition can thrive. That’s what makes the work meaningful every day.”
Serving Fresh Starts
At The Worker, Lindsay Brown helps formerly incarcerated people move forward with dignity
By Kaylor Jones / Photo by Claudia Johnstone
Lindsay Brown has always had a heart for service. After earning her degree in social work, she joined the nonprofit sector – at first in homeless services – and never looked back.
“I’ve always been somebody who cares so much about social justice and giving people chances. On a personal level, I’ve been in a position where I needed support, which is why I’m standing here today,” says Brown, who currently serves as the chief programs officer of St. Joseph The Worker (www.theworkeraz.org).
In December, The Worker celebrated the grand opening of Mom’s House, a reentry housing program in partnership with the Televerde Foundation and Andre House that provides short-term housing and job readiness support to women returning home from Perryville Prison.
“Many individuals leave incarceration with no family to stay with and limited resources beyond a $50 debit card and the clothes they were wearing. But what people may not know is that they also leave with a strong desire to rebuild their lives.”
Six months before reentering society, participants enroll in the Televerde Foundation’s PATHS program, which provides personal and professional coaching aimed at reducing recidivism. After graduation comes Mom’s House, a calm, clean and productive home base while the women search for quality full-time employment. Once employed, The Worker’s 90-day transitional housing program, Workforce Villages, helps build life skills and financial literacy with an emphasis on saving an average of $5,000.
Two years after Mom’s House was first piloted, Brown says, “Eighty-five percent of the women served in this program have achieved employment and permanent housing, and even greater than that, all of them are still housed today.”
Brown pinches herself every day that she’s able to make such a tangible impact on the lives of women in need.
“I spent the first half of my career on the frontlines, working alongside people during some of the hardest moments of their life,” she says. “I’ve seen firsthand how the right support at the right time can completely change someone’s trajectory. I believe people are more than the worst thing that’s ever happened to them, and everyone deserves an opportunity to rebuild with dignity.”