Rick Wise

Head of Strategy Practice, Oliver Wyman Partner, CDI

Rick frequently speaks on brand and customer-centered marketing strategy and has written for Harvard Business Review, The Wall Street Journal, Fast Company and Advertising Age. He is the co-author of the book “How to Grow When Markets Don’t,” board member of long-time Lippincott non-profit partner Creative Art Works, and serves on Oliver Wyman Group’s Executive Management Committee. Perhaps lesser known is his passion for reading and music (you’d never guess who he wants to trade places with for a day).

When did you decide you wanted to be in this business? Why?

Fourteen years ago when I partnered with Lippincott on a joint project and loved the breadth of what they were doing.

For you, what makes Lippincott a special place to work?

The incredible mix of people coming together in new and inventive ways to push the boundaries of what we do for clients.

What is a little-known fact about Lippincott?

We designed the wardroom for the first nuclear submarine, the USS Nautilus, which you can still visit and tour in Groton, Connecticut.

When my daughter was four, she used to tell me, ‘Never say never, because you never know.’

Which projects have been the most meaningful to you and why?

Walmart, for the great team we assembled and the broad transformation we achieved. And Creative Art Works, for how the whole firm has committed to making such an important difference in the community through art and design.

Who has influenced you most in your career? How?

Probably the two founders of CDI, Dave Morrison and Adrian Slywotzky, who taught me management and creative thinking, respectively.

Who would you change places with for a day?

David Chang or Deadmau5.