Mariah's Biography

Mariah works as a meeting designer, teacher, and visual thinking specialist. She helps clients like non-profit organizations, corporations, and community groups to translate their visions, processes, plans – anything! – into engaging images. Whether she’s listening to a keynote at a large conference or sitting at the table during a small meeting, Mariah captures her clients’ key messages and themes in Visual Records – metaphors, images, and words that she draws in real time. She also loves designing meetings that tap into the wisdom of groups and their ability to think together. Mariah teaches the practice of visual thinking in public and private workshops, building on participants’ innate creativity and desire to communicate effectively. She lives in beautiful Oakland, CA, with her husband and lots of art supplies.

Please contact her at howard.mariah@gmail.com to find out how to bring visuals into your work.

Her clients include: Genentech, Salesforce.com, PepsiCo, Nike, The United Way, GlaxoSmithKlein, AAA, Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), The Veteran’s Association, and many more!

Friday, August 31, 2012

Visionary Leadership

I'm elated to be able to share these maps because they depict a series of conversations with leaders who are committed to engaging their work in a holistic and authentic way. The first map was created live during a talk given by a leader who presented a roadmap for his team.

The map below was inspired by a conversation about creating personal and collective masterpieces through the work and vision of individuals and teams.


The content in each flower came from individual team members expressing their vision for their personal masterpiece. 

In this map team members responded to the question: "Remember when you were a part of a successful team producing great results under demanding circumstances. What were the conditions that brought out the best in you and allowed you to flourish as a team?" I recorded their answers as they stood around the map at the end of their retreat. 




Inspiring Schools

I was elated to get to work with the inspiring and kind people of Highline Public Schools. During their Administrative Retreat, staff and faculty discussed the book, 'Pedagogy of Confidence' by Yvette Jackson. In a powerful and engaging presentation, superintendent Dr.Susan Enfield shared her hopes for the future of Highline, inspired by the ideas raised in the book. The map is a synthesis of Dr.Enfield's vision.