When companies build innovation teams, they often start by hiring big creative thinkers: designers, visionaries, and idea generators.
But without someone who can steer all that creativity toward real business outcomes, even the best ideas risk losing momentum.
That’s exactly where a leading design-led innovation team in Chicago found themselves. They had the creative power. What they needed was strategic muscle - someone who could ground ideas in data, structure thinking, and push projects over the finish line.
They turned to Bamboo Crowd for help. Here's how we helped them find the perfect Corporate Strategist to fill the gap and elevate the entire team.
THE CHALLENGE: BRILLIANT CREATIVES, BUT LACKING STRATEGIC DIRECTION
The team was packed with creative talent. Design thinking was second nature. But as projects grew more complex, they needed sharper focus:
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How could they align design work with broader business goals?
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How could they back big ideas with real market insight?
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How could they move faster from concept to impact?
The missing piece was clear: They needed a strategist who understood the creative process but could lead with business acumen. Not a consultant. Not a pure analyst.
A true hybrid - someone who could think like a strategist and move like a designer’s best partner.
OUR APPROACH: TARGETING STRATEGISTS WHO THRIVE IN CREATIVE ENVIRONMENTS
Finding a strategist was the easy part.
Finding the right strategist, the one who could seamlessly blend into a design-driven environment, was the real challenge.
Here’s how Bamboo Crowd tackled it:
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We focused on profiles that had real business strategy experience, but also understood how to work in iterative, fast-moving environments.
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We looked for candidates who didn’t just tolerate ambiguity, but actually thrived in it.
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We prioritized strategists who had partnered closely with design or innovation teams before, not just sat in the finance department.
By zeroing in on hybrid profiles and vetting for chemistry and mindset, we kept the search focused, fast, and on point.
THE OUTCOME: A CORPORATE STRATEGIST WHO BRIDGES STRATEGY AND CREATIVITY
Within a few weeks, we found the perfect match:
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Chicago-based
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$125K salary
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A strategist who brought structure, business insight, and critical thinking without stifling the creative flow
From the first conversations, the chemistry was clear.
The strategist was able to anchor design-led initiatives in clear business frameworks, making creative ideas stronger, sharper, and more scalable.
Since joining, they’ve already helped the team move faster with more focus, turning potential into real outcomes.
WHAT THIS SEARCH REINFORCES
Creative energy is essential for innovation.
But without the right structure behind it, even the best ideas can get lost.
Building the right innovation team means bringing together designers, visionaries—and strategic thinkers who can help those ideas grow.
At Bamboo Crowd, we specialize in making those critical connections.
We know how to find strategists who aren’t just good on paper but can actually partner with creative teams to drive real change.
NEED TO HIRE STRATEGY TALENT WHO CAN TURN BIG IDEAS INTO IMPACT? FILL OUT THE FORM BELOW TO GET STARTED
Having a big vision is only half the battle.
If your innovation or design team is pushing creative boundaries but lacks the structure to drive real results, the right strategist can change everything.
At Bamboo Crowd, we help companies hire the strategy minds, innovators, and business thinkers who bridge the gap between creativity and execution.
Fill out the form below and let’s find the talent who can help your ideas go the distance.
