Happy Strategy is a creative culture agency based in Philadelphia.
We’ve experienced the frustration that results from lost potential, lack of creative problem-solving, and resistance to change. We’ve felt the disappointment of great ideas left unsaid and lost to the lack of a supportive environment and culture that encourages continuous learning. We know that ill-fitting processes and a lack of a guiding system of values can lead to business-as-usual at the cost of innovation and growth.
Now, we’re applying years of learning to help companies thoughtfully design their workplaces to be more human, more supportive of their individual team members, and more successful in the long run because of it.
Our Philosophy
These simple ideas are at the core of all we do:
People are the heart of every organization. In order to do our best work, we all need to be supported in our growth, encouraged to bring our full selves to the task at hand, and given space for authentic expression of ideas and values. We believe inspired and engaged teams are critical to success and strive to create environments where everyone knows they are a part of something bigger than themselves.
We have the power to create work cultures that can rise to the complex changes we are facing today. One thing we know: the old models simply aren’t cutting it. The future of work requires adaptability, hard work, and a mindset of creative problem solving to lead to organizational breakthroughs.
From executives to interns, all perspectives are valid—and necessary. Today’s immense challenges require a diversity of thought and proactive, strategic thinking. Organizations that invite all employees to be active problem-solvers and decision-makers will find that truly creative solutions can come from anywhere.
We work to develop a culture of continuous exploration, practice, reflection, and adjustment to uncover the many answers to the question, “how can we do better?” Practicing adaptability better prepares us for unforeseen challenges. Since tackling all problems at once can feel overwhelming and lead to burnout, we make progress approachable by using incremental improvements that lead to lasting transformations.
Our Team
Happy Strategy is a collaborative, interdisciplinary team with backgrounds spanning industries including design, tech, healthcare marketing, academia, start-up, nonprofit, philanthropy, retail, and media.
Julia Fiorello
Owner & Creative Strategist
Julia founded Happy Strategy after earning her MS in Strategic Design and Management from Parsons The New School for Design. Over the past 15 years, Julia has developed a deep understanding of design as a powerful tool for positive change. Through her work as a designer, creative services manager, and branding consultant for creative agencies, small businesses, non-profits, and multi-level organizations, she has managed multi-million dollar marketing campaigns, streamlined internal operations, designed award-winning publications, and led companies through brand strategy and identity development processes. Julia lives in South Philly and loves to cook with whatever’s in her fridge, snack on fennel and fresh figs, hike through mountains, and groove to old school funk. She wears the brightest colors on the grayest days.
Brian Rumble
Creative Strategist | Coaching, Facilitation, and Project Management
Brian joined Happy Strategy in 2017 after nearly 15 years as a project and product manager in tech startups, online retail companies, and interactive design firms. From working in many diverse teams, he has experienced firsthand what it takes for teams to be creative and effective as well as the pitfalls that arise when individuals are not fully valued for what they contribute to the team. Brian brings years of experience in process design and creative problem solving, an unwavering dedication to making sure our work is always centered around the individuals who do the work itself, and a painfully dry sense of humor. He is currently pursuing a MS in Psychology, loves old soul music, directs improv shows, and is just now figuring out how to use emoji. ????♀️
Katie Donnelly
Advisor | Research, Content, and Evaluation
Katie Donnelly was integral in the development of the foundational principles and services of Happy Strategy. Katie has spent the last decade at the cutting edge of the future of work, where she has worked across sectors to develop purpose-driven small businesses, co-founded a media strategy firm, and served as a consultant to large foundations and organizations seeking to plan strategy and assess impact through human-centered design. She has conducted extensive research on how to effectively measure impact in a rapidly-shifting environment, led numerous impact evaluations, and authored a series of educational activities and toolkits. Katie holds an MA from Temple University and lives in Philadelphia where she enjoys yoga, advice columns, too much coffee, and exploring the city with her young daughter. She always reads the comments.