New York
Dan Clay
Partner, Innovation


This philosopher-turned-business consultant is a driving force in Lippincott’s innovation practice.
Blending his background in consumer psychology and business innovation, Dan wears dual hats — advising the world’s biggest businesses on how the world is changing, and grounding their innovations in enduring human truths. Dan gets his inspiration from reimagining a better world for consumers and has created new platforms for designing emotionally connected brands and understanding future consumer behavior.
- For you, what makes Lippincott a special place to work?
The dual capabilities of a management consulting firm and a design agency. We can develop a rigorous business plan and then bring it to life beautifully.
- What is a little-known fact about Lippincott?
We named Sprite.
- Which projects have been the most meaningful to you and why?
My favorite projects (and I’m grateful that there have been so many of them!) are those where I’m playing an integral role in helping an iconic, important company reposition itself for the future. Whether it’s developing a new brand for Walmart or eBay or developing a whole new business design for a financial services or health care client, I get a lot of satisfaction from helping companies understand where customers are headed and redefine themselves accordingly.
- Being a Lippincott’er means:
Having high standards of excellence and high expectations for impact.
- What’s your happy place?
On a couch by the window with a book.
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Education
M.B.A., Wharton, University of Pennsylvania
B.S. Philosophy, Northwestern UniversityWork Experience
Consultant, Corporate Executive Board
Career Achievements
Past speaking engagements include Fast Company Innovation Festival, eBay Brand Summit and Florida Governor’s Conference on Tourism
Connect
LinkedIn
Insights
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Customer of the Future
The disruption happening all around us, across industries and continents, has brought about questions that will fundamentally impact the future of business. In response, we’ve carried out an extensive study to explore and share a vivid picture of the change ahead. Join us on a journey into the future.
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The Happiness Halo
Appeal to customers’ reason and they’re yours for a day. Appeal to customers’ emotions and they’re yours for a lifetime.
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Brand vs. AI
How disruptive technologies will shake, but not break, our enduring bond with brands
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Why tomorrow’s customers won’t shop at today’s retailers
How will retailers keep up with expectations for immediacy, personalization and the other myriad of ways technological and societal changes are shaping the customer of the future?