Maria is an innovation consultant, coach and certified Design Sprint Master, focusing on user journeys and product innovation - without harming the planet.
MHD Innovation
Passionate about fast, purposeful innovation, and a prototyping mega-fan, I love to see ideas come to life. Even better if they will make the world a better place.
Originally a marketeer (Gaming, NGOs, FMCG, and Automotive) I’ve worked with global media and advertising agencies to strengthen growth strategies for blue-chip clients through print and digital campaigns.
I took some time off to raise a family and get down with some social entrepreneurship: organising parent community meetups in London, and coordinating a school zero waste regenerative gardening programme, with a focus on composting, in Madrid.
Moving to Paris in 2015, I cut my teeth in Blockchain, VRAR, and AI tech by organising virtual conferences for tech developers. I learned development secrets from the tech leaders in the world: from Netflix data scientists using data for production of their original series, or Google’s Head of AI on the future of machine learning, via Blockchain pioneers.
Quickly discovering the world of hackathons with global leaders BeMyApp, I ran and hosted tech challenges from 2016-2019. I recruited and coached teams of UX designers, web/app developers, data scientists, and technology architects for companies such as LVMH, Intel, and Mercedes-Benz to solve real-world problems in 48 hours - so cool!.
Since then, I’ve focused on collaborative user-centric innovation events independently, running remote sprints from Dubai between 2019 to 2021, becoming a certified Design Sprint Master, as well as coaching startups with product development and growth, and focusing on sustainability when possible, studying Circular Economics with TU Delft Industrial Engineering.
Back in the Paris Region since 2021, I continue to run remote and in-person Sprint Workshops and hackathons for clients around the world through MHD Innovation, finding new ways to collaborate on innovation and solve industry challenges.
I enjoy studying impact economics and learning about sustainable innovation, giving back by volunteering on important causes when possible.
My ideal downtime includes exploring the forests, mountains, deserts, and oceans with my husband and kids in one of our many adventures, and playing live music!
MHD Innovation Values
🌍 Global experience
With the benefit of agency experience for global corporate clients I’ve worked on projects for Latin America, North America, Europe, and the Middle East.
👾 Smart City. Smart World
Having lived in London, Madrid, Paris and more recently Dubai, I’ve seen first-hand the value of a smart interconnected city for communities.
♻️ Life-Cycle aware
Knowing my external suppliers’ lifecycle is important, from stationery, printers and food, you can ensure that working with me will not dent your carbon footprint.
💪 Independent
Truly independent, I come with no bias in my pockets - I just want to help you - and the planet.
🤝 Work with you
Learning your true objective makes this all a whole lot easier! I’m a good listener, and will be your ally throughout the project.
🔎 Due Diligence
Startup corporate engagement intros are based on the most stringent criteria. I know how to screen based on due diligence.