Odysseys

Navigating the Future with Enduring Strategies

Every journey begins with a sense of direction, but rarely with certainty. As organizations face rising challenges and accelerating change, the question isn’t just where we’re going; it’s how we get there. At The Assembly, we set out to explore that idea.

One North brought together clients across marketing, design, and technology to explore how enduring strategies can help organizations lead through uncertainty. With the rugged shores of Maine as our backdrop, the experience combined shared frameworks, human-centered insights, and intentional design to navigate the uncharted with focus and a renewed sense of possibility.

Cape Neddick, ME
Photo of Maine lighthouse
Photo of Cliffhouse
2025 Attendee Snapshot
Titles
Chief Marketing & Growth Officer · Chief Business Development & Marketing Officer · Chief Vertical Strategist · COO – Americas ·  EVP, Strategy · SVP, Digital Engagement and E-commerce · SVP · VP, Digital Technology · VP, Strategic Global Initiatives · Vice President of Marketing and Business Development · Managing Director · Managing Director, Brand & Strategy · Executive Director · Executive Director, Inclusion and Diversity ·  Senior Director, Marketing  ·   Senior Director, Head of Digital  · Sr. Director, Design Operations  · Senior Manager, UXR  · Senior Manager, Website & Digital Products  · Director, Experience Design  ·  Director, Project Management – CORE Tech  · Director, UX  · Director – UX & Accessibility  · Director, Digital Experience Research & Design  · Director, Commerce Products  · Creative Marketing Manager  ·  Head of US Education Strategy

Key Takeaways

As change continues to reshape how we work, create, and connect, the need for direction has never been more critical. This year’s conversations brought focus to what remains steady — enduring strategies that help us move forward with purpose.

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01

Anchor to What Works

In a sea of shifting priorities, the most successful teams returned to what’s proven. Strategies like knowing your users, defining your voice, and measuring with intent aren’t outdated — they’re essential. These foundational elements continue to guide progress and clarity in uncertain conditions.
02

AI Needs a Human Lens

AI’s potential is undeniable — but it’s not the full picture. The tools we use are only as powerful as the frameworks behind them. Leaders build systems that balance automation with context, and machine intelligence with human understanding.
03

Design and Research Drive Business Results

Design and research are no longer niche disciplines — they’re critical to growth. Clear communication, meaningful storytelling, and unbiased user insight help organizations stand out, build trust, and stay relevant.

Speakers

Ryan Schulz
Ryan Schulz
Executive Director
LinkedIn
Jenn Lill
Jenn Lill
Director,
Technology Strategy
LinkedIn
Zach Schloss
Zach Schloss
Director,
UX Strategy
LinkedIn
Kathy Grunditz
Kathy Grunditz
Director,
Brand Strategy
LinkedIn
Jessica DeJong
Jessica DeJong
Managing Director,
Design
LinkedIn
Ben Magnuson
Ben Magnuson
Director,
Data Strategy
LinkedIn
Kevin Leahy
Senior Director,
Content & Brand Strategy
LinkedIn
Kat Kollett
Senior Director,
Strategy
LinkedIn
Erik Akers
Erik Akers
Senior Director,
Adobe Practice
LinkedIn

Perspectives on Enduring Strategies for Innovation and Change

As marketing, digital, and technology landscapes evolve rapidly, our panelists emphasized the enduring value of foundational strategies in driving innovation and navigating change. The conversation highlighted how principles like brand strength, user-centered design, adaptable tech infrastructure, and data-driven insights remain essential in today’s dynamic environment.

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photo of Maine coastline rocks

Panelists

Aaron Forrester
Director, Experience Design, CarMax
Shailee Seddiq
Senior Director Head of Digital, FINRA
Isaac Heyveld
Senior Director, Design Operations, Salesforce
Mike Adam
Executive Director, JP Morgan Chase

Recordings

Testimonials

Aaron Forrester photo
Aaron Forrester
Director, Experience Design, CarMax
Watch Video
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"Proud to have been part of the experience and already looking forward to next year."
"One North continues to set the standard for how we modernize business across every segment."
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"The attention to detail was amazing. I’m extremely grateful for my time at the Assembly."
"The group’s ability to scale knowledge quickly, adapt with precision, and remain hyper-focused on collaboration stood out most."
Franklin Reed
Executive Director, Inclusion and Diversity, TEKsystems
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About One North

One North is a digital experience agency that combines curiosity, scale, and agility to shape the future. As part of TEKsystems, a leading provider of business and technology services, we offer boutique solutions to solve complex problems. Our multidisciplinary teams of strategists, designers, and technologists excel in research and discovery, experience strategy, design, experience management, and technology implementation. Whether clients are establishing a vision for an experience or optimizing an existing one, we help businesses understand their audiences, design experiences, maximize technology, and bring their digital ideas to life. The world’s most successful companies rely on us to forge the future through electrifying work that sparks innovation and drives results.

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