Turn your hardest-to-explain ideas into your most compelling stories.
Protagonist creates effective,
expertise-driven
content
for the organizations (and people) who are
making what's next.
Not a copywriter. Not a marketer. A designer & strategist who writes.
Hi, I’m Carl.
I’m a content specialist with more than 15 years of experience, nearly a million words published, dozens of videos, podcasts, courses, and prototypes launched, and 50+ satisfied customers, from fledgling startups to Fortune 100 tech firms. I’m also a qualified engineer and industrial designer, a science educator, and a pretty good researcher.
Why should you care?
Because it puts me in a unique position to grasp your specific expertise and POV, no matter how esoteric or cutting-edge. This year alone, I’ve worked with some of the world’s top AI experts, a globally renowned entrepreneur, a leading management consultancy, and a top-ranked school of design and innovation.
Clients like these trust me because I bring something most marketing agencies can’t: the background and curiosity to learn what sets them apart. And the insight to turn that into expert content that builds credibility, drives valuation, and makes them top-of-mind in their field.
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“It’s not just that Carl writes so well. It’s that he can to do it on an incredible range of topics, and get up to speed on new ones almost immediately…I develop content that involves a lot of different areas of expertise—and I’ve yet to encounter one he’s been unable to handle.”
Marc Randolph
Co-founder and first CEO of Netflix
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“[Carl] has a special knack for turning a half-baked idea into something worth sharing with the world. Simply put, sharing a room and a piece of writing with Carl made me a better thinker and storyteller.”
Sean Madden
VP of Experience Design & Research at Best Buy
Original expert content is an advantage that nobody can duplicate.
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Build awareness and legitimacy for your growing company or fund. The right content makes your ideas and products more accessible, elevates your brand, and increases your perceived value.
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You’re experts in your field, but do potential clients and partners know that? Thought leadership establishes credibility; ongoing observations and expert takes on current events show your relevance.
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If you’re pushing boundaries but nobody knows it, how much impact can you have? Internal- and external-facing content clarifies the value of your approach, wins allies, and invites new opportunities.
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A personal network only gets you so far. Grow a more dynamic, diverse, engaged professional community by finding your public voice and sharing your unique perspective.
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If you're in the innovation business, your expertise and insight are your strongest selling points. Telling the complex stories of how you applied them in a clear, compelling way can make all the difference.
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Government, educational, and social impact organizations are built on—and serve—their communities. The right content keeps your community engaged, and forms links that lead to more effective, more meaningful work.
I work with groundbreaking clients, difficult topics, and unexpected ideas.
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“A subscription that meets all my content needs?” Sure, why not?
We’re not mind-readers, but we are great researchers and question-askers. So we start content engagements with in-depth discovery, where we learn your category, your audience, your process and your goals.
Then we work with you to develop and execute an ongoing calendar of long-form, social, email and web content that helps you reach those goals. And doesn’t put more work on your plate.
From $4800 initial + $1200/month USD -
You’ve got articles, newsletters, case studies, blog posts, video scripts…but you need another pair of eyes on them. Eyes that see a stronger version of the argument you’re trying to make, and a more vivid way of expressing it.
And attached to those eyes, a pair of hands that can rewrite it to exactly the right voice, audience and platform—without losing your expertise or intent. Those are our eyes, and our hands.
From $1200/month USD -
There’s never been a better time to turn your own expertise into interactive learning content. The tools available for creating it are incredibly robust, and the demand for targeted professional development has never been more intense, both in-person and remote.
Whether you’re looking at a stand-alone online course, complete assets for a plug-and-play in-person workshop, or an entire curriculum for internal training, we can help you make it happen. Got a topic that’s especially complex or esoteric? We can’t wait to get started.
From $5000 USD -
You’ve been thinking about this one for a while. Maybe you’ve drafted a proposal, put together an outline, even cranked out a couple of chapters. All that’s left is…nearly everything.
A lot goes into finishing a book, and even more goes into making it succeed in the market. We’ve done both, multiple times, and can help you find your structure, solidify your arguments, do additional research, even co- or ghostwrite the text. Every book is different, so let’s figure out what yours needs to see the light of day.
Consulting from $1200 USD
Co-writing from $2800/mo USD -
For those who already know exactly what they need:
Case Studies - Newsletters - Articles - Web Copy - Blog Posts - Video - Podcasts - Reports - Social Media - UX Prototypes - White Papers - Scenario Planning
From $1200 USD