IGNITE! 2024 Speakers

Managing Director, Training, Customer Experience and Product Development, Ascribe

Lara started her career as a Coding Analyst at AC-Nielsen BASES (now NIQ) in 1998 before joining Ascribe in 2001. At Ascribe, her unique combination of big-picture vision, meticulous problem-solving, and ability to articulate technical features to new associates helped grow Ascribe and revolutionize text management in the market research industry. She has personally consulted/ trained/ developed processes for 1,000’s of MR and Corporate customers. Currently serving as Managing Director of Ascribe CX and Product Innovation (and low-key historian), Lara’s super-power is her open-minded and whole-hearted approach to customer challenges. She listens to understand and advocates for customer-focused development, representing the voice of Ascribe’s community on the leadership team and ensuring the delivery of well-rounded, easy-to-use, loveable solutions. A forever learner, Lara has been involved with Michigan State University’s Master’s in Market Research and Analytics program since 2014 and currently sits on the board of directors. She loves exploring new challenges in her career and personally. An avid gardener, cross-country explorer, oldest of six, and mother of three, Lara devotes her free time to collaborating on family meals with her husband of 30 years, discovering new artists (music and visual), journaling, and exploring local hikes.

Executive Director, Growth Strategy Practice Lead, Court Avenue

Colin has spent his entire career focused on the intersection of digital experiences, technology, and business growth strategy. Currently, he leads the Growth Advisory practice at CourtAvenue – a group of entrepreneurs, agency veterans, and business experts helping the most ambitious brands accelerate their digital transformations.

Throughout his career, Colin has helped some of the largest organizations in the world with business acceleration and growth design, including Ford Motor Company, Dell Technologies, General Mills, and the Department of Defense. His experience has covered many aspects of organizational transformation, such as growth strategy, CX vision development, people/process/tools modernization,and systemic innovation programs.

Prior to CourtAvenue, Colin worked in various roles in both the corporate and entrepreneurship word s –most recently serving as an Executive Advisor and Consultant at WPP’s VML, a global digital, brand, and customer experience agency.

Colin enjoys the simple things in life while adventuring and traveling with his wife and two young daughters. He also teaches Advanced Digital Marketing at Miami  University, sharing his knowledge of marketing, customer centricity, and AI with the next generation of great marketers.

Founder + Strategist, Three Over Four

Aaron Templer’s professional and intellectual interests are at the intersection of creativity, brand, influence, and leadership. His nearly 30-year career has culminated in the founding of Three Over Four , a full-service brand strategy and digital marketing agency enjoying its 17th year. Aaron is a professional instructor, former National Council president, and Colorado chapter president of the American Marketing Association (AMA). Aaron’s first book, Leading in a Social World , is a seven-time award winner that, as Readers’ Favorite Reviews put it, “turns our perception of social media marketing on its head.” Aaron is a contributor to inc.com and MarketingProfs, is an active speaker, has taught as an adjunct professor, and is a leadership consultant, building and delivering programs that empower teams and individuals to realize the power of social capital. Aaron is also a world percussionist and composer of rhythms. Some call him the Gora Dhol Wallah.