Executive Anthropology is an innovation agency that bridges the gap between deep human insight and bold business strategy.
We specialize in uncovering the cultural, behavioral, and emotional drivers that shape how people live, work, and make decisions—then translate that understanding into transformative products, services, and strategies.
Our approach combines ethnographic research, strategic foresight, and design thinking to help organizations see their world differently and act with clarity. We don’t chase trends—we decode human patterns to reveal what truly matters, guiding leaders toward more meaningful, resilient innovation.
From global enterprises to visionary startups, our partners come to us when they need to unlock growth, navigate complexity, and create solutions grounded in the realities of people’s lives.
What We Believe
Anthropology is strategy. Knowing your customer is not enough; understanding them is everything.
Innovation is cultural. The best ideas are born from the friction between what is and what could be.
Change is human. Real transformation starts with empathy and insight—not assumptions.
The EA Team
Drew Jones, PhD. Drew is an anthropologist, workplace consultant. and former business school professor. He was a founding partner of the OpenWork Agency, a global workplace strategy and design firm. He has published five books. His most recent book is Executive Anthropology: A Mindset for Human-Centered Leadership. He is based in Austin, TX. LinkedIn
drew@executiveanthropology.com
Jack Traphagan, PhD. Jack is an anthropologist, Senior Lecturer in Organizational Dynamics at the University of Pennsylvania, and Professor Emeritus in the Program in Human Dimensions of Organizations at the University of Texas at Austin. He is a Fulbright Scholar with over 35-years of experience in ethnographic research, including extensive work on small business in Japan. His most recent books are Embracing Uncertainty (Sumeru Press, 2021), and The Myth of Organizational Culture: How Leaders Misunderstand the Role of Paradigms and Power (McFarland, 2025). He is based in Boston, MA. LinkedIn
jack@executiveanthropology.com
Matthew Hill, PhD. Matthew is an anthropologist, organizational consultant, author, and keynote speaker. He has 20 years of experience guiding mission-driven organizations in the areas of strategy, cultural change, and leadership development. He has taught at leading business schools and universities including Wharton, UPenn, and UMass Amherst. His publications on business and organizational issues have appeared in leading journals and business forums including recent articles in CU Management and the Journal of Business Anthropology. He is based in NYC. LinkedIn
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