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Spread Joy. Connect People. 

Work directly with an award-winning maven, keynote speaker, and epic connector.

Meet Our Founder

"I believe every day we are granted on this planet is a precious gift. Empathy is the essence of our humanity, and taking action transforms us into warriors. Failures serve as invaluable lessons that propel us forward. As mavens, our daily mission is to foster trust-based relationships and guide our clients towards profound success."

- Heather Cook

Heather Cook

Heather Cook, Founder of Creative Maven, has over two decades of experience producing global events, campaigns, and creative experiences in the high-tech and entertainment industries.

By day, Heather leads a Global Community Evangelism, Engagement, and Events charter as a Principal PM Manager in the Microsoft 365 Customer Advocacy Group at Microsoft. She is also a Microsoft 365 Apps & Services Alumni MVP, recognized worldwide for her leadership in tech communities.

Heather is available as a guest speaker, DJ, host, or voice actor for conferences, leadership events, podcasts, live performances, and broadcast projects.

Who is this "hedda"? Tis a nickname coined by a theater director when she was acting in a play called Sorrow, Sorrow, The Fear, The Pit and The Rope by Karel Steigerwald in college.

Born in Michigan, raised in Indiana and Illinois, and a graduate of the University of Washington School of Drama, Heather also studied at Trinity College, Dublin. These days, she can often be found chasing sunsets at her local Southern California beach, building community at tech conferences, DJing late into the night, or recording voiceover tracks that travel farther than she does. 

Creative Maven is the home of Heather’s creative and artistic endeavors. Based in Los Angeles, Heather is:

  • A DJ (DJ Hedda Maven) who spins house, disco, and eclectic grooves for live events, brand activations, and livestreams.

  • A Voiceover Artist whose “smoky purple voice” brings warmth and versatility to commercials, corporate narration, e-learning, and audiobooks.

  • A Playwright, with her adaptation of Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s The Yellow Wallpaper, produced globally in schools, universities, and festivals.

  • A Speaker & Host, teaching and inspiring audiences worldwide on marketing, personal brand, personal development, and building healthy workplaces.

Heather shares her insights through:

Awards and Advocacy

Heather continues to be recognized by peers and organizations for achievements as a Chief Marketing Officer and technologist. She is a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) alum, and has been a part of the Forbes Business Council.

Heather is active in many advocacy groups supporting the arts and diversity; she is passionate about women’s issues, the environment, and social justice. She leads many community technology activities in Southern California.

Guest Podcasts with Heather Cook

Marketer of the Day with Robert Plank

1087: Leverage Communities, Prioritize Self-Care and Communicate Inclusively to Stay on Top of Constant Tech Changes with Founder of Creative Maven Heather Cook

Growth Hacking Culture Podcast

Building Thriving Employee Communities - Heather Cook Interview

BIFocal Podcast

Episode 188: Community! Community! Community! With Heather Newman

M365 Voice

Episode 37: Battling Fear and Toxicity in the Workplace

RunAsRadio

The Evolution of Collaboration with Heather Newman

WITGirls Podcast

Episode 30: ESPC19

The Intelligent Workplace Podcast

Battling Fear and Toxicity in the Workplace

The Fabulous 40

Fabulous 40 with Heather Newman

Mavens Do It Better Podcast

CULTURE, MUSIC, MARKETING, SEX, FOOD, TECH

Explore our podcast where we dive into captivating conversations with everyday extraordinary experts, and uncover the stories and insights from these mavens who are making a significant impact in the world.

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