Brand Leader - Speaker - Teacher - Blogger

A dreamer who embraces glorious mistakes, breaking the rules the bind and coloring outside the lines. An architect (figuratively not literally) who nurtures ideas, cultures and leaders. A storyteller. A teacher. A student. A bonfire builder. A grateful dad, husband, brother and son. An adventurous spirit obsessed with the possibility for what could be. Inspired by Masanobu Fukuoka, Janine Benyus, Natural Horsemanship, Buckminster Fuller, Eddie Vedder and the spirit of Paul Newman. An individual who believes that we can all do more with less and be far happier because of it. A lover of endorphin highs, nature, CSA farming and good local beer.

Duke is currently Principal and Chief Architect of The Northstar Manifesto. A dynamic culture and leadership studio focused on cultivating and nurturing Bonfires with Soul…positive systemic change-makers who are out to transform the world and have a great time along the way. Duke fosters compelling strategy by sharing simple yet profound principles that speak to the art and heart of vibrant organizations. His unquenchable belief is that there is a new currency reframing our landscape (inspiration, compassion and empowerment) and that great ideas alone are not enough build a Bonfire with Soul.

Prior to creating The Northstar Manifesto, Duke spent almost twenty years playing, dreaming and observing. He was Chief Marketing Officer for Seventh Generation - voted Best Company on the Planet by Better World and the leader in corporate responsibility. In this role Duke was responsible for leading a gifted team focused on Brand - Product Innovation - Design - Communications - Corporate Responsibility and Consumer Insights. During his tenure they launched the most effective brand launch in the company’s twenty-year history.

While at NIKE (15+ years) Duke reveled in the profound journey and enjoyed a variety of senior executive leadership roles in Brand (VP NIKE Brand - Subsidiary], Product [VP Product Marketing] and Sales [Key Accounts]. His leadership experience at NIKE was instrumental in framing his core beliefs and principles around culture, the power of the human spirit and the artistry of insights. Upon his resignation his peers honored him with an award bestowed in his name, The Duke Stump Award - NIKE Bauer, presented annually to the individual and/or team that best exemplifies innovation, passion and inspiration.

Duke currently lives on a horse farm in an idyllic community in the seacoast of NH with his wonderful wife (who just happens to be his best friend), two amazing daughters, three horses, fourteen chickens and Caballito the wonder dog. Oh yeah, sheep are on the way.