Connection
is a Super
Power.
Yes, it’s a real human here, tested and iterated by life and every wrong turn I have taken.
No matter how hard-core professional one is expected to be, I always try to find the unpolished, real human connection.
Radical Creative,
25+ years of experience in design & storytelling. MA. Neuroscience-informed designer. Novelist. Scriptwriter. Independent Artist.
PhD-to-be. Foodie. Beginner windsurfer (bad). Mother. Works with crazy Finnish sisu*. Science geek.
In an era of AI, we need to stay fiercely human-to-human. That’s why I chose a real-life photo — not a polished studio shot with perfect lights or filters.
(I’m suspicious of perfection.)
As you might see on (below), I’m not 25. But I do have 25+ years of experience design, arts and storytelling.
Vulnerability is the new Super Power
I’ve been fortunate to work with brands like Cosmopolitan, Jeep, Swatch, Finnish Broadcasting Company, and they all have taught me a lot.
I don’t believe in “personal branding”. I believe in authenticity and mess. That’s where the true connection is.
Tim Chang, a top Silicon Valley VC has said: “Vulnerability is the new Super Power”, and instantly became my super hero. Also, Dr. Brené Brown, a super researcher (also my hero), says true belonging isn’t fitting in.
My “why” has a painful history
I unexpectedly lost my mother when I was 24. After that I got interested wellbeing and the science of it.
The brain is not only far more complex but also far more genius than we in our little know-it-all-minds can comprehend. Understanding our neuroresponses in different settings, we can support our well-being in personal, organizational, societal and planetary level. Full stop.
I’m pretty determined with this. Also, I come from Finland. Crazy Finnish Sisu* is in my factory setting.
Connection is our most precious thing we have.
Without human connection to each other, we have nothing. I’m serious. We’d have some 0’s and 1’s, and that’s it.
If this resonates, I’d love to hear from you. Write, come as you are.
Ingacassidy@outlook.com
Inga Cassidy
*Sisu (see'-soo), noun
stoic determination & persistence, tenacity of purpose, grit, bravery, resilience, and hardiness
*Sisu a uniquely Finnish form of stoic (radical!) resilience – grit, quiet courage, and unwavering determination when the odds are stacked wildly against you.
Some reviews of my novels
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"... J.K. Rowling-level storytellers."
Aamulehti, leading Finnish newspaper
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"...serious themes are softened with dark humor..."
Kaleva, leading Finnish newspaper
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"...masters her style and writes well."
Turun Sanomat, leading Finnish newspaper
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"...a therapeutic reading experience."
Helsingin Sanomat, Finland’s largest newspaper
Everything is storytelling. As species, creativity is our super power. Stories, art, design. A real, human connection.
Without stories we would just be baboons in suits, as Harvard-trained sociologist Martha Beck, PhD has said. (I love her.)
I design for the absolute love for it, but only for humans, not against them.
Degrees
Master of Arts, Design Thinking & Service Design 2025, Thesis: Neurodesign – At The Intersection of Neuroscience and Design through Theory Driven Content Analysis (grade 5, Excellent), EQF Level 7
Master of Arts, Art & Culture Production 2025, Thesis: Festival visitor experience reflecting design thinking methods – Case study: The Irish Festival of Oulu (4, grade very good), EQF Level 7
Bachelor’s Degree, Media & Scriptwriting 2022, Thesis: The Premises of Sitcom – Case Study: Episode of Friends, (4, grade very good), EQF Level 6
Degree in Graphic Design 1998, Studies included: Graphic Designing Studies in Barnet College, London, UK, EQF Level 5/6, 1998
Art Work
Published Children’s books & fiction
Kohti, Tammi Publishers, 2005
Oiva, Tammi Publishers, 2011
Adult Fiction Books
Hippiäinen, Tammi Publishers, 2015
Unisammakko, Tammi Publishers, 2026
Film & Television
17-episode series, scriptwriter, Finnish Broadcasting Company
Branding & audience engagement, scriptwriting, Finnish Broadcasting Company
Films, scriptwriting & concept designing, The Irish Festival of Oulu
Curated Reviews Art & Lit
"...is a great example that Finland has its own J.K. Rowling-level storytellers."
– Aamulehti
"…masters her style and writes well." – Turun Sanomat
"...a therapeutic reading experience." – Helsingin Sanomat
Research
Neurodesign – At the Intersection of Neuroscience and Design through Theory-Driven Content Analysis | MA | Grade: 5 (Excellent)
Festival visitor experience reflecting design thinking methods – Case study: The Irish Festival of Oulu | MA
The Premises of Sitcom – Case Study: Episode of Friends | BA
Curated academic feedback
…”groundbreaking research…”
– Professor, University of Eastern Finland
“…the research topic is timely and forward-looking, addressing complex intersections.”…”work is of an excellent standard.”
– Dean, Faculty of Arts, University of Lapland
Grants And Scholarships (Art Grants)
Finnish Writers’ Union: Art Grants (2022, 2020, 2 × 2017)
https://kirjailijaliitto.fi/the-union-of-finnish-writers/
Arts Promotion Centre Finland: Art Grants (2022, 2 × 2021, 2 × 2020, 2018, 2013)
https://www.taike.fi/en
City of Oulu: Art Grant, (2016)
Finnish Cultural Foundation: Art Grant (2006)
www.skr.fi/en
Arts Council of Finland: Art Grant (2006)
https://www.taike.fi/en
Independent journalist stuff
Helsingin Sanomat, MeNaiset, dozen other magazines
Radical Learning & Stuff
In the end, what really matters is our connection to each other.
Drop me a line, I’d love to hear from you. ingacassidy@outlook.com
it's the real stuff
our weird cracks and crumbs & stories that connect us.
→ Learn what is neurodesign
→ See curated work
→ See published novels & films
→ See my ethics & values