Suggestions
Cynthia Kurtz
Researcher, writer, consultant in organizational and community narrative
Cynthia Kurtz is a multifaceted professional known for her work in Participatory Narrative Inquiry (PNI), where she focuses on helping organizations and communities utilize storytelling to address complex challenges. She is the owner of her consultancy, Cynthia Kurtz, and has developed tools like NarraFirma, which supports narrative work on intricate topics. Her background includes a blend of biology and programming, which she transitioned into after an injury led her away from fieldwork. This unique combination has allowed her to explore the intersection of complexity, storytelling, and social dynamics effectively.124
Throughout her career, Kurtz has held various roles, including significant positions at IBM, where she contributed to understanding complexity and organizational storytelling. Her work emphasizes practical applications of narrative techniques to foster community engagement and organizational learning.13 Additionally, she has been recognized for her contributions to the field through mentorship and educational resources that make her insights accessible to a broader audience.1
Kurtz's commitment to open-source tools reflects her dedication to collaborative learning and community building, making her a notable figure in the realms of organizational development and narrative inquiry.12