Cynthia Kurtz

Cynthia Kurtz is a multifaceted professional with a rich background in research, writing, and narrative work. Here's a comprehensive overview of her professional profile:

Professional Background

Academic Foundation: Kurtz holds a strong academic background in science, with:

• M.A. in Ecology and Evolution from Stony Brook University
• B.S. in Biology from PennWest Clarion1

Professional Expertise

Narrative and Organizational Work: Kurtz is a renowned researcher, writer, and consultant specializing in organizational and community narrative. She is the creator of Participatory Narrative Inquiry (PNI), an approach that focuses on:

• Collecting diverse perspectives and experiences
• Discovering and making sense of narrative patterns
• Supporting decision-making processes13

Key Professional Highlights:

• Owner of her own consulting practice since January 20011
• Worked at IBM Research in the Knowledge Socialization group4
• Helped establish the IBM Cynefin Center4
• Authored the influential book Working with Stories in Your Community or Organization13

Notable Contributions

Professional Experience: Kurtz has worked with numerous organizations, including:

• IBM
• Forest Service of British Columbia
• Environment Canada
• Coca-Cola
• Sloan-Kettering Memorial Cancer Center
• US DARPA
• Singapore Police Force4

Software Development:

• Co-created NarraFirma, an open-source software for narrative work2
• Developed tools for story gathering and pattern discovery2

Recent Work

Recent Publications:

• Working with Stories (third edition)
• Confluence (published in 2021)45

Kurtz continues to be a prominent figure in narrative research, helping organizations and communities understand complex challenges through storytelling and collaborative sensemaking.23