About Us

Since 2019, our team has collaborated with organizations nationally to design and implement systems that determine and enhance how ​effectively their work actually functions.

Our perspective is distinct, with solutions informed by the intersection of human behavior and organizational performance​. This lens allows us to move beyond surface-level culture work and address the underlying (and often unconscious) systems that shape retention, accountability, innovation, and ​scalable growth.

We evaluate our work through clear organizational shifts, including:

  • Changes in manager behavior and consistency

  • Increased clarity in expectations and decision-making

  • Improvements in early retention and employee stability

  • Reduced friction, escalation, and misalignment

  • Stronger alignment between strategy and daily execution

Behind this approach is a team of experienced practitioners whose diverse expertise allows us to design solutions that are not only informed by theory, but proven in practice across organizational contexts.

Our Team

  • Mike O'Bryan

    Founder + CEO

    Michael O’Bryan is an acclaimed workforce thought leader who guides humanature’s work in helping organizations strengthen leadership systems, improve retention, and design more effective workplaces. His approach integrates organizational strategy, human behavior, and economic mobility. He is also the founder of The Wealth + Work Futures Lab, which explores the future of work, asset building, and life-sustaining income. His work​ and research informs how humanature supports organizations in building workplaces that are both high-performing​, sustainable​, and mission-oriented.

  • Austin Planer

    Chief Operating Officer

    Austin Planer supports humanature’s work through operations, consulting, and facilitation. As Chief Operating Officer, Austin works across projects to coordinate timelines, deliverables, and internal systems, helping teams and partners move work forward with clarity and care. In addition, Austin contributes to the design and facilitation of workshops and collaborative processes. Their work is dedicated to fostering democratic, cooperative spaces at the intersection of stakeholder engagement, systems change, and human development, supporting groups as they navigate strategy, learning, and collective decision-making.

  • Kevin Carter

    Employee Wellness Lead

    Kevin Carter brings over 30 years of experience in psychotherapy, trauma-informed practice, and behavioral health to humanature’s work. He supports organizations by integrating mental health insights into leadership and workplace systems.​In his work, Kevin collaborates across disciplines including public health, design, and media​ to ensure that organizational strategies account for real human capacity, helping clients build environments where employees can perform consistently over time.

  • Alicia Atkinson

    Research + Evaluation Lead

    Alicia Atkinson leads research and evaluation at humanature, ensuring that client engagements are grounded in evidence and produce measurable results. She specializes in translating complex systems into actionable insights that inform strategy and implementation.​ Alicia brings deep expertise in economic and workforce systems. Her work strengthens humanature’s ability to define success, track progress, and demonstrate impact across client engagements.  

  • Rian Watkins

    Creative Director

    Rian Watkins leads creative direction at humanature, translating complex organizational challenges into clear, actionable design solutions. His work supports clients in communicating strategy, aligning teams, and driving engagement through intentional design​. With a background in visual storytelling and brand development, Rian ensures that humanature’s work is not only effective, but also accessible and implementable across teams.

  • TJ Dean

    Media Fellowship Program Director

    TJ Dean​ specializes in developing emerging talent and supports workforce development initiatives aligned with humanature’s mission. His background in education and youth development informs how the organization designs pathways for early-career growth and long-term opportunity.​ TJ’s work strengthens humanature’s ability to support organizations investing in future talent pipelines and workforce sustainability.

  • Kyron Ryals

    Media Specialist

    Kyron Ryals brings nearly two decades of experience in branding, media production, and project management. At humanature, he supports clients in executing high-quality communications and ​m​edia strategies that align with organizational goals. Through his mentorship model and prior work leading creative teams, Kyron contributes to humanature’s ability to deliver work that is both strategically sound and ​v​isually effective.

  • Nyah Anderson

    Operations Associate

    Nyah Anderson is a multidisciplinary artist, researcher, and creative strategist exploring the intersections of story, wellness, and community. A graduate of NYU Tisch with studies in music and mental health, she grounds her work in emotional and social awareness. Her work explores how storytelling and design can nurture healing and connection across disciplines

  • Larissa Lucas

    Design Associate

    Larissa Lucas is a professional graphic designer and amateur archivist with a lifelong passion for visual storytelling. Designing since age 11 (thanks to a little help from YouTube), she creates art that informs, educates, and inspires.

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