Daniel J. Sarbacker, LEED AP and Certified Choice Architect, is a distinguished design, innovation, and customer experience (CX) leader with over 25 years of professional experience spanning industries such as financial services, health care, consumer packaged goods, and international sports. Known for his expertise in human-centered design, innovation strategy, product development, and new venture creation, Daniel’s career is marked by a commitment to fostering creativity, addressing complex challenges with systems thinking, and delivering transformative solutions.
Currently serving as a fractional Chief Customer Officer at a pair of startups in Madison, Wisconsin, Daniel spearheads initiatives to craft extraordinary customer experiences and innovative product development in financial software and ultra-luxury spirits. His leadership blends strategic vision with practical implementation, ensuring measurable outcomes and sustainable growth.
Daniel’s journey as a design leader is underscored by several synergistic activities that reflect his dedication to creating meaningful impact. He was a team sponsor and participant in the United Nations “Future of Peacekeeping” Design Competition (2020), where he guided a team to explore Futures Thinking and Speculative Design, culminating in a semi-finalist submission. This initiative showcased his leadership ability to merge creativity with strategic foresight to address global challenges.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Daniel was handpicked to join the Wisconsin COVID Coalition (2020–2021). Collaborating with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and other key stakeholders, he applied human-centered design principles to optimize testing, contact tracing, and vaccination strategies across all 72 Wisconsin counties and tribal communities. This impactful work demonstrated his agility and problem-solving prowess in public health and crisis management.
As an educator and mentor, Daniel has played a pivotal role in advancing design thinking and innovation. He co-developed and taught the MBA-level course “Design Thinking for Business” at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, equipping students with the tools and methodologies to solve real-world business challenges. His guest lectures across multiple disciplines—including Business, Engineering, and Human Ecology—continue to inspire the next generation of innovators.
Daniel’s contributions extend beyond the professional sphere into the realm of sports and community engagement. A former US National Team Hall of Fame athlete with the United States Australian Rules Football League (USAFL), he has spent over a decade in volunteer leadership roles, including head and assistant coaching for men’s and women’s national teams. Currently, as the Executive Director of the International Program, he oversees the strategic direction and growth of US teams for international competition, fostering excellence on and off the field.
A passionate mentor, Daniel has dedicated years to guiding aspiring designers and innovators, facilitating workshops, and presenting at symposiums on human-centered design and new product development. His mentorship has not only supported individual growth but also empowered organizations to launch and scale their innovation efforts.
Daniel’s academic foundation includes a Master of Business Administration from the Weinert Center for Entrepreneurial Management at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from Washington University in St. Louis. These credentials, combined with his LEED AP certification and designation as a Certified Choice Architect, highlight his multidisciplinary expertise and dedication to lifelong learning.
Internationally experienced, Daniel has worked in countries including Germany, Australia, Brazil, South Korea, Taiwan, and Central America, further enriching his global perspective and cultural adaptability. While his primary language is English, his ability to navigate diverse cultural and professional landscapes underscores his leadership in international collaborations.
Driven by a mission to bridge design, business, and technology, Daniel J. Sarbacker continues to lead with purpose, inspiring teams, transforming organizations, and delivering innovative solutions that redefine customer and user experiences. His visionary approach and unwavering commitment to excellence make him a sought-after leader and advisor in the CX, design, and innovation landscape.
Character: Daniel J. Sarbacker embodies integrity, adaptability, and a passion for fostering creativity and innovation in every endeavor.
Knowledge: With extensive expertise in human-centered design, innovation strategy, product development, and new venture creation, Daniel consistently delivers transformative solutions across industries.
Strategic: Daniel excels at aligning design, business, and technology to create forward-thinking strategies that drive measurable growth and impact.
Communication: A skilled communicator and mentor, Daniel effectively inspires and collaborates with diverse teams, stakeholders, and audiences to achieve shared goals.
