I help teams spend less time on busywork and more on what matters.
My path has been anything but straight: retail leadership, UX design, teaching, and now AI and automation. Each step taught me the same lesson: tools only help when they're designed around the people using them.
Learning how teams really work
I started in retail, first running a store and then a district of three. Long before I worked with software, I learned that a new process only works when the people doing it believe in it.
Falling for design
Design gave me a way to solve those people problems on purpose. At Intrend Design Studio and the Otter Student Union, I used user-centered design to make complex things feel simple.
Teaching it to others
Teaching at CSU Monterey Bay, and earning my master's in Instructional Design, showed me how people actually learn new tools: by doing, with clear steps and patient support.
Putting AI to work
Today I bring it all together, automating workflows in Power Automate and helping teams adopt AI in a way that's practical, safe and human.
Tap a role to see what I did there.
2024 – PresentBusiness Development Manager (SaaS)Central Coast Energy Services
- Lead AI implementation and workflow automation with Microsoft Power Automate
- Manage SaaS services and analyze customer needs
- Develop and test solutions with the team, including written materials for agency integration
2018 – PresentFreelance IT ConsultantSelf-employed
- Network management, troubleshooting and upgrades for clients
- Coordinate IT projects with client teams
2023 – 2024InstructorCalifornia State University, Monterey Bay
- Taught Photoshop, Illustrator, composition, color theory and typography
- Hands-on and one-on-one support for students
2021 – 2024Graphic DesignerOtter Student Union, CSUMB
- Designed print and digital projects
- Planned social media marketing campaigns
2020 – 2024Product Design Manager & MarketingIntrend Design Studio
- Led design projects using user-centered design and design thinking
- Managed and mentored a team of designers
2017 – 2020District ManagerDesigned Inc.
- Supervised three locations
- Set pricing structures to reach profit targets and improved operations
2014 – 2017Store ManagerDesigned Inc.
- Built sales strategy and coached the sales team
- Resolved client issues
⚡Automation & AI
🎨Design
🎓Teaching
💼Business
Curious which AI tools I recommend? See the AI tools directory →
M.S. Instructional Design and Technology
California State University, Monterey Bay
B.S. Visual Design / Communication Design
California State University, Monterey Bay
How I work
- Understand
- Research
- Analyze
- Design
- Launch
- Monitor
The same human-centered process from UX design, applied to AI. Read about it →
Let's build your first workflow.
I'd love to hear what's slowing your team down. — Carlos
Tell me about the task that slows your team down most. We'll find out together if AI and automation can take it off your plate.