Entrepreneurial Mindset
I bring a founder's agility to corporate environments, finding creative solutions that accelerate time to market without sacrificing quality.
Some projects need a strategist. Others need someone who can open Figma and just fix it. I do both.
I am Mike. I have spent 30 years leading product design and digital strategy for organizations like Rogers, Manulife, and CPP Investments. I work best alongside capable directors who simply need one calm, experienced person in their corner without the overhead of a full hire.
If your project is stuck or just needs a clearer direction, let's talk. I am currently available for remote and hybrid engagements.


I did not follow a traditional path. I started in my high school media lab, taught myself to design and code, and built my first web company in the 1990s. Since then, I have spent 30 years helping organizations like Rogers Bank and Manulife turn complicated workflows into elegant digital products. I built and ran a 12-person digital agency to deliver multi-million-dollar projects. That founder journey taught me how to take a high-level executive vision and actually execute the final product.
Corporate environments are full of internal politics. I provide a completely different experience. I have the strategic background to see the entire playing field, and the calm, empathetic approach to help you navigate it. I bring an unbiased perspective to untangle roadblocks and resolve internal conflicts. I act as a trusted sounding board and an objective outlet. Sometimes I am a design leader navigating strict banking compliance. Other times I am a low-rent therapist helping you vent about corporate bottlenecks.
I do not deliver fluff, unless it is my dog, Ryder. I grew his Instagram community to over 100,000 followers and secured commercial deals with global brands like Netflix and Dyson. That hands-on experience gives me real-world insight into audience engagement and authentic storytelling.
I will work hard to untangle your digital ecosystem, and we will actually have some fun doing it.
Let's create experiences that matter.
A little bit more about meI bring a founder's agility to corporate environments, finding creative solutions that accelerate time to market without sacrificing quality.
My expertise spans UX strategy, product design, and front-end development, providing a holistic understanding of the entire product lifecycle.
I excel at transforming convoluted problems and dense regulatory requirements into intuitive, scalable, and human-centered solutions.
I'm always open to discussing new opportunities or collaborating on interesting projects. Feel free to get in touch.
Email:
mikeh@mikeh.comPhone:
+1-416-845-2583LinkedIn:
/in/mikehyttinenMy Agency:
www.sprucepop.com