Where innovation meets intention.
We're reimagining what's possible.
.png)
We're not a typical consultancy. Think of us as an incubator for the future of work—
Where small businesses learn to scale with AI, students gain real-world experience, and innovation is grounded in intention.
Our mission is simple.
We're here to empower small businesses with accessible, human-centered AI strategies, and to equip the next generation of talent to design, build, and lead in an AI-driven world.
We're not a typical consultancy. Think of us as an incubator for the future of work—
Where small businesses learn to scale with AI, students gain real-world experience, and innovation is grounded in intention.
Our mission is simple.
We're here to empower small businesses with accessible, human-centered AI strategies, and to equip the next generation of talent to design, build, and lead in an AI-driven world.
Technology is only as powerful as the humans behind it, which is why education is the foundation of everything we do.
Our Story
At Ideate Forward, we help people think critically, act confidently, and lead with purpose, because innovation doesn’t start with technology, it starts with people.
After years in tech consulting, Dr. Abhimanyu (Abhi) Gupta discovered his deeper passion in academia: teaching others not just what to think, but how to think.
As an award-winning Saint Louis University professor and director of the MBA Data Practicum, he guided student teams in solving real business challenges through data analytics and design thinking—uncovering insights, asking smarter questions, and sparking real change.
Those projects revealed a larger truth: businesses valued data but struggled to move confidently into AI. They didn’t need bigger tools—they needed clearer strategy and human-centered guidance.
That gap became the foundation for Ideate Forward.
Today, Abhi helps small businesses and emerging talent use design thinking to recognize potential, drive transformation, and evolve as they grow—ensuring AI amplifies creativity, connection, and human potential.
Technology is only as powerful as the humans behind it, which is why education is the foundation of everything we do.
Our Story
At Ideate Forward, we help people think critically, act confidently, and lead with purpose, because innovation doesn’t start with technology, it starts with people.
After years in tech consulting, Dr. Abhimanyu (Abhi) Gupta discovered his deeper passion in academia: teaching others not just what to think, but how to think.
As an award-winning Saint Louis University professor and director of the MBA Data Practicum, he guided student teams in solving real business challenges through data analytics and design thinking—uncovering insights, asking smarter questions, and sparking real change.
Those projects revealed a larger truth: businesses valued data but struggled to move confidently into AI. They didn’t need bigger tools—they needed clearer strategy and human-centered guidance.
That gap became the foundation for Ideate Forward.
Today, Abhi helps small businesses and emerging talent use design thinking to recognize potential, drive transformation, and evolve as they grow—ensuring AI amplifies creativity, connection, and human potential.
Meet the Ideate Forward Team
Sam Zychinski
Director of Operations
Sam Zychinski is a St. Louis native and MBA candidate in Saint Louis University’s one-year program at the Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business. With a background in Entrepreneurship, Sam brings a well-rounded mix of experience in marketing, sales, business ownership, and data analytics. He’s driven by a strong competitive spirit and a clear goal of building a meaningful career in the business world. Always eager to learn, Sam is currently focused on sharpening his technical skills in workforce analytics and business tools like SAP and Excel. He’s excited to keep growing and to take on challenges in a fast-paced, high-performing environment.
Krista Carter
Director of Sales & Marketing
Krista Carter is a One-Year MBA student at Saint Louis University’s Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business. While pursuing her accelerated graduate program, she has worked part-time throughout her college career, demonstrating strong determination, discipline, and academic excellence. Krista is passionate about creating meaningful and memorable experiences for others and thrives in fast-paced, dynamic environments. With a clear goal of building a career in the hospitality industry, she is actively honing her professional and technical skills, positioning herself as a capable, driven, and people-focused leader in the business world.
Meet the Ideate Forward Team
Sam Zychinski
Director of Operations
Sam Zychinski is a St. Louis native and MBA candidate in Saint Louis University’s one-year program at the Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business. With a background in Entrepreneurship, Sam brings a well-rounded mix of experience in marketing, sales, business ownership, and data analytics. He’s driven by a strong competitive spirit and a clear goal of building a meaningful career in the business world. Always eager to learn, Sam is currently focused on sharpening his technical skills in workforce analytics and business tools like SAP and Excel. He’s excited to keep growing and to take on challenges in a fast-paced, high-performing environment.
Krista Carter
Director of Sales & Marketing
Krista Carter is a One-Year MBA student at Saint Louis University’s Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business. While pursuing her accelerated graduate program, she has worked part-time throughout her college career, demonstrating strong determination, discipline, and academic excellence. Krista is passionate about creating meaningful and memorable experiences for others and thrives in fast-paced, dynamic environments. With a clear goal of building a career in the hospitality industry, she is actively honing her professional and technical skills, positioning herself as a capable, driven, and people-focused leader in the business world.
How It Works & and Why It Works
How It Works
Each project pairs a consultant with a team of student analysts and ambassadors who collaborate directly with small businesses.
Together, they use design thinking and AI strategy to uncover opportunities, prototype solutions, and create practical roadmaps for growth.
Why Students?
Students bring fresh insight, curiosity, and creativity unshaped by convention.
Under mentorship from Dr. Abhimanyu Gupta, they apply classroom learning to real-world challenges—turning theory into action while giving businesses access to innovative, data-driven thinking at the fraction of a cost of big agencies and consultants.
Why It Works
Because it’s human-centered at every step.
Businesses gain clarity and tools to scale confidently. Students gain hands-on experience and professional readiness. And every project strengthens the bridge between education and innovation—ensuring technology serves people, not the other way around.
Want to learn more?
How It Works
Each project pairs a consultant with a team of student analysts and ambassadors who collaborate directly with small businesses.
Together, they use design thinking and AI strategy to uncover opportunities, prototype solutions, and create practical roadmaps for growth.
Why Students?
Students bring fresh insight, curiosity, and creativity unshaped by convention.
Under mentorship from Dr. Abhimanyu Gupta, they apply classroom learning to real-world challenges—turning theory into action while giving businesses access to innovative, data-driven thinking at the fraction of a cost of big agencies and consultants.
Why It Works
Because it’s human-centered at every step.
Businesses gain clarity and tools to scale confidently. Students gain hands-on experience and professional readiness. And every project strengthens the bridge between education and innovation—ensuring technology serves people, not the other way around.