Kristen McLean: From Chemical Engineer to Visual Note-taker
How does one pivot from a career in engineering to creative business owner?
JOIN US for the Think Visual Meetup Houston on Friday, November 7th, 2025.
TIME: November 7, 2025 from 10:30am-12:00pm
LOCATION: The Ion, 4201 Main Street Houston, TX 77002
HOSTS: Impact Hub Houston & Alphachimp, LLC
Think Visual Meetups are monthly in-person events for professionals in any industry looking to expand their visual communication toolkit and be inspired by meaningful stories about the power of creativity and visual storytelling.
OUR SPEAKER: After several years as a chemical engineer, Houston native Kristen McLean decided to make a career pivot to visual note-taking.
As a visual notetaker driving innovation, she illustrates concepts and key ideas for better communication using a digital tablet, large paper, or foam core.
Most recently, her visual note-taking was used to support speakers and panels at Houston Energy and Climate Week as well as the Center for Houston's Future. She will be answering questions such as:
How does one pivot from a career in engineering to a creative business owner?
How did visual thinking inform her early life and professional development?
What are the different styles, examples, tips, and tools for visual thinking?
SUGGESTED MATERIALS
Some drawing materials are provided, so bring a sketchbook, iPad, or other drawing tools to capture ideas and make them visual as well!
Think Visual Meetups are monthly in-person events that were started in Sydney, Australia, by Alan Chen & Diana Ayoub of Sh8peshifters.
Working with other Visual Thinkers in Australia, India, Norway, Kenya, and Houston, Think Visual! Community is truly an international collaboration.
Perfect for community organizers, consultants, facilitators, educators, counselors, artists, healthcare providers, and anyone who works with people to understand complex systems and make an impact.
