Author. Strategist. Storyteller.
I write books that make you laugh, think, and stay up too late reading. I also help tech companies turn complex products into stories people actually remember.
These two worlds aren’t as different as they sound. Whether I’m crafting a thriller plot twist or a B2B brand narrative, the core skill is the same: making someone care about what happens next.
The Writing Life
Books That Keep You Up at Night
My debut memoir, Where to Nest, was published by Simon & Schuster and chronicles the absurdity of trying to find home in a world that won’t sit still. My thriller novella, Perfect Modern Wife, explores what happens when a marriage hides something darker than secrets.
I write across genres because I believe every story format teaches you something different about how humans make decisions — and that’s useful whether you’re writing for readers or for revenue.
The Strategy Side
13+ Years Making Tech Companies Sound Human
Before I published books, I spent over a decade inside tech companies learning what makes stories actually move people to act. As the content lead at DoorDash, I built narrative systems that drove measurable pipeline growth. I’ve worked with brands from Google and IBM to Series B startups, helping them find the human story inside their product story.
Today I work as a Fractional Narrative Strategist, embedding with teams to build brand voice architecture, executive thought leadership programs, and content engines that compound over time.
The Highlights
A Few Things About Me
Published author with Simon & Schuster. Former DoorDash content lead. 13+ years in brand storytelling for Google, IBM, and high-growth startups. Featured in The New York Times, BBC, Cosmopolitan, and more.
Trained actor and comedian (because understanding audience is everything). Lived on three continents. UCLA and University of Bristol alum. Believer that the best marketing doesn’t feel like marketing.
Let’s Connect
Whether you want to talk about books, brand stories, or both — I’d love to hear from you.
Kristen Van Nest 