Driving Award-Winning Creativity at Scale
Doug Belding’s leadership at SweetRush redefined what’s possible in learning, branding, and immersive digital experiences proving the value of a Fractional CCO for organizations seeking transformational creative strategy.
Overview
Scope: Global creative leadership across eLearning, gamification, UX/UI, brand strategy, AI integration
Notable Clients: Google, Amazon, Mondelez, Capgemini, American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association
83+ Brandon Hall GOLD Awards, 5 Chief Learning Officer (CLO) Gold Awards, “Learning Provider of the Year,” #1 in Virtual Training
The Challenge
SweetRush, a top-tier learning and development studio, partners with global enterprises to deliver innovative training, brand, and digital solutions.
To remain the industry’s most decorated content developer, SweetRush needed creative leadership that could:
Inspire multidisciplinary teams around the world.
Push the boundaries of immersive learning and brand storytelling.
Consistently deliver award-winning results for Fortune 500 clients.
Doug’s Role
Doug operated as Creative Consultant and Fractional CCO across a wide range of global initiatives.
Key contributions:
End-to-End Creative Strategy – built and led teams in UX, 2D/3D design, motion graphics, and gamification to deliver cutting-edge learning and brand solutions.
Storytelling + AI-Driven Insights – merged narrative design with data to craft experiences that were visually striking and performance-oriented.
Client Partnership at the C-Suite Level – collaborated directly with senior executives at Google, Capgemini, Amazon, and more to align creative strategy with business goals.
Culture & Talent Development – fostered a thriving creative culture, mentoring designers and ensuring a pipeline of innovation.
Awards & Recognition
Doug’s leadership helped SweetRush earn a trophy case of industry honors, including:
Connected Manager Program – Capgemini
Gold: Best Advance in Leadership Development
Gold: Best Unique or Innovative Leadership Program
Gold: Best Use of Blended Learning
Gold: Best Use of Social/Collaborative Learning
Silver: Best Unique or Innovative L&D Program
Know Diabetes by Heart™ – American Diabetes Association & American Heart Association
Gold & Bronze: Best Advance in Competencies and Skill Development
Gold: Best Association Professional Development Program
AAUW Work Smart Online
Gold: Best Unique or Innovative L&D Program
Silver: Best Use of Mobile Learning
Gold: HCM Citizenship Award
…and more, contributing to 83+ Brandon Hall Gold Awards and multiple CLO Learning in Practice Gold Awards during his tenure.
The Outcome
Under Doug’s creative direction, SweetRush consistently delivered:
Top-tier recognition — Learning Provider of the Year and seven-year streak in the Top 20 Content Developers.
Unmatched innovation — pioneering immersive tech, gamification, and AI-enhanced learning long before competitors.
Client success stories — transformative programs for Google, Mondelez, Amazon, Capgemini, American Diabetes Association, and others.
Client Perspective
“Doug elevated every project with a rare blend of strategic insight and creative boldness.
His leadership helped us achieve record-breaking awards and client impact.”