Leopard Spotlight: Ben Granlund ’08, MARC ’09

Some careers follow a straight line. Others, like Ben Granlund ’08, MARC ‘09, carve a path through creativity, reinvention, and bold experimentation. Ben shared with Wentworth insights into his journey and reflected on navigating burnout, balancing multiple passions, and redefining success on his own terms. Ben’s story is a testament to the power of curiosity, resilience, and following what excites you—even if it means building the road as you go. 

What path did you take after graduation and what was the most valuable lesson you learned during your transition from student to professional? What inspired you to pursue your field of study or career path? 

My path has been a bit unconventional. After earning my master’s in architecture in 2009, I worked seasonally in construction while exploring what I truly wanted to do. During the off-season, I did graphic design for a small behavioral design agency. I eventually started my own drafting and design business in Kona, Hawaii, and later joined a high-end residential architecture firm in Boulder, Colorado where I learned how thoughtful, site-specific design can shape the way people live. After that, I took an intentional break from architecture and partnered with the owner of The Lantern Group, the agency I had done graphics for, to grow the B2B side of the company. That’s when we realized there was a gap in accessible, practical tools to help people create lasting behavior change. Kurt, my business partner, is a behavioral scientist, and I’m a designer – the combination sparked the creation of Behavior/Shift, a company dedicated to helping people pursue meaningful change. 

To keep my love for architecture alive, I also started Alpenglow Creative, a one-person residential design studio where I take on projects that inspire me. I find inspiration in nature, books, challenges, and exploring how things can be made better. The most valuable lesson I’ve learned through it all is to go with the flow – some things work, some don’t, and both outcomes teach you something worthwhile. 

What is one pivotal moment or experience that shaped your professional life? 

Burnout. About ten years ago, I hit a wall. Hard. I had been saying yes to everything and pushing nonstop for years. Eventually, it caught up to me. That experience forced me to pause and really evaluate what I wanted my life to look like. It made me realize that success isn’t just about professional achievement, it’s about balance, fulfillment, and being intentional with your time and energy. Hitting that wall, as difficult as it was, helped me recalibrate and align my work with my values. I don’t think I’d have learned that lesson without going through it. 

How did your time at Wentworth influence who you are today? 

Wentworth had a major impact on my life and how I think. The hands-on, applied approach to education was invaluable. It taught me not just how to design, but also how to think critically, solve problems creatively, and approach challenges with both an artist’s and a builder’s mindset. That foundation has proven endlessly valuable and carried through everything I’ve done since, whether in architecture, business, or behavioral design. 

What challenges have you faced and how did you overcome them? 

Balancing multiple creative pursuits with personal life goals has always been a challenge for me. I love architecture, design, business, and generating new ideas, but trying to do it all at once can feel overwhelming. I also value turning off work, traveling, and seeking adventures – but maintaining that duality isn’t always easy. 

Early in my career, I thought I had to choose one clear path to be successful, and that personal goals had to come at the expense of professional ones. I often struggled with imposter syndrome, questioning whether I was “qualified” to step into new endeavors outside my comfort zone. What I’ve learned is that balance doesn’t always mean equal – it means being intentional. The critical thinking skills cultivated through design can take you farther than you realize, and stepping out of your comfort zone is often where growth happens. I still don’t have it fully figured out, but I’m getting there. Taking those leaps has made my work feel more aligned, purposeful, and fulfilling than ever. 

What advice would you give to students or recent graduates entering your industry? 

Try it. Seriously – just try it. It’s easy to get caught up in finding the “right” path, but the best way to figure out what you love is to get your hands dirty and experiment. Take risks, say yes to opportunities that scare you a little, and don’t be afraid to pivot. Every experience – whether it works out or not – teaches you something that shapes where you’ll go next. 

What are you most proud of—professionally or personally—since graduating? 

Professionally, I’m incredibly proud of starting Behavior/Shift. It has opened so many doors and allowed me to combine design, science, and storytelling in ways I never expected. It really lets me run wild with my creative ideas – which is just so fun. Right now, we’re publishing a children’s book that teaches kids how to form positive habits using the Habit Loop Theory by Charles Duhigg. It’s being written by our team, illustrated by my mom, and colored using my one-year-old daughter’s finger paintings. How cool is that? On the other end of the spectrum, we are developing a science-heavy behaviorally informed leadership training series. Those two things seem so wildly different at first, but because of the way we have structured Behavior/Shift, it works! A close second is seeing the recent completion of a custom home I designed in Telluride, Colorado – an absolute dream come true. 

Personally, I’m most proud of becoming a dad. Watching my daughter grow, explore, and learn has been the most meaningful and inspiring experience of my life. 

Is there anything else you would like to share? 

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that your career – and your life – don’t have to be linear to be meaningful. Go forward, go back, go left, go right. Adapt and see where it takes you. The best paths are often the ones you build yourself, piece by piece, as you follow what excites you and stay open to change. 

 
Every story leaves a unique mark. If you would like to be featured in a spot, send us a note at alumni@wit.edu and a member of our team will follow up with you.