Karen Tilstra

“I want to live in a world where work is fast, people are free, and chocolate is devoid of calories, but until that happens I’m focused on helping leaders from all walks develop their inner wellspring of Creativity.” - Karen Tilstra, PhD

Dr. Karen Tilstra is the founder & President of the Creativity Effect. Over the past 10 years, she has created innovation labs and developed Design Thinking teams for healthcare systems, government agencies, universities, and Fortune 500 companies.

Karen designed the nation’s first design thinking innovation lab in healthcare, professional sports, and county government. She co-designed the nation’s first undergraduate degree in Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. She is the co-creator of the Orchard Model of Innovation. She has served as a Faculty member for universities in the USA and Asia. She is a visiting professor at AdventHealth University and served as an Executive Fellow for Innovation at Santa Clara University from 2015 -2020. She served on Innovation Advisory boards both in the USA and Europe.

Twice Karen has presented at TEDx and spoken nationally and internationally. Karen and her team have facilitated more than 610 Design Thinking projects for over 37 national & International companies winning them three innovation awards.

Karen is a licensed Educational Psychologist and holds a Ph.D. in Creative Leadership. A native Californian, Karen has authored two books. The Deathline,(2022) and, 101 Ways to Ignite Collaboration, Boost Creativity and Fuel Innovation (2023)

Karen co-wrote a screenplay with her filmmaker son. Currently, Karen lives in Florida with her artist husband. They enjoy rustling up yearly “Art & Creativity Tours.” And they are rejoicing that their 3 sons have successfully launched.