Hi! I’m Katie!

Educator, Speaker, Author, and CEO

If you’re a leader feeling stuck in survival mode—constantly reacting, juggling chaos, and wondering why deeper thinking and real engagement feel harder than ever—you’re not alone. Katie Trowbridge has been there too. She’s worn the heels of a marketing manager, the flats of a teacher, and now the boots of a CEO on a mission to reimagine how we lead, learn, and connect.

Katie started her career climbing the corporate marketing ladder, armed with ambition and two master’s degrees. But after too many soul-sucking meetings and surface-level wins, she realized something was missing. She pivoted into education—and found it: fearless curiosity, real connection, and courageous thinking.

Today, Katie is the author of several books, the creator of the CREATE Method, and a national speaker known for turning complexity into clear, actionable strategies.

She brings the wisdom of exceptional educators into boardrooms, conference stages, and leadership retreats across the country—equipping leaders to think harder, care more, and build cultures where creativity and critical thinking thrive.

If your team feels stuck, burned out, or just going through the motions, Katie’s here to help you lead like a great teacher: with purpose, creativity, empathy, and fearless curiosity—so your people, and your impact, can grow.

Sharing the wisdom of exceptional educators to ignite leadership breakthroughs.

Download Katie’s Media Kit

What if the real crisis in education isn’t apathy—but disconnection?

In this inspiring and thought-provoking talk, educator and speaker Katie challenges the way we think about learning. Through personal stories and classroom experiences, she reveals how today’s education system has stifled curiosity, creativity, and deep thinking—leaving students disengaged and unprepared for the future.

As Seen On

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Keynote speaking to help rethink creativity

Keynote speaking that helps teachers reengage their students, improve academic performance and reduce absenteeism in their classes.

“Katie’s session was not only eye-opening but truly inspiring. The way she framed creativity, thinking, and learning sparked meaningful reflection and dialogue, and I know it left a lasting impression on everyone in the session. The resources she shared—The CREATE Method and the guide on deeper thinking were excellent tools to continue exploring approaches to design, learning and leadership.”

Evrim Baran
Professor & Helen LeBaron Hilton Chair
School of Education, College of Health and Human Sciences
Affiliate Faculty - Human Computer Interaction (HCI)
Iowa State University

“The different action slides and ideas for how to evaluate and hold teams accountable”

- Event Attendee

“Love her talks! Great information that is able to be implemented.”

- Event Attendee

“Great actionable information!”

- Event Attendee

“Very insightful, relevant, and inspiring”

- Event Attendee

“Super engaging, tangible easy-to-implement ideas and strategies!”

- Event Attendee

“There are a variety of ideas introduced to facilitate productive teams in a school.”

- Event Attendee

“Enlightening. I will take things into my organization with me. CREATE will take time to implement, but it will be worth it!!”

- Event Attendee

“It is a session that allows you to tap into to the critical thinking skills of your students and build greater confidence and capacity in your organization.”

- Event Attendee

“Practical and applicable advice that can be immediately understood and able to be applied. Great and engaging information and session!”

- Event Attendee

"What a great presentation. Thank you so much for sharing this valuable information. I will be changing my current curriculum to reflect your ideas."

- English Teacher
Naperville School District 203

"I attended your PD session last week and it was AWESOME. Changed my whole trimester in one session! I've been telling everyone I know!"

- 7th Grade Language Arts & Reading
West Chicago

"Thank you so much for your wonderful presentation. I have been telling all my colleagues about it at LT as one of the best presentations I've been to."

- English Teacher
Lyons Township High School

"Once I started this program, I learned that creativity is so much more than just art. The Creative Thinking Network is so beneficial, being able to hear how other guest speakers are using creativity. It allows me to just be able to continue to incorporate ideas into our program."

-Bethany B

Many students expressed interest in the more creative aspect of their learning experience, indicating a shift towards a facilitator role and increased communication. Students are more engaged and motivated, with better performance in previous standards taught using the CREATE method. The CREATE method has been tested on various standards, revealing a difference in their long-term knowledge compared to their short-term knowledge. When students are encouraged to think critically it leads to better self-learning.

-Katie B

"The CREATE Method can be weaved into any curriculum. What I appreciate about the CREATE method is that it's not just a one-time activity. It has activities, but it's an ongoing routine. When you implement it with well-researched intentions, it acts as a layer atop your existing framework/curriculum, effectively reshaping it to foster curiosity and creative thinking."

-Dr. Kathy Kipp

Katie was excellent! Kept us engaged and provided information that could be immediately applied in multiple learning situations.Katie was excellent! Kept us engaged and provided information that could be immediately applied in multiple learning situations.

Attendee Feedback

New Book by Dr. Katie Trowbridge

Lead Boldly

Think Deeply

What Courageous Leaders Can Learn from Great Teachers.

Lead Like a Teacher—and Build Teams That Think, Engage, and Solve Problems