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Susan Robertson

Change Agent, Creative Thinking Expert & Harvard Instructor

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Biography

Susan Robertson empowers individuals, teams, and organizations to more nimbly respond to change, by transforming thinking from “why we can’t” to “how might we?” Read More >

An expert on innovation and the power of human creativity, Susan Robertson helps audiences activate innovation throughout the organization. Highlights include: Read Less ^

Acclaimed Thought-Leader. As an instructor in Harvard’s Professional Development Program, Susan teaches applied human creativity and innovation.
Battle-tested Consultant. Susan works with clients such as Kellogg’s, New York Presbyterian University Hospital, Pepsico, Tufts Health Plan, Clorox, Bank of America, Georgia Pacific, Kashi, Novartis, and The American Association of Cardiologists -- to sharpen their strategic creativity and produce real, tangible results.
Proven Innovator. Susan managed new product development for Fortune 500 companies like Pepsico, Glaxo Smith Kline, Hasbro, and Fruit of the Loom for 15 years prior to her consulting career.
Research Geek. Susan has a passion for leveraging the neuroscience of creative thinking to make the learning and behavior change “stick”. She also helps clients navigate the inherent conflict between individual creativity and institutional barriers, to drive real organizational progress.
Performing Artist. On stages around the globe, Susan inspires audiences to action as a highly sought-after keynote speaker. She delivers energizing and practical insights to fuel change, ignite progress, enhance employee engagement, and drive meaningful impact. She helps audiences sharpen their creativity through rich storytelling, interactive engagement, and a commitment to elevating results.

Speaker Videos

Speaker Reel

Secrets of Visionary Thinkers

CBS News

Reconnecting with Childhood Creativity

Negativity Bias

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Speech Topics

THE SECRETS OF VISIONARY THINKERS: Living in Possibility

We tend to believe that famous visionary leaders have some elusive quality that the rest of us don’t have. Here’s the secret — they don’t. They’ve simply cracked the code on how to consistently live in possibility, instead of living in obstacle. They’ve learned to transform their thinking from “why we can’t” to “how might we…?” Read More >

In this inspiring and interactive session, innovation & change expert Susan Robertson draws on three decades of experience and cutting-edge brain science. She’ll reveal the secrets of how to be a more visionary thinker; to change your mind, change your work, and change your life. Participants will learn to remove barriers and cultivate courage, to unleash a world of visionary possibility. They’ll return to the job with a new leadership vision, a new way of thinking, and the inspiration to tackle challenges -- and seize opportunities -- in new ways. Read Less ^

BANNING THE “YES, BUT…”: Cultivating Imagination to Drive More Agile Problem-Solving

Too often, incredible ideas are prematurely killed when well-intentioned colleagues become the self-appointed “idea police,” pointing out all the shortcomings of an initial concept. In this energizing session, Susan Robertson draws on the core principles of improv to help audiences harness - rather than restrict - imagination. Participants will learn specific, practical, and powerful skills that can be used to liberate creativity and innovation, driving growth and transformation. Read More >

From 30 years of practical experience and the most recent brain science research, this engaging presentation will help your entire organization become more innovative, agile, and inspired problem-solvers. Participants will learn to conquer creative barriers and emerge with improved creative thinking skills to drive sustainable results. Read Less ^

A CULTURE OF CURIOSITY: The Neuroscience Brain Hack that will Transform your Organizational Culture

Most leaders agree that building a culture of innovation is critical to long-term growth, yet few have a systematic approach to shape – and sharpen – the needed mindset and skills. In this enlightening and interactive session, Susan Robertson combines 30 years of practical innovation experience with cutting-edge brain science to help leaders build and manage a culture of innovation. Read More >

When a culture of innovation is fully deployed, organizations enjoy a wide range of improved business outcomes. Stronger competitive advantage, increased employee engagement and empowerment, and increased shareholder value. In this inspiring session, Susan shares a proven system to help your organization sharpen innovation and sharpen results. Read Less ^

Testimonials

“Susan hit the trifecta of powerful, practical, and applicable. Her interactive style made it both easy and fun for us to understand the brain-based barriers to creative thinking and why we’re likely making suboptimal shortcuts every day.”

- President & CEO, HMS Health Systems

“Susan fully engaged the audience with compelling stories and insights, and she taught us concrete thinking tools that we could instantly put to use.”

- VP Strategic Events, Experient / Maritz

"As a conference organizer, I’m always looking for speakers who educate, engage, and inspire. Susan does just that! She elevated the tone of the meeting and provided attendees with real-world, take-home strategies to inspire their teams."

- Producer, Hospital Marketing & Consumer Engagement Summit

“At most conferences, all I hope for is a helpful nugget or two. With Susan’s keynote, I received useful training that I can apply immediately!”

- Chief Marketing Officer, Eliza Corporation

“Susan masterfully designed and facilitated an energetic, interactive keynote that helped the audience ‘learn by doing.’ Her stage presence and personality are equally as strong as her creative problem-solving expertise.”

- President / Chief eXperience Officer, CXOMarketing & Senior Meeting Planner, Experient

“Susan’s program changed my life. I can’t wait to get back to my company and try these tools.”

- Global Business Insights, Novartis

“Susan is an outstanding facilitator, she is able to work with a diverse set of clients diplomatically; she can change direction at the drop of a hat, OR herd cats to get to a conclusion; and the results are always above gold standard.”

- Global Consumer & Market Knowledge, Bristol-Myers Squibb

“Susan is a tsunami of strategic thinking, as well as a master facilitator, and a compassionate taskmaster.”

- Head of Consumer Insights, The Kashi Company (Kellogg’s)

“Susan has an innate ability to inspire others to do their best and to learn continuously.”

- Senior Consultant, Deloitte