Karie Willyerd

Karie Willyerd is a distinguished figure in the realm of workplace development and innovation, whose career trajectory has been marked by her visionary contributions to the field of human capital. As a Workplace Futurist at SuccessFactors, a division of SAP, she has been instrumental in shaping the future of work through her strategic insights and innovative approaches. Prior to this role, Willyerd co-founded Jambok, a pioneering platform in video-based informal social learning, which caught the industry's attention and was subsequently acquired by SuccessFactors in 2011. Her adept leadership as the Chief Learning Officer at Sun Microsystems culminated in the company receiving the esteemed recognition from ASTD as the top learning function globally in 2009. Willyerd's academic foundation is as robust as her professional pedigree, holding a bachelor's degree in English and journalism from Texas Christian University, a master's in Instructional and Performance Technology from Boise State University, and a doctorate in management from Case Western Reserve University. Her literary contributions are no less impressive, with "Stretch: How to Future-Proof Yourself for Tomorrow's Workplace" standing out as a critical guide for individuals navigating the ever-evolving professional landscape. Willyerd's co-authored work, "The 2020 Workplace: How Innovative Companies Attract, Develop & Keep Tomorrow's Employees Today," garnered significant acclaim for its incisive exploration of forward-thinking workplace strategies. These seminal works not only achieved bestseller status but also cemented Willyerd's reputation as a thought leader in her domain. Her writings, frequently featured in esteemed publications such as the Harvard Business Review, delve into themes of mentorship and the integration of millennials into the modern workforce, reflecting her deep commitment to fostering organizational growth and employee development. Karie Willyerd's writing style is characterized by its clarity and accessibility, deftly blending empirical research with practical application, making complex concepts comprehensible and actionable. Her contributions extend beyond the written word, as she is a sought-after keynote speaker and facilitator, engaging audiences from White House events to Fortune 500 companies. Her work consistently emphasizes the importance of adaptability and continuous learning in today’s dynamic work environments. Through her prolific output and ongoing dedication to education and mentorship, Willyerd continues to be a pivotal figure in shaping the discourse on future workplace trends and leadership development.