Keynotes that turn commitments into real action.

Karen Craggs speaks to leaders, managers and teams about building organizations people are proud to be part of.

▶ Watch Karen in action Check Karen's Availability
25+years of leadership
150+organizations advised
70+countries
$200M+in successful funding proposals led

Trusted by 150+ governments, corporations and NGOs

adidas PwC CIBC Bayer Interac Osler Reckitt Information Services Corporation FCB Ausenco
Unilock Venture for Canada AXOR Greenwin Infonex Jovia Public Syntax Tech Talent North WCG
See all the organizations Karen has worked with

Private Sector

  • Adidas & Reebok Canada
  • Ausenco
  • AXOR Experts-Conseils
  • Bayer
  • Breakview Inc.
  • Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
  • FCB Canada
  • Greenwin Corporation
  • Infonex Inc.
  • Information Services Corporation
  • Interac Association & Acxsys Corporation
  • Jovia Financial Credit Union
  • Northpark Nursing Home
  • Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP
  • PricewaterhouseCoopers Canada
  • Public Inc.
  • Reckitt
  • Syntax Systems
  • Tech North
  • Unilock Ltd.
  • Venture Canada
  • WCG International Consultants Ltd.

Nonprofit & NGO

  • Africa Files
  • Alberta Council for Global Cooperation
  • Art of Possible
  • Canada World Youth
  • CARE Canada
  • Canadian Bureau for International Education
  • Canadian Christian Crossroads International
  • Canadian Civil Liberties Association
  • Canadian Cooperative Association
  • Canadian Labour Congress
  • Canadian Nurses Association
  • Canadian Race Relations Foundation
  • Canadian Tamil Congress
  • Development & Peace (Caritas Canada)
  • Effect Hope
  • Engineers Without Borders Canada
  • Feed Ontario
  • Helping Our People Excel
  • Human Resources Professionals Association
  • Hygiea Network
  • Junior Achievement Central Ontario
  • Mastercard Foundation
  • Native Women's Association of Canada
  • North York Women's Centre
  • Organization of American States
  • Oxfam Canada
  • Plan International Canada
  • Plan International UK
  • Skills for Change
  • Stem Cell Network
  • ThoughtExchange
  • United Nations Association in Canada
  • United Way BC
  • World Anti-Doping Agency
  • World Fisheries Trust
  • World University Service of Canada
  • World Vision Canada
  • YMCA of Greater Toronto

Education & Academic

  • Aurora College
  • Canadian Council on Continuing Education in Pharmacy
  • Colleges and Institutes Canada
  • Humber College
  • Humber Polytechnic
  • Mount Royal University
  • Niagara College of Applied Arts and Technology
  • Northeastern University
  • Okanagan College
  • Peel Region District Catholic School Board
  • Queen's University
  • Toronto Board of Education
  • University for Development Studies (Ghana)
  • University of British Columbia
  • University of Melbourne
  • University of Toronto
  • York Region District School Board

Government & Public Sector

  • Aboriginal Affairs & Northern Development Canada
  • Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
  • Canadian Air Transport Security Authority
  • Canadian Food Inspection Agency
  • Canadian International Development Agency
  • City of Windsor
  • Fisheries and Oceans Canada
  • Geological Survey of Canada
  • Government of New Brunswick
  • Government of Saint Lucia
  • Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
  • Metrolinx
  • Ontario Health
  • Ontario Power Generation
  • Public Service of Canada
  • United States Agency for International Development

Is this your organization?

The Best in Class™ framework

Every keynote is built on Karen's framework. Future-ready organizations connect three things: where they are going, the people who shape their success, and how work actually happens. Each one affects the others.

StrategyDirection and choices

Purpose, priorities, resources, risks and intended outcomes.

PeopleVoice and capability

Leaders, employees, customers, partners and communities, with different experiences and insights.

PracticeAction and accountability

Decisions, behaviours, systems, technology and governance.

Six dimensions, at the centre a mindset of curiosity, care and courage

Purposeful Stewardship
Deliberate choices about purpose, resources and responsibility.
Inclusive Intelligence
Listening across experiences to challenge assumptions and decide better.
Principled Leadership
Values connected to leadership choices, with responsibility made visible.
Thriving Culture
Conditions where people feel respected and contribute fully.
Responsive Innovation
Adapting through curiosity and asking whose needs are overlooked.
Transformative Impact
Tracking results, learning from evidence and adjusting the work.

A research-informed, practice-grounded framework for reflection and action. It is not a standardized diagnostic or certification.

Karen's Best in Class™ keynotes

Karen Craggs delivering a keynote to a full conference room
For executive teams and leadership conferences

Best in Class™ Organizations

  • Identify the gap between commitments and everyday practice.
  • Understand how people, priorities and systems influence each other.
  • Choose a next step with clear ownership and evidence of progress.
See the keynote →
Karen Craggs speaking on stage about creating impact over time
For people leaders and manager programs

Best in Class™ Leadership

  • Recognize assumptions that limit contribution.
  • Use CARE in challenging conversations: Connect, Acknowledge, Respond, Empower.
  • Choose a leadership behaviour to practise and assess.
See the keynote →
Karen Craggs speaking with workshop participants at a round table
For staff conferences and team retreats

Best in Class™ Culture

  • Articulate how their work contributes to shared purpose.
  • Recognize colleagues' contributions in specific, meaningful ways.
  • Choose a team practice that strengthens connection.
See the keynote →

Karen also speaks on: anti-racism and anti-oppression, decolonization and Truth & Reconciliation at work, unconscious bias, GBA+ and intersectionality, sexual harassment and workplace bullying, inclusive design, the Sustainable Development Goals, and tall poppy syndrome. See all topics

Watch Karen in action

All videos →

Karen Craggs, arms crossed

6 reasons to book Karen

  1. She has done the work. Former tech executive and VP of ESG & Head of DEI, not just a speaker on the topic.
  2. Recognized by the Obama White House as a Gender Equality Changemaker.
  3. 150+ organizations across business, government, nonprofits and education.
  4. Every talk is tailored after a planning call with you.
  5. Her stories are her own, from growing up in Nairobi to leading in boardrooms.
  6. Easy to work with. Prepared, on time, no drama.

More than a keynote

Before

A planning call to fit the talk to your audience, theme and goals.

On the day

A keynote, workshop or fireside chat, in person, virtual or hybrid.

After

Keep going with a leadership workshop or the Conscious Equality Accelerator Program.

How booking works

  1. Check availabilitySend your date and event details. Karen replies within 24 hours.
  2. Planning callYou talk through the audience and what you want them to leave with.
  3. Event dayKaren arrives prepared, with a talk built for your room.
  4. Follow-upYou talk about what landed and what comes next.

What organizers say

"The first time I've seen a standing ovation on Zoom."

Tessa VanderkopSocial Purpose Institute

"She brought our corporate values to life."

Kelly GlassVP & Head of HR, Interac Association & Acxsys Corporation

"The most impactful training I have ever attended."

Kelsey MorrisMétis Nation-Saskatchewan

Read all testimonials →

Questions planners ask

Where is Karen based?

Mississauga, Ontario. She speaks across Canada, the United States and internationally, in person or virtually.

Can Karen tailor a keynote to our event?

Yes. Every booking starts with a planning call so the talk fits your audience, theme and goals.

What formats does Karen offer?

Keynotes of 30, 45 or 60 minutes, half-day or full-day workshops for up to 50 people, and fireside chats or panels. All are available in person, virtually or hybrid.

Who has Karen spoken for?

150+ organizations, including adidas, PwC, CIBC, Bayer, Interac and Ontario Health, plus governments, nonprofits and universities.

How much does Karen charge?

Fees depend on the format, length and travel. Check Karen's availability and she will reply with details within 24 hours.

How far ahead should we book?

Karen's calendar fills several months in advance, so reach out as early as you can. Shorter timelines are sometimes possible.

Bring Best in Class™ to your next event.

Check Karen's Availability or book a discovery call →