Dr. Caroline Brookfield: Creative Catalyst
Creativity keynote speaker Dr. Caroline Brookfield helps teams thrive in ambiguity, unlock innovation, and build confidence through science-backed strategies, humor, and her D.A.N.C.E. framework.
Quick Facts:
- Veterinarian with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree
- Creativity and innovation keynote speaker
- Creator of the D.A.N.C.E. framework for building creative habits
- Certified in Creative Problem Solving and ambiguity navigation
- Formats:
Keynote Speaker, Creativity Expert, Workshop Facilitator
- Audiences:
Corporate teams, leaders, educators, and organizations seeking to foster innovation, adaptability, and creative thinking in complex environments.
- Outcomes:
- Increased confidence in navigating ambiguity and change
- Practical tools to unlock creativity and innovation
- Stronger team engagement and problem-solving capability
- Travels from: Calgary, AB
- **Fee range: $10,000 - $15,000
Keynote Topics
Beyond Burnout: Ignite Creativity to Thrive in a Changing World
If you want things to be different, you need to think differently.
There are no easy solutions to burnout, but consider a fresh and surprising approach to well being, by sparking everyday creativity in every person. Forget everything you think you know about creativity. It isn’t just for artists and grandmas.
Everyday creativity is a spark that, once rekindled, transforms how you approach everything. It brings more joy, confidence in uncertainty, and the courage to share your unique perspective. Boost engagement, reduce burnout, and build a workplace where every employee feels energized, empowered and excited to contribute to a thriving culture. No arts and crafts required.
Takeaways:
- Engage 5 effortless habits (DANCE) to build a creative mindset
- Find Your Voice: Overcome the barriers preventing creative expression
- Cultivate resilience and prevent burnout with everyday creativity
- Develop adaptability in change and ambiguity to build well being and confidence
Navigate the Riptide: Leading through Change and Ambiguity
The world is changing faster than the weather on a summit, creating unprecedented levels of ambiguity that impact our decision-making, leadership, and performance.
Many leaders feel like they are navigating a storm without a compass, leaving them exhausted and struggling to achieve their goals.
Over 80% of companies identify innovation as a key priority, but only 3% are ready to deliver on those goals. Ask yourself, is your organization in the 3%? If not, you must address the impact of change on leaders as a critical factor.
We instinctively try to reduce ambiguity with more directives and guidelines, going deeper into never ending rabbit holes, believing that’s the path to success. The reality is that change is the only constant. The true solution lies in changing our response to ambiguity and uncertainty.
Takeaways:
- Build a resilient and adaptable workforce that thrives in the face of constant change.
- Apply 3C framework for data-driven, confident decision-making in complex and uncertain situations.
- Cultivate a creative mindset for innovative problem solving..
Talent Short Bio
Caroline Brookfield is a veterinarian turned creativity expert, keynote speaker, and author who helps individuals and organizations reconnect with their innate creative potential. Blending science, storytelling, and stand-up comedy, she delivers engaging, high-impact presentations that equip audiences to navigate uncertainty and drive innovation.
With a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the Ontario Veterinary College, Caroline spent over a decade in clinical practice specializing in animal behavior and human-animal interaction. Her curiosity and passion for human performance led her to expand into leadership, earning a Certificate of Professional Management and certifications in Creative Problem Solving and ambiguity navigation.
Diagnosed with ADHD later in life, Caroline brings a powerful perspective on neurodiversity and divergent thinking. Her signature D.A.N.C.E. framework provides practical, evidence-based tools to help individuals embrace discomfort, cultivate curiosity, and expand their creative capacity in both professional and personal settings.
Read Full Bio
Dr. Caroline Brookfield isn’t your typical keynote speaker—she’s a veterinarian turned creativity evangelist, blending science, storytelling, and stand-up comedy to ignite innovation in every room she enters. With a dynamic presence and a refreshingly real approach, Dr. Brookfield equips audiences to thrive in ambiguity and reconnect with their innate creative instincts—no matter their industry.
Caroline’s credibility is built on a rare combination of scientific training and creative expression. A veterinarian by profession, she earned her DVM from the Ontario Veterinary College with honors, practiced for over a decade, and developed a specialty in animal behavior and human-animal interaction. But her intellectual curiosity didn’t stop there. She pursued a Certificate of Professional Management from the University of Calgary, trained in Creative Problem Solving facilitation, and became a certified Ambiguity Navigator through IAM.
What truly sets Caroline apart is how she connects science to the human experience. Diagnosed with ADHD later in life, she brings a nuanced understanding of neurodiversity and the power of divergent thinking. This perspective informs her signature D.A.N.C.E. framework—five effortless habits that empower individuals to embrace discomfort, practice curiosity, and reignite their creativity in professional and personal life.
Dr. Caroline Brookfield book, The Reluctant Creative: Five Effortless Habits to Expand Your Comfort Zone, is a favorite among corporate leaders and teams looking for sustainable ways to embrace innovation. Caroline is also a stand-up comedian and performance artist, making her keynotes as funny as they are transformational. Her audiences leave not just inspired—but with real tools they can immediately apply.
Her experience in business, clinical practice, non profit, research, academia and industry gives her a wide view of the challenges in organizations, and leading others through uncertainty and change in high stakes environments. She expresses her own creativity through stand up comedy, where she uses her inside voice on the outside. She lives in Calgary, Alberta, where her lectures go unheeded by her family. The dog listens, if treats are involved.
Dr. Caroline Brookfield message is more than inspirational—it’s actionable, evidence-based, and universally relevant. Whether she’s guiding executives through ambiguity, energizing frontline teams, or challenging educators to foster creativity in the classroom, Caroline Brookfield leaves audiences equipped, empowered, and ready to dance at the edges of their comfort zone.
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Summary of User Reviews:
Caroline Brookfield's keynote on navigating ambiguity received high praise for its unforgettable impact and practical insights. Reviewers highlighted her authenticity, engaging storytelling, and the actionable strategies she provided, making her message both relatable and effective. Attendees appreciated her ability to inspire a mindset shift, encouraging them to embrace uncertainty as an opportunity for growth.
Strengths:
- Engaging and authentic presentation style
- Practical and actionable insights
- Inspiring mindset shift towards embracing ambiguity
Weaknesses:
- No specific weaknesses mentioned in the reviews.
Overall, Caroline Brookfield's keynote is highly recommended for those looking to gain confidence in navigating uncertainty.
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Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
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