Bestselling Author of "Making Numbers Count" & "Can You Learn to Be Lucky?"
Karla Starr Biography
Karla Starr is a bestselling author whose work focuses on the intersection of behavioral science, systems thinking, and data. Starr is the author of "Can You Learn to Be Lucky? Why Some People Seem to Win More Often Than Others," which was recognized by Fast Company as a best book of the year. The book draws on research from evolution, neuroscience, and complex systems to examine how people can navigate sudden change. She has appeared on "CBS Sunday Morning" as an expert on luck.
She wrote her second book, "Making Numbers Count: The Art and Science of Communicating Numbers," with Stanford professor Chip Heath, who wrote "Made to Stick" and "Switch."
Starr writes The Starr Report, is a member of the National Association of Science Writers and has received a Best Science/Health award from the Society of Professional Journalists. Her writing has appeared in O, The Oprah Magazine, The Atlantic, Slate, and Popular Science.
Starr advises organizations on data, communication, and resilience, and has spoken at events such as TEDxGateway in Mumbai and the World Domination Summit. She has provided guidance to corporations including Hilton and Ecolab. Her resilience and adaptability workshop has been presented as a keynote for the Chief Learning Officers annual conference and adapted for a range of audiences, including financial planners, government workers, and school board members. Starr's work helps teams identify and address the invisible systems and power dynamics that can hinder coordination and progress.
Karla Starr Speaking Topics
-
The Value of Being Human: What Data and AI Can’t Replace
In an era dominated by artificial intelligence and data-driven systems, it's crucial to recognize and nurture the unique value that human skills and qualities offer. This thought-provoking talk will explore the irreplaceable aspects of human intelligence and how they complement technological advancements, fostering a more effective and harmonious future.
Key takeaways:
- Investigate the limitations of data and AI in areas such as decision-making, creativity, and complex problem-solving, highlighting the importance of human intuition and critical thinking.
- Understand the role of empathy, emotional intelligence, and interpersonal communication in the age of AI, and learn how to strengthen these essential human skills.
- Examine case studies of successful human-AI collaborations and how they provide valuable insights into leveraging the best of both worlds.
- Gain strategies for cultivating a workforce and organizational culture that embraces the unique value of human intelligence, emphasizing continuous learning, adaptability, and collaboration.
- Discuss the ethical implications of AI and data-driven technologies, and the importance of human oversight and responsibility in ensuring fairness, privacy, and transparency.
-
The Myth of the Measurable: What Your Metrics Get Wrong (and What Actually Drives Change)
Your teams love numbers—turnover rates, engagement scores, time-to-fill—but too often, the metrics meant to clarify success end up distorting it. In this engaging, story-driven session, behavioral scientist and co-author of "Making Numbers Count" Karla Starr reveals why traditional metrics backfire—and how to build ones that actually shape behavior.
Drawing on research in behavioral economics and data storytelling, Karla shares a practical 4-part framework for designing metrics that align with human psychology and organizational values. Participants will learn how to transform dashboards into decision tools, create buy-in across departments, and communicate data that sparks action instead of apathy.
Because when it comes to HR analytics, what counts isn’t what you can measure—it’s what makes your people matter.
Karla Starr Videos
-
How do I book Karla Starr to speak at my event?
Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Karla Starr for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Karla Starr, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Karla Starr or any other speaker of your choice. -
What are the speaker fees for Karla Starr
Speaking fees for Karla Starr, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Karla Starr are $10,000 - $20,000 for live events and under $10,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Karla Starr, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent. -
What topics does Karla Starr speak about?
Karla Starr is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Artificial Intelligence, Author, Business, Business Authors, Business Consulting, Data, Disruptive Thinking, Female Leadership, Human Resources, Influential Women, Inspirational, Motivational, Non-Fiction Authors, Teamwork & Teambuilding, Technology, Thought Leadership, Women -
Where does Karla Starr travel from?
Karla Starr generally travels from Portland, OR, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent. -
Who is Karla Starr’s agent?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully booked keynote speakers like Karla Starr for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Karla Starr for your next private or corporate function. -
What is a full-service speaker booking agency?
AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Karla Starr or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us. -
Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?
If you’re looking for the best, unbiased speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
Karla Starr is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as The Value of Being Human: What Data and AI Can’t Replace, The Myth of the Measurable: What Your Metrics Get Wrong (and What Actually Drives Change) and Your Map Is on Fire: Leading When the Old Rules Stop Working. The estimated speaking fee range to book Karla Starr for your event is $10,000 - $20,000. Karla Starr generally travels from Portland, OR, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Nicole Yeary, Libby Gill, Maddy Dychtwald, Pam Didner and Erica Dhawan. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Karla Starr for an upcoming live or virtual event.
This website is a resource for event professionals and strives to provide the most comprehensive catalog of thought leaders and industry experts to consider for speaking engagements. A listing or profile on this website does not imply an agency affiliation or endorsement by the talent.
All American Entertainment (AAE) exclusively represents the interests of talent buyers, and does not claim to be the agency or management for any speaker or artist on this site. AAE is a talent booking agency for paid events only. We do not handle requests for donation of time or media requests for interviews, and cannot provide celebrity contact information.
If you are the talent and wish to request a profile update or removal from our online directory, please submit a profile request form.








