Karla Starr

Karla Starr is a behavioral scientist, author, and workshop facilitator whose work focuses on the intersection of psychology, systems thinking, and data communication. Starr assists individuals and teams in understanding the complex systems that influence behavior, creativity, and productivity, providing frameworks and tools for lasting change.

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. 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.

Her second book, "Making Numbers Count: The Art and Science of Communicating Numbers," co-authored with Stanford professor Chip Heath, presents six principles for communicating numbers with transparency and meaning. The book emphasizes simplicity, concreteness, and familiarity to make numerical information more engaging and accessible.

Starr 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. She also authors the newsletter "The Starr Report," which examines privilege in the self-help industry.

As a behavioral science writer, Starr advises organizations on leadership and communication 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.