Natalie Nixon

Dr. Natalie Nixon is a creativity strategist, author, and global keynote speaker recognized for her expertise in creativity and innovation consulting. Nixon transitioned from a 16-year academic career to establish Figure 8 Thinking, a consulting firm that advises organizations on applying creativity and strategic foresight to drive business transformation. With a background in anthropology and fashion, and international experience in Brazil, Israel, Germany, Sri Lanka, and Portugal, Nixon brings a global and interdisciplinary perspective to her work in business strategy and leadership development.

Nixon holds a Bachelor of Arts in anthropology and Africana studies from Vassar College, a Master of Science in global textile marketing from Jefferson University, and a doctorate in design management from the University of Westminster in London.

Nixon developed the 3i Creativity framework—focusing on inquiry, improvisation, and intuition—to provide leaders with practical tools for building creative capacity and fostering innovation. Her WonderRigor theory guides teams in balancing audacity and focus to unlock organizational growth through creativity. In her book "The Creativity Leap," Nixon explores the necessity of creativity in the fourth industrial revolution, emphasizing that creativity is essential across disciplines, including science, engineering, and entrepreneurship. "The Creativity Leap" received innovation awards from Porchlight Books and was recognized in Fast Company’s World Changing Ideas Awards.

Nixon is also the author of "Move. Think. Rest.: Redefining Productivity and Our Relationship with Time" and editor of "Strategic Design Thinking: Innovation in Products, Services, Experiences and Beyond." Her MTR framework helps leaders prioritize strategic thinking, prevent burnout, and build resilience in the Imagination Era. Nixon is a regular contributor to Inc. magazine, where she writes about creativity, design thinking, and leadership.

Nixon has been shortlisted for the Thinkers50 Talent Award, named to the Thinkers50 Radar Cohort, and included among the top 50 keynote speakers globally by Real Leaders. Figure 8 Thinking has been recognized among the top women-led innovation firms by Core 77. Nixon’s speaking engagements include TEDxPhiladelphia, the Cusp conference, the Business Innovation Factory, and the European Innovation Academy. Her work has appeared in Forbes, Fast Company, and Inc., and her clients include Google, Meta, Deloitte, Salesforce, and Cooley. Nixon serves as a trustee of the Smithsonian Cooper Hewitt Design Museum, Vassar College, and Leadership+Design.