Have a complex challenge?

Hi, I’d love to help.

Strategic thinking grounded in purpose is my forté.

I work well in ambitious, fast-paced environments. I set the bar high and move with intention to exceed targets. When leading, I leverage individuals’ and teams' talents, recognizing unique contributions.

I thrive in ambiguous, undefined spaces. Within complex challenges, my creativity blends well with my knack for structure. As a systems thinker, I make connections across product verticals and enjoy working with cross-functional teams. My roots are in service design, facilitation, behavioral design, and equity.

Disruptive thinking requires a safe space; it is important that I work among people who are comfortable to strategically challenge the status quo and are empowered to innovate with gravitas.

Diversity and inclusion will always be a part of my goal, regardless of the brief. Nontraditional experiences that shaped me include being the first hire at a start-up in Chicago, serving as a Peace Corps volunteer in South Africa, and teaching at Rainier Beach High School in Seattle’s south end. 

I am drawn to joyful people and environments.

Sometimes I dance.

Clients & Collaborations

How I Show Up

What folks say about me

“Katie Petersen shines as a beacon of innovation and trustworthiness in our profession. She was the linchpin behind our "Designing for Trust" initiative, masterfully bringing Ford’s strategic trust principles to life and crafting practical, impactful tools that allowed our project teams to embed trust into all our products and services. Showcasing her innovation expertise, Katie played a leadership role in Ford's Catalyst program, exemplifying the essence of human-centered solutions. Her dedication to elevating our team’s culture and mentoring peers is unparalleled and speaks volumes about her character.”

- Lawrence Abrahamson

Director of Design Thinking, Ford and ex-IDEO

“I truly appreciate how Katie focuses on humans first and meets people where they are. This approach is inviting and welcoming. It allows her team to show up as their full selves.”

- Chris Carline

Senior Product Owner - Learning Strategy, Kraft Heinz

“Her kindness, courage, and strength are an inspiration to me and are powerful forces in our world.”

- Luisa Schumacher

Social Impact Design, Ford

“Katie's hard work and dedication to every project she is working on is consistently well thought out and backed with research. I deeply enjoy working with her.”

- Cortnie Squirewell

Design Thinking Catalyst, Ford

“She is an incredibly organized, motivating, clear and considerate leader.

- Matt Pirone

Design Thinking, Sherwin Williams

“Katie has a deep-rooted spirit of helpfulness that, coupled with her drive and creative thinking make her the ideal teammate, but what I like best about Katie is Katie.  There is not another person that I would rather spend time collaborating with and getting messy trying new things. She views failure as an opportunity to learn and grow and is always eager to process the possibilities of what is next.  She’s enthusiastic about her work and driven to produce results.”

- Amy Besida

Director of Programming, Embarc

“Collaborating with Katie guarantees not only groundbreaking innovation but also unwavering commitment, drive, and excellence.”

- Lawrence Abrahamson

Director of Design Thinking, Ford and ex-IDEO

Awards

Capitalize on Our Strengths

Ford Motor Company, 2022

Innovation by Design

Fast Company, 2021

Disrupting Ourselves

Ford Motor Company, 2021

Top Ten Educator

Indiana University, 2007