What if changing the way we see the world could change the way we shape the future—and the bottom line? The viral campaign It Was Never A Dress transformed a simple bathroom sign into a bold statement about perception, possibility, and progress. By flipping the script on outdated symbols, we ignited a global conversation about diversity, inclusion, innovation, and impact. In this high-energy, thought-provoking session, Tania Katan—the creative mind behind Axosoft’s It Was Never A Dress, author, and creativity expert—shares how rethinking the familiar unlocks new opportunities for businesses, communities, and personal agency. You’ll walk away with actionable strategies for fostering diverse perspectives, driving creativity, and turning small shifts into big change—leading to stronger teams, breakthrough ideas, and measurable success. Research supports the business case for diversity: companies with greater gender diversity are 15% more likely to outperform their peers, and those with greater ethnic diversity are 35% more likely to do the same (McKinsey & Company) If you’re ready to challenge assumptions, embrace bold ideas, and fuel a future of work that works for everyone, this talk is for you. Because it was never just a dress—it was always a call to think—and act—differently.

What if the key to innovation wasn’t working harder—but playing smarter? Creativity isn’t just for artists; it’s for anyone ready to shake up the status quo and turn everyday challenges into opportunities. As CEO of Creative Trespassing, Tania Katan has spent her career sneaking imagination and ingenuity into spaces that desperately need it—from corporations to nonprofits, boardrooms to breakrooms and the results were astounding! In this high-energy, laugh-out-loud session, Tania shares wildly entertaining stories, unconventional exercises, and just the right amount of inspirational shouting (GO get ‘em, Creative Tiger!) to help you break free from stale thinking. You’ll learn how to flex your creative muscles, inject humor into problem-solving, and turn constraints into catalysts for change. Whether you’re an individual looking for a creative spark or a leader seeking fresh approaches for your team, this talk will equip you with real tools to make work more imaginative, impactful, and—dare we say—fun.

In today’s turbulent times, leaders across all industries—from tech to the arts—are facing tectonic shifts in the modern workplace: AI, remote work, back to the office, pandemics, economic upheavals, layoffs, and uncertainty at every turn. Forbes recently wrote, “Creativity is the #1 skill we need to succeed in 2024-2028"—not just a nice-to-have, but as an essential tool for problem-solving and innovation across industries. In other words: Creativity is the North Star needed to navigate these challenges. In this interactive talk, Tania invites you to rediscover creativity not as a soft skill, but as a powerful tool for leadership, problem-solving, and innovation especially in the age of AI. And why NOW is the time to reclaim it. She will share how creative thinking—and doing—can play a critical part in transforming your leadership/team/organization in the face of workplace turbulence. WARNING: You might experience joy, laughter, and play, and still leave with three things you can do immediately to leverage the power of imagination to inspire and energize you, your teams, and entire organization for whatever lies ahead.

Tania wrote a powerful book about surviving cancer twice and how those experiences helped her not just survive—but thrive. She boldly used her double mastectomy scars to show the world what real cancer survivors look like, running topless in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure to raise awareness for breast cancer. Tania speaks about the transformative power of leaning into discomfort and using those moments as catalysts for courage, authenticity, and change.