Dr. Kristen Liesch

Dr. Kristen Liesch is a globally recognized strategist, thought leader, and creator of the Equity Sequence® — a simple framework for equitable innovation that has been adopted by leaders across sectors. Named one of 10 DEI Trailblazers by Forbes, and quoted in Forbes, PBS, Glamour, Global News, ABS, and other major outlets, Kristen brings a rare blend of strategic clarity, systems fluency, and deep care for people.

She is Co-CEO of Tidal Equality Inc., where she works with leaders in higher education, government, pharma, startups, and nonprofits to translate equity from a value into measurable institutional impact. Her influence spans advisory roles with early-stage ventures and mission-driven organizations, to high-stakes engagements with Fortune partners, research universities, municipal governments, and global culture transformation initiatives.

Driven by a relentless pursuit of a more fair world, Kristen is known for her irreverence toward the status quo. She is unafraid to expose what isn’t working, and she has a rare ability to convene people across difference around a shared purpose. Rather than polarizing conversations, she reframes them. Rather than entrenching positions, she builds alignment. Her work helps leaders see missing perspectives, name tensions honestly, and move forward with clarity and collective ownership.

Her facilitation in executive settings has generated actionable innovation outcomes, shaped multi-year strategies, informed policy reform, and strengthened institutional resilience during politically and socially complex moments.

Kristen holds a PhD and brings academic depth together with practical implementation expertise. She lives on the West Coast of Canada, balancing global advisory work with family life and a commitment to building institutions that reflect dignity, accountability, and shared opportunity.