IN THIS EPISODE…
Dr. Corrie Wilder’s path to creative leadership hasn’t followed a straight line—and that’s exactly what makes her story so compelling. From her early career as a dietitian to working in graphic design and launching a boutique marketing agency, Corrie’s curiosity and intentionality have shaped a dynamic journey across industries. Now, as Executive Director of Marketing Communications at Washington State University Everett, she’s leading transformative initiatives that drive enrollment and accessibility and supporting students and teams as an educator and speaker.
In this episode of Matters of Creative, Corrie shares how she uses intentional curiosity, transparent communication, and the mindful integration of AI as a partnering thought leader to support both students and teams. She also opens up about building confidence through change, why listening to your audience is key to supporting them, and how a Pilates practice—and wise words from her instructor—inspired her TED Talk and impacted her outlook on life.
ABOUT OUR GUEST:
Dr. Corrie Wilder is a dynamic speaker, educator, and consultant specializing in leadership, organizational culture, and the power of practice. She is part of the Washington State University Everett leadership team, where she works to expand educational access, foster community partnerships, and support student success. Her work bridges higher education with industry and community needs, advocating for innovative programs and collaborative initiatives.
With a background in cultural theory, risk management, and strategic communication, Corrie helps individuals and organizations navigate change, uncertainty, and professional growth. Through consulting, marketing coaching, speaking, and AI literacy training, she empowers professionals to embrace new opportunities and lead with confidence.
A TEDx speaker and sought-after workshop leader, Corrie blends storytelling, humor, and actionable insights to inspire audiences to push beyond their limits. She also champions women in leadership, advocating for mentorship, professional development, and community-driven growth.
Learn more about Corrie:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/corriewilder/
https://corriewilder.com/
HERE’S A GLIMPSE OF WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:
- [2:30] Dr. Wilder’s nonlinear career path: from dietitian to creative leader
- [5:50] Why AI and tech advancements keep her inspired in marketing
- [7:21] Strategies behind WSU Everett’s enrollment growth
- [8:31] Building innovative partnerships with Amazon and Everett Community College
- [13:53] Leadership lessons & navigating change: listen more, foster curiosity
- [15:06] Practicing curiosity every day
- [17:54] Helping teams and students build confidence during change and uncertainty
- [23:23] The importance of transparency in communication in the hybrid work environment
- [25:49] Using AI as a thought partner
- [30:24] How leaders can better adopt AI as a thoughtful communication tool
- [34:04] Corrie’s TED Talk: The Keys You Need to Unlock Lasting Change
- [38:31] What’s next: growing with WSU and teaching about AI
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
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- Dr. Corrie Wilder on LinkedIn
- Pivot Point Consulting: Instagram | Website | Facebook
- Dr. Corrie Wilder’s TEDx Talk
- Wild Courage by Jenny Wood
Quotable Moments:
- “My career is like a squiggly line, not a straight line… When people talk about “what success looks like?”, mine is all over the place.”
- “For me, watching the ability of the tools to give me more time to be creative and to work on the higher-level issues has been a remarkable change in marketing.”
- “Stop talking and listen to the people that you’re trying to work with. You can learn a lot that way and that’s the best way to help them.”
- “Understanding that people don’t learn the way you learn or the way I learn. So I need to learn my audience before I can help my audience.”
- “Just make a point of being curious about one thing today, and remember that you did that, be mindful of it.”
- “Taking care of yourself mindfully and intentionally is just as important as taking care of other people mindfully and intentionally.”
Action Steps:
- Practice curiosity daily: Everyone can be curious. Start small. Choose one thing each day to be curious about. Reflect on what you learn and how it shifts your perspective.
- Focus on what you can control: When navigating change, personally or organizationally, focus on the part you can control right now and start from there. Progress happens piece by piece.
- Use AI as a creative partner, not just a shortcut: Explore tools like ChatGPT to ideate, clarify your thoughts, and improve communication. Let it support your workflow, not replace your voice.
- Lead with listening: Whether teaching, speaking, or managing, resist the urge to just jump in. Ask questions, pause, and genuinely hear your audience or team so you can start with understanding them.
- Shift from habit to practice: Instead of breaking “bad habits,” start a new intentional practice, whether it’s Pilates like Dr. Corrie or something else that you’ve been wanting to try. Progress follows consistency.
SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE…
This episode is brought to you by M Agency, a full-service creative marketing agency in Tacoma, Washington.
We are a strategic partner for companies wanting to build memorable brands, websites, and marketing campaigns.
Our team of creative professionals leverages their unique talents and skills to provide various branding, design and development, marketing, and creative services.
If you’re ready to take action with your marketing, visit https://whatisyourm.com/.