Kevin Carroll

Kevin Carroll is an author, instigator of inspiration, and creative catalyst. Carroll brings a playful curiosity, a keen understanding of human nature, and a lifelong love of competition to all of his endeavors. Carroll is the author of four highly successful books published by ESPN, Disney Press, McGraw-Hill, and A Kids Book About. Kevin has helped turn creative ideas into reality for organizations such as Nike, Starbucks, adidas, Walt Disney, Target, Proctor & Gamble, Columbia Sportswear, Mattel, the National Basketball Association, and many others. Carroll was named by SUCCESS magazine as one of 19 “SEERS – changing the world!” He believes that play is serious business!

After serving in the Air Force for ten years and earning a college degree, Carroll became an athletic trainer at the high school and collegiate levels in Philadelphia. His expertise in sport performance was recognized by the 76ers organization and led to earning a dream job as the head athletic trainer for the Philadelphia 76ers in 1995. (Special Note: Carroll was the third African-American athletic trainer in the history of the NBA!) While at the 76ers, an unexpected “verbal altercation” was a catalyst to gain the attention of Nike, who offered him an opportunity to bring his unique and diverse experiences to the sneaker giant in 1997. Although no job "officially" existed at the time, Nike executives directed Carroll to create a position at the company that would add value to the overall mission of the brand. Carroll stayed for seven years as the "Katalyst" (the 'K' is for Kevin)—a creative change agent. At Nike, he was instrumental in helping the company develop a deeper understanding of athletic product performance, team dynamics, and interpersonal communication. Carroll left Nike in 2004 to create his own company, Kevin Carroll Katalyst, committed to elevating the power of sport and play around the world.

Since 2004, more than 350,000 people from 200+ corporations, 150+ non-profit organizations, and dozens of schools around the world have been inspired by his dynamic presentations. Carroll engages audiences with his masterful story-telling skills to entertain, enlighten, and challenge business leaders and worldwide audiences. Using lessons garnered from the spirit and dynamics of play, Carroll helps them understand how to enliven and enrich their work lives, enhance innovation, and improve team dynamics and interpersonal communication.