Based In
Bellevue, WA · Available Nationwide & International
Formats
Keynote · Panel · Fireside Chat · Workshop
Booking Contact
Rebecca Proulx · Fortier PR
Availability
Select dates in 2026 · Inquire early
Speaker Bios
Use these as-is for program books, website listings, and event materials. Each is written for a general business audience.
One-Liner
Former Global CIO of lululemon, author of Chief Impact Officer, New York Times guest essayist, and one of the few speakers who can make transformation feel both urgent and doable.
Short Bio · 90 words
Julie Averill is the author of Chief Impact Officer, a New York Times guest essayist, and founder of Gold Thread LLC. Her writing has also appeared in TIME and Forbes, where she's a regular contributor. She served eight years as Global CIO and EVP at lululemon during its rapid growth from $2B to over $10B in revenue. Today she advises boards, CEOs, and founders on transformation and the leadership it takes to pull it off, and serves on the boards of Gorilla Commerce and the University of Washington Foundation Board.
Long Bio · 165 words
Julie Averill spent nearly three decades proving that culture isn't soft. It's the infrastructure that determines whether transformation succeeds or fails. She served eight years as Global CIO and EVP at lululemon during its period of rapid growth from $2B to $10B, building world-class teams across the U.S., Canada, China, and India. Before that, she was the first CIO in REI's history and held senior technology roles at Nordstrom. Today, through Gold Thread LLC, she advises boards, CEOs, and founders on transformation and the leadership it takes to pull it off, and serves on the boards of Gorilla Commerce and the University of Washington Foundation Board. Her debut book, Chief Impact Officer, is out now from 8080 Books / Simon & Schuster. A New York Times guest essayist and a regular contributor to TIME and Forbes, her writing and interviews have also appeared in Bloomberg, WWD, and NBC.
Assets
Headshot · High Resolution
Professional headshot cleared for print and digital use. JPEG, 300dpi.
DownloadBook Cover · Chief Impact Officer
High-resolution book cover for event materials, website listings, and program books.
DownloadSpeaker Reel
Full reel coming soon. In the meantime, watch Julie on TV: KING 5's New Day Northwest (NBC Seattle).
Watch the InterviewFor Media
Starting points for hosts and producers — Julie is happy to go anywhere the conversation leads.
QWhat does "Chief Impact Officer" mean, and why did you write this book now?
Qlululemon grew from $2B to $10B during your eight years as CIO. What was the hardest part that had nothing to do with technology?
QHow does being a gay woman in technology change the way you lead?
QWhat do most leaders get wrong about AI transformation?
QYou adopted your son Ermias from Ethiopia. How does that experience show up in your leadership?
QWhat's the one thing you wish someone had told you earlier in your career?
Press inquiries
For interview requests, review copies, or additional assets, contact Rebecca Proulx at Fortier PR — rebecca@fortierpr.com — or reach Julie directly via LinkedIn.
Booking Inquiries
Use the form or reach out directly. I read every message and respond within 24–48 hours.
Direct Booking
Formats Available
Keynote · Panel · Fireside Chat · Workshop · Virtual
Full Speaking Page
Include your event date, format, and audience — the more detail, the better.
Thank you — I'll be in touch within 24–48 hours.
