Holly Christensen Sestak
CEO & President
Holly is the CEO of Socratic Arts, where she leads their science-backed, human-centered learning design and technology teams to drive measurable performance outcomes for global clients. For 20 years, Holly and her team have partnered with organizations including Carnegie Mellon, Kraft Heinz, PwC, McDonald's, the Department of Defense, and other Fortune 500 companies, delivering award-winning, learn-by-doing programs that address complex business challenges.
Under Holly's leadership, Socratic has pioneered AI-enabled technology solutions that scale personalized mentorship, based on the groundbreaking work of Roger Schank, Ph.D., AI and education researcher. This innovative approach transforms how organizations develop talent in complex, multi-location, and multinational environments.
Prior to her CEO role, Holly was a performance consultant to large organizations, including IBM and Allstate. She also served as Learning Officer & Director of Academic Systems for Apollo Group, overseeing faculty development across 180 global locations—experience that directly translates to the operational complexities that multi-site and global organizations face in rapidly upskilling their workforce.
Key Strengths and Accomplishments:
Award-Winning Innovation: Led teams to win dozens of awards for effective and engaging learning design that results in true behavior change.
Future of Work Expertise: Executed in matrixed and cross-functional organizations, including 20+ years leading remote workforces. Created and curated enabling educational technology to drive tech upskilling and transformation in diverse industries.
Strategic Vision and Problem-Solving: Known for crafting thoughtful, win-win solutions for client organizations and teams.
Global Impact: Successfully partnered with leading global companies, Tier 1 consulting firms, R1 universities, and the federal government to create scalable learning solutions that drive performance improvement, transformation, and business results.