Award-Winning Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Steve Diasio

Global Leader in Creativity, Innovation, and Workforce Transformation

The School of Creativity and Innovation is proud to feature Dr. Steve Diasio, an internationally recognized educator, researcher, and innovation strategist whose work has transformed how professionals, organizations, and communities prepare for the future of work.

A Proven Track Record of Excellence
Named among the Best Undergraduate Professors in the World and honored with multiple national and international awards, Dr. Diasio’s impact extends far beyond the classroom. His accolades include:

• Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Civic and Community Engagement

• European Academy of Management Best Paper Award

• Tampa Bay Business Journal Top 50 Innovators on Fire

• Quality Matters Award for Course Design Excellence

Innovator in Business Education and Workforce Training
Dr. Diasio is known for pioneering Management Design Thinking—a groundbreaking methodology that bridges creativity, strategic innovation, and real-world problem-solving. His courses, including Creativity & Innovation, Scaling Innovation, and Management Design Thinking, equip learners with high-demand 21st-century skills, empowering them to thrive in a rapidly evolving economy.

Global Scholar and Thought Leader
His research spans Innovation Jams, open models of decision support, and the microfoundations of Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs). Featured in top-tier journals like the European Management Journal and Technology Analysis & Strategic Management, as well as books such as Media, Technology and Education in a Post-Truth Society, Dr. Diasio is shaping the global conversation on innovation, technology, and education.

A Transformative Teaching Philosophy
Dr. Diasio believes every learner has the capacity to design their own future. His experiential, human-centered approach unlocks potential, builds creative confidence, and inspires individuals to take bold steps toward their goals.

Beyond the Classroom
When he’s not teaching or researching, Dr. Diasio is an avid traveler, writer, and adventurer—often finding inspiration on the Camino de Santiago or in the rhythms of salsa music. His passion for culture, exploration, and creativity infuses his work with a truly global perspective.

Why This Matters for Workforce Development
Dr. Diasio’s leadership in creativity and innovation training makes The School of Creativity and Innovation a top-tier choice for organizations seeking world-class, award-winning faculty who can deliver measurable impact in workforce transformation.