Tessa Ohlendorf

Tessa Ohlendorf is an AI strategist and change-management leader, and the founder of Fabric Folk, a Toronto-based consultancy helping organizations adopt AI responsibly and strategically. Under Tessa’s leadership, Fabric Folk empowers teams to identify high-impact use cases, operationalize AI workflows, and embed governance frameworks that future-proof growth.

Known for her ability to align innovation with operational excellence, Tessa has led AI transformation initiatives with clients. Torstar praised Fabric Folk’s “insightful training” and “practical advice for mitigating AI risks,” calling the firm “a first step for any organization integrating AI into strategy.”

With over 25 years in media and marketing-tech leadership in New York and Toronto, Tessa previously built Cadreon (now Matterkind) for IPG Mediabrands Canada and later served as the Canadian leader for MightyHive/Media.Monks (now “Monks”). At Monks, she introduced a 32-hour workweek while delivering record growth - proving that efficiency, equity, and employee experience can flourish together.

Named one of AdExchanger & AdMonsters’ Top Women in Media and Ad Tech 2022, Tessa has led teams honored with multiple Great Place to Work 2023 accolades. She is a sought-after speaker on operational innovation, responsible AI, and values-driven leadership.

Tessa lives in Toronto, holds a BA from York University, and has completed executive programs at the Rotman School of Management, Smith School of Business, MIT, and UC Berkeley.