Combining in-depth analysis, cutting-edge trends, compelling personal stories and a touch of humor, it is no wonder Richard Florida is one of the world's most sought after speakers, alongside luminaries such as Bill Clinton, Bill Gates and Supreme Court Justice, Sandra Day O'Connor. As a leading public intellectual, Esquire Magazine recently named him one of their Best and Brightest. Richard has also been appointed to the Business Innovation Factory's Research Advisory Council and recently named European Ambassador for Creativity and Innovation.
He is author of the bestselling book, The Rise of the Creative Class, which received the Washington Monthly's Political Book Award and was cited as a major breakthrough idea by the Harvard Business Review. His previous books, including The Breakthrough Illusion and Beyond Mass Production, paved the way for his provocative insights into how creativity is revolutionizing the global economy. Florida has authored pieces for The New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The Boston Globe, The Economist, The Harvard Business Review, The Atlantic, The Chronicle for Higher Education, U.S. News, World Report, and more.
Highlights:
- Foreign Policy top 100 Tweeters
- Time's 140 Best Twitter Feeds
- Named one of Design Futures Council 2011 Senior Fellows
- Honorary Degree's from Niagara University & Columbus College of Art and Design
- Fast Company Leadership Hall of Fame
Area of Expertise:
- City, Regional, and Global Economic Growth
- Innovation and the Culture of Talent Attraction and Retention
- Innovation Real Estate Analysis
- Consumer Marketing and Strategy
Client Testimonials:
"Richard's presentation at our Annual General Meeting was both powerful and inspirational. Community and business leaders left the meeting with renewed passion for building a strong knowledge-based economy in our city."
CEO, Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute
"Your speech at Columbia College Chicago was insightful, thought provoking and wonderful! We have received rave reviews and a tremendous amount of positive feedback from our students and guests."
Director of Event Operations, Columbia College Chicago
