Inspires professionals to achieve greater levels of performance
USA
Erik Wahl has redefined the idea of a ‘keynote speaker’ using stories from his life as both a businessman and an artist
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About Erik
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On stage, Erik’s keynote experience creates a dynamic multidimensional metaphor for how to systematically embrace innovation and risk. His message: disruption is the new normal and businesses must embrace creativity in a wholesale fashion, or risk being left behind. Erik’s presentation inspires organizations to be increasingly agile and outlines how to use disruption as a competitive advantage. Some companies will be disrupted others will choose to be the disruptor. Choose wisely.
His new book, The Spark and the Grind, activates the essential components of translating ideas into action. His breakthrough thinking has earned praise from the likes of top influencers in both art and business. Erik’s previous book, a bestseller called Unthink was hailed by Forbes Magazine as The blueprint to actionable creativity, and by Fast Company Magazine as “provocative with a purpose.”
The Warhol of Wall Street, the Renoir of ROI, The Picasso of Productivity, the Jobs of … Well, Jobs. Erik discovered an alarming truth early in his career as a partner in a corporate firm: organizations that encouraged the mental discipline of creativity did better than those that did not put innovation as a priority mission. So he set out to challenge companies to change their way of thinking.
In the meantime, inspired by street art, he became an acclaimed graffiti artist—though he has since stopped selling his works for personal gain, and instead uses his art to raise money for charities. His keynote is where his passion for business growth and art converge into a fascinating performance.
See keynotes with Erik WahlThrough this entertaining and highly practical program, our keynote speaker Erik Wahl helps you uncover new ways to make your organization more creative, innovative and profitable, but more-so, help your employees to see the need to become better storytellers within your company and towards your industry.
What is the message you hope people take away from your presentations?
My audience will take away an alarmingly refreshing perspective on unlocking their own talents to achieve greater levels of performance. Whether it is sales, service or leadership, professionals at all levels are better equipped to succeed by becoming more creative.
As the landscape for business continues to change, Leaders need to foster a steady stream of disruptive strategies and unexpected solutions to stay ahead of the game. This requires solutions that revive stagnant markets or completely reinvent the competitive dynamics of an industry. Disruptive thinking is about fostering a culture of innovation leadership that provides the framework and motivation to generate those strategies and execute those solutions. It is an essential skill for any business leader, from a small start-up to a global corporation
How are your keynotes unique?
My keynote is unique because it blows audiences away. They have never seen or experienced anything like it before. It is a dynamic multi-media theatrical experience resulting in a deep new understanding of vision. It includes music, emotionally compelling videos and live painting all interwoven into thought provoking value added message. They will experience an ‘AHA’ moment where we rip the cover off of business as usual.
Who or what is your biggest source of inspiration?
I have a multi-faceted input for inspiration. I derive much inspiration from provocative thought leaders like Sir Ken Robinson, Daniel Pink and Seth Godin. But I simultaneously generate inspiration from Bob Dylan, Bono, Banksy and many other artistic geniuses.
How do you manage to blend aspects from both the art and the business world?
They become one. Art for me is not a separate finished product but rather a catalyst, a vehicle to channel breakthrough ideas. In my presentation I am able to show the audience how to spark their own innovative new solutions in business.
What are some of the most important aspects of a creative organization?
Far and away it is the culture. What is the company and its leaders doing to encourage and build a culture that rewards the innovation process. Not only the finished product, but the process by which the employees are empowered to think creatively and take strategic risks. Are they emotionally invested in the outcome?
How does humor play a part in your keynote presentations?
Humor plays a major role in my presentations but I am not a humorist. I have just found that audiences are more engaged when they are being entertained. It is part of my natural persona to be cheeky, not controversial but to laugh. Laugh at myself, laugh at old paradigms, laugh and embrace new ideas.
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