Gerd Leonhard
Gerd Leonhard is an author and futurist who creates books and speeches that address the impacts of technology on our lives. He is heavily sought-after on the international speaking circuit, and his work has emerged as one of the leading voices in the digital transformation movement. His books, which include “The Future of Music Business,” “Technology vs. Humanity,” and “I Love Privacy,” have been praised for their insight and forward-thinking ideas.
Leonhard was born in Germany and grew up in Basel, Switzerland. He studied elementary school in Basel, Hamburg and London before graduating from high school in Schaffhausen, Switzerland. He later earned a degree from the London Film School and began his career as a musician. Having produced over 30 records, he also acted as the head of artists and repertoire at Antenna Music in South Africa.
In the ’90s, Leonhard was inspired to explore the world of digital transformation and began writing books, delivering speeches, and leading workshops. During this time, he began to realize the implications of technology on our society and the importance of understanding how digital transformation will shape our world.
In 2009, Leonhard wrote his most well-known book, “The Future of Music Business,” which highlighted the dramatic changes the music industry has undergone as a result of digital platforms such as iTunes, streaming services, and online music stores. It discussed how the industry has had to reinvent itself in order to stay relevant in the digital age. It also highlighted the growing importance of digital marketing and how artists can make money through online self-promotion.
Leonhard followed up “The Future of Music Business” with “Technology vs. Humanity” in 2016. This book explored the potential problems our society could face as we become more and more integrated with technology. Leonhard discussed the importance of ethical considerations in the new tech-driven world and the need to be mindful of the long-term effects of technology’s advance. He argued that technology should be used to empower individuals, rather than control our lives.
In 2018, Leonhard released “I Love Privacy,” a book exploring the hazards of the data-driven world and the challenges of protecting our personal information. The book combines Leonhard’s own insights with contributions from authors, journalists, lawyers, and academics. Leonhard argues that corporations, governments, and other agencies need to prioritize data protection and respect our right to privacy.
Gerd Leonhard has become one of the world’s most respected commentators on technological transformation. His books have been praised for their insight into the impact of technology on society and how this can be embraced for good. His speeches and workshops are also widely sought-after, and he continues to be a vocal advocate for the ethical use of technology. As digital transformation continues to shape our lives, Leonhard’s work remains more relevant than ever.
