Rich Karlgaard

Rich Karlgaard is an acclaimed American businessman, author, and Silicon Valley futurist. Born in 1950 in Montana, Karlgaard ventured off to college in 1971, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from Stanford University. After his studies, Karlgaard went on to become a journalist, working as the managing editor of Forbes magazine for over two decades. As a writer, Karlgaard has written multiple noteworthy articles and eight books, two of which were New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestsellers. He has spoken at various global events and World Economic Forum summits, on topics ranging from the future of the workplace to the longevity economy.

In 2003, Karlgaard tackled the task of writing his first book, “Life 2.0: How People Across America Are Transforming Their Lives By Finding The Where Of Their Happiness”. This book served as a guide for people to discover their passion, embrace risk, and embrace change. It explores life’s alternate pathways and encourages readers to rethink success in order to reach self-fulfillment. The message was driven home by consulting conversations with dozens of successful individuals, while simultaneously exploring the unique Australian Outback.

Karlgaard’s second book, “The Soft Edge: Where Great Companies Find Lasting Success”, expanded on the same topic, though this time with an emphasis on management practices. He discussed how soft skills – such as empathy, creativity, and leadership – are vital for businesses to succeed for the long run. It also explored the concept of “stretch” – a hybrid of “culture” and “business strategy”, defining it as “the hardware and software of managing and leading with integrity.”

In his third book, “Team Genius: The New Science of High Performing Organizations”, Karlgaard revealed the secret of highly successful organizations - their ability to leverage the collective intelligence of their teams more effectively than competitors. Drawing from interviews with over forty business leaders, Karlgaard discussed the five characteristics that top teams share: a flat organizational structure, an appreciation for 'edge dwellers' (individuals who challenge conventions), a focus on the customer rather than the process, a tolerance for experimentation and failure, and a flexible problem-solving approach.

Rich Karlgaard’s fourth book, “Late Bloomers: The Power of Patience in a World Obsessed with Early Achievement”, focuses on the power of young people to pursue their dreams in spite of prior challenges or lack of opportunities. Karlgaard makes the case that “extraordinary achievement requires extraordinary patience” and showcases conversations with people who have “made it” despite not being granted the usual advantages in life.

Karlgaard’s fifth title was “The Genius in All of Us: Why Everything You’ve Been Told About Genetics, Talent, and IQ Is Wrong”. In this book, Karlgaard challenges the idea of intelligence being predetermined and reveals that within each one of us, lies an untapped potential. This book served as a reminder of how the key to a fulfilled life and the ultimate self-actualization is the cultivation of a 'growth' mindset - a belief that one’s actions can and will lead to success.

Currently, Rich Karlgaard serves as a co-chair of the Fortune Brainstorm Health Global Summit and the co-chair of the Fortune/U.S. News & World Report Global Forum. He is also a board member of the Silicon Valley Education Foundation and the Global Agenda Council of the World Economic Forum. His latest book, “Humanity Works: Merging Technologies and People for the Workforce of the Future”, will be released in the fall of 2021. In it, Karlgaard argues that artificial intelligence is poised to usher in an era of innovation, but in order to make the most of the opportunities presented, we must recognize and embrace the intrinsic worth of human creativity, focus on cultivating and nurturing meaningful connections, and develop a new perspective on the meaning of work.

Rich Karlgaard is a premier author and visionary in the realms of corporate strategy and professional growth, offering readers real-world advice to help them reach success. His passion for the potential of technology and human ingenuity shines through in his writing and public speaking, offering commentary on how these two forces can be leveraged to benefit the entire world. His books are beneficial for any individual looking to make the most of their potential and tap into the full range of their capabilities.